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Last Updated: 26 Jun 2025

Social Sciences in Gerontology

The only diploma in Singapore that seeks to prepare students for rewarding careers in the health, community and social service sectors, to support and empower older adults of different abilities.

Course code : T53
Temasek Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP , DAE
2025 JAE ELR2B2-A net aggregate: 9-13
Course duration : 3 years

Course details

Field of study Humanities
Certification offered

Diploma in Social Sciences in Gerontology

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This course is under the Humanities, Arts, Media and Business cluster

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any 1 relevant subject:

  • Art
  • Geography
  • History
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, History)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
  • Literature in English
  • Principles of Accounts
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-6
Additional Mathematics or Mathematics 1-7

Any one of the 1st group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type

  • Art
  • Business Studies
  • Combined Humanities
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Higher Art
  • Higher Music
  • History
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, History)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
  • Intro to Enterprise Development
  • Literature in English
  • Literature in Chinese
  • Literature in Malay
  • Literature in Tamil
  • Media Studies (English)
  • Media Studies (Chinese)
  • Music
1-6

Course modules

Year 1

Diploma-related modules

  • Introduction to Gerontology
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Health and Social Services
  • Applied Social Research
  • Anatomy & Physiology of Ageing
  • Silver Leisure and Lifestyle
  • Managing Adult Life Transitions
  • Psychology of Ageing

General modules

  • Leadership Fundamentals
  • Career Readiness 1
  • Current Issues and Critical Thinking
  • Effective Communication
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Sports and Wellness
Year 2

Diploma-related modules

  • Mental Health and Dementia Management
  • Programme Planning for Health Promotion
  • Social Policy in Ageing
  • Gerontechnology and Behavior Design
  • Physical Activities and Wellness for Older Adults
  • Coaching and Case Management
  • Population Health and Ageing
  • Community Based Nursing Support*
  • Basic Gerontological Counselling*

*Students must choose to take either one of these two subjects

General modules

  • Global Studies
  • Professional Communication
  • Guided Learning
  • Managing Diversity at Work*
  • Global Citizenship and Community Development*
  • Expressions of Culture*

* Students must choose to take either one of these three subjects or Guided Learning.

Year 3

Diploma-related modules

  • Community Development with Older Adults
  • Leadership Development in Non-Profit Organizations
  • Advance Care Planning and End of Life Issues
  • Administration for Purpose Driven Organisations
  • Community Based Therapy Support*
  • Working with Older Adults and Their Families*

*Students must choose to take either one of these two subjects

General modules

  • Leadership in Action
  • Career Readiness 2
  • Student Internship Programme

Internship

Internship duration 16 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Community Care Executive
  • Social Work Associate
  • Program Executive
  • Volunteer Management Executive
  • Assistant Health Coach
  • Assistant Care Coordinator
  • Assistant Allied Health Personnel

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.