Specialist Diploma in Youth Development & Mental Wellness (SDYM)

Offered by School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Post-Diploma / 1 year / TGS-2021010186

Note: Please note that all applications for programmes will be done via STEP. Click the 'APPLY' button on this page to proceed to STEP. You are required to use your Singpass to activate your STEP account. To receive an alert about the future runs for this course, please click the 'INDICATE INTEREST' button. Thank you. STEP, the Skills Training and Enhancement Portal, is a one-stop digital platform for your training needs.
Course Information
Learning Outcomes
Course Schedule
Lesson Plan
Certification
Entry Requirements
Course Fees

Course Information

Adolescence is one of the most dynamic, and influential periods of human developments. The changes that occur during this period can be difficult for a youth to navigate. Moreover, today’s fast-changing landscape means that youth face evolving challenges which, in turn, have an impact on their mental health. Another growing challenge faced by youth today is related to their mental health. This rise in mental health issues is recognised on a national level.

The Specialist Diploma in Youth Development & Mental Wellness shall equip participants with the competencies to engage in youth development and the skills to promote mental wellness and resilience in the youth in order to support them through their mental health issues.

The Specialist Diploma in Youth Development & Mental Wellness is developed in alignment to the Skills Framework for Social Service (Youth Work) and is the first post-diploma in youth development and mental wellness.

Who should attend?

Youth workers, youth development professionals, educators and coaches from government agencies, education institutions, law enforcement agencies, religious groups, grassroot organisations who are looking to upgrade their skills and qualifications; concerned parents and significant others who are keen to gain more knowledge to support their youth; and those who are keen to join the sector to work with youth.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to prepare students to demonstrate:

  • Understanding of youth’s development vis-à-vis mental wellness and its implication on youth work and practices;
  • Skills and knowledge in engaging and developing youth to have positive mental wellness and emotional resilience;
  • Skills and knowledge in mentoring youth through programme development and using effective communication, facilitation as well as behavioural management strategies;
  • Skills and knowledge in engaging stakeholders with key roles in the development and well-being of youth.

Course 
Schedule

Course Date: 15 Apr 2024
Application Period: 2 Jan – 15 Feb 2024
Class Day(s): 1 full Thu session per week
Time: Thu 8am to 6pm (including 1-hour lunch break)

Please note that each module will last for 5 weeks (excluding submission of assignments) and will run consecutively.

Delivery Mode: Lessons will comprise of lectures and practical with face-to-face on-campus mode.
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Ngee Ann Polytechnic reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme, modify the fees and amend information without prior notice.

Lesson Plan

Post-Diploma Certificate in Youth Development & Mentoring (TGS-2021010187)
Module
Knowing & Engaging Youth (45 hours)
Participants will acquire an understanding of youth, including the common psychological and developmental issues that impact their lives, and be equipped with basic intervention and mentoring skills that would help them to manage these issues that include anger and aggression; youth sexuality; mental health; self-harm; family abuse & trauma; and addictions. Participants will also have a chance to apply what they have learned with youth and be mentored by youth practitioners.
Module
Youth & Technology (45 hours)
Participants will gain an overview of the role of technology on youth’s psychology and development, including the positive and adverse impact of technology on youth, that include cyberbullying, internet addictions, sexting and use of dating applications. They will also pick up social medial tools and strategies that would help them to widen their reach and advance to the youth as well as learn ways to conduct their training, mentoring or facilitation sessions with the youth using remote platforms.
Module
Group Dynamics & Facilitation (45 hours)
Participants will develop skills to devise, set-up, coordinate, deliver and evaluate activities and programmes for youth individually and in groups. Participants are also equipped with theories, research findings and abilities aimed at managing group dynamics/conflicts and improving group effectiveness.
Post-Diploma Certificate in Youth Mental Wellness & Resilience (TGS-2021010188)
Module
Mental Wellness and Youth (45 hours)
Participants will be introduced to the major non-psychotic disorders, including mood, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders. The typical features of the disorder, and its causes will be discussed. To equip participants with the skills and knowledge to encourage mental wellness and emotional resilience, elements of positive psychology will also be introduced.
Module
Delivering Effective Programmes for Resilient Youth (45 hours)
Participants will be introduced to a systematic framework of programme development which will guide them in developing programmes to enhance the resilience & mental wellness of youth. They will learn to conduct needs assessments, formulate clear objectives, implement intervention, and evaluate outcomes.
Module
Managing Stakeholders: Engaging Parents & Community (45 hours)
Participants will gain an understanding of the various professional roles a youth worker/youth development officer plays in working with youth, families, other professionals in the community in the holistic care of youth. They will learn strategies to engage and partner families and community stakeholders in supporting the overall care of youth.

Certification

1 Specialist Diploma
2 Post-Diploma Certificates
6 Modules

Certification

You must complete 2 post-diploma certificates within a 2-year validity period to be awarded the Specialist Diploma qualification.


Entry Requirements

Applicants with any of the following qualifications are invited to apply for the course:

Applicants must have a local Polytechnic Diploma or University Degree in any discipline with at least 1-year relevant working experience.

Applicants who do not meet the Minimum Entry Requirement, but with relevant prior learning/work experience, will have to undergo written/oral assessment and be endorsed by the applicant’s employer.

Suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/or entrance test.

The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.

Course Fees

Funding period for this course is from 15 Dec 2021 to 14 Dec 2024.

SkillsFuture Credit
All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their $500 SkillsFuture Credit from the government to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses. Visit the SkillsFuture Credit website to choose from the courses available on the Training Exchange course directory. The credits can be used on top of existing course fee subsidies/funding. This is only applicable for self-sponsored applicants and must be applied via the SkillsFuture Portal. More details on the SkillsFuture Credit Claims will be advised upon admission into the course.

Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)
NTUC members enjoy 50% unfunded course fee support for up to $250 each year (or up to $500 for NTUC members aged 40 years old and above) when you sign up for courses supported under UTAP (Union Training Assistance Programme). Please visit e2i’s website to find out more.

Skills-Based Modular Courses (SBMCs) are bite-sized part-time courses for individuals to acquire new skills or deepen relevant skills, without the need to pursue a full diploma. Refer here for course fees for SBMCs.

GST Increment in 2024
Please note that the GST rate will be revised to 9% with effect from 1 Jan 2024, as such any payable course fees will be subjected to the new GST rate adjustments in 2024. Please refer to our STEP portal for the updated fees. (Click on STEP)

Note:

  • Please refer to our FAQs for more information.
  • The fees below are determined based on prevailing funding policies and subject to review and revision.
  • For full course fees throughout the semesters, refer here.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme, modify the fees and amend information without prior notice.

Applicants / Eligibility Fees
Full Course fee$7328.08
PR Sponsored by SME$763.04
Singapore Citizen Sponsored by SME$763.04
Singapore Citizen Aged 40 & Above$763.04
Singapore Citizen Aged Below 40$1099.20
Singapore PR$2931.22
Long-Term Visit Pass Plus$7328.08