Developed and Awarded by Singapore Institute of Management, Singapore
The primary objective of this specialist diploma programme is to equip learners with the necessary abilities to address social challenges and make meaningful contributions towards resolving societal issues within Singapore. Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) has collaborated with industry experts to develop the Specialist Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship (SDSE) to ensure the programme's relevance and effectiveness. The specialist diploma targets learners who are employed or interested in working in the social service sector.
The SDSE aims to empower learners to address pressing social issues through innovative problem-solving approaches. By immersing students in this ethos, the programme deepens their understanding of our world and inspires them to be agents of positive change. With a focus on equipping learners with the necessary tools and mindset, they develop creative solutions to tackle social challenges and shape a brighter future. Additionally, learners can register their startup and engage in full-time work at a social enterprise, gaining valuable insights into the operations of a commercially and socially viable business. Guided by mentors, learners actively contribute to their social enterprise, acquiring essential skills and knowledge. This programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and positively impact the world, setting them on a path towards fulfilling careers as social entrepreneurs and social changemakers
Specialist Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship (Part-Time)
Programme Overview
Academic Level
Postgraduate/Masters, single major
Awarded by
Singapore Institute of Management, Singapore
Programme type
Part-time, 6 months
Campus location
SIM Campus
Application Dates
Now till 31 May 2025 (for July 2025 intake)
Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*
S$17,985 (incl. GST)
* Exclude application fee, preparatory or bridging course fee, and other fees. Refer to the Fees & Financial Aid section for details.
Programme Outline
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:
- Understand the nature of social problems and develop practical approaches for identifying and solving them.
- Understand the critical organisational factors in scaling a social enterprise and support them in creating a comprehensive business plan to guide its growth.
- Equip with essential knowledge of funding and financing tools, entrepreneurial skills, and the ability to measure their organisation’s social impact, enabling them to manage and sustain their social enterprise effectively.
- Gain an introduction to social entrepreneurship and equip them with the knowledge and skills to select the most suitable enterprise model for their social project.
Further Studies & Career Prospects
Graduates of this programme will be equipped with the necessary tools and mindset to embark on a journey of social entrepreneurship. They will gain the skills and knowledge needed to launch their impactful start-ups that address pressing societal challenges, and intrapreneurs will be able to enhance their skills and knowledge in innovation to create and implement new ideas to add value to their organisations, enhancing their career prospects in the organisations.Hear from our students
The Ripple Effect: The Power of Education in Creating Systems of Change for Social Good
What if the key to creating more social good lies in empowering today’s leaders? Dr Maylyn Tan, Assistant Dean and Head of Faculty Talent at SIM Global Education, sheds light on how business and education can spark transformative change in the social service sector.
Read story
Why study at SIM
SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.
Excellent value with lower tuition costs in SIM, with opportunities for overseas exchange and transfer.
Bond-Free Scholarship & Bursary - Scholarships are available to students who excel in academics, sports or arts.
Global Perspectives & Insights - Exposure to diverse cultures and a global network.
Intake Dates
There will be one intake a year, in July
July 2025 Intake
PROGRAMME DURATION
01 July 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
APPLICATION PERIOD
Now till 31 May 2025 (Local Applicants only)
Maximum allowed period to complete: 1 year
No refund or recourse should the student fail to complete in the maximum period.
SIM reserves the right to recommend and withdraw a student who cannot cope with the demands of the programme.
Curriculum
Structure
- Lecturers are both academic and industry-based professionals with work experience and knowledge in their domain.
- Average teacher-student ratio is 1:25
- View the list of deployed lecturers.
- Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online lesson delivery and interaction with traditional face-to-face (F2F) classroom learning. It requires the physical presence of both the teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or pace. While students still attend physical lessons with a teacher, the lesson delivery is combined with computer-mediated activities for students to do more independent learning with guidance.
- Approximately 50% of teaching will be conducted F2F or synchronous, and the other 50% conducted online
- Coursework includes attendance at lectures, e-learning, discussions of case studies and interactive presentations, tests and completion of the group and individually written assignments.
- Contact hours: 24 hours per module with a capstone project of 90 hours, total 210 hours
- 1 semester for a period of six months.
- Lessons at least 2 times a week (Mon-Fri evenings, F2F and online)
- Each lesson: 3 hours (50% online)
- Learners are expected to spend at least 90 hours on capstone project at their own organization
- Academic materials include module outlines, reading lists and handbooks on study strategies.
- Minimum class size: 18 students. Students will be informed within 30 days before class commences.
Assessment & Attendance
- Continuous assessment throughout the 6-month programme, e.g., individual assignment, group project, case study, quiz/class test, presentations, and class participation.
- In addition to continuous assessments, students are required to complete a capstone project
- This is an intensive part-time programme. All students are encouraged to attain a minimum attendance rate of 75%.
Requirements to Graduate
Students who pass all modules will be issued a transcript and awarded with a Specialist Diploma from SIM upon graduation.
Modules
6-month part-time programme (1 semester) of 6 modules:
- Social Entrepreneurship Foundations
- Innovating for Social Impact: Design Thinking Approach
- Market Validation with Lean Canvas and Lean UX
- Financial and Cost Management for Socialpreneurs
- Socialpreneurship in the Digital Era: Marketing for Impact
- Social Entrepreneurship Project
Admission Criteria
Accepted Entry Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy both the academic requirement and English Language proficiency as follows:
- Academic Qualifications: Polytechnic diploma or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency: GCE O-Level credit pass (grade 1 to 6) in English or equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may apply for admission to the programme by producing evidence of at least five years of relevant working experience or supporting information to ascertain their competency readiness. Eligible applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/or entrance test.
SIM reserves the right to shortlist eligible applicants and admit applicants who perform well in the interview and/or entrance test.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose academic qualifications are not attained in the English medium are required to demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following minimum test scores:
- GCE O-Level credit pass (grade 1 to 6) in English
- Paper-based TOEFL 570
- Internet-based TOEFL 88
- IELTS 6.0
Note: TOEFL or IELTS test scores must be less than 2 years at point of enrolment.
Fees & Financial Aid
Programme fees are payable before class starts.
Payment to SIM can be made through SIMConnect using Credit Card (Visa or Master), PayNow, eNETS, OCBC Interest-free Instalment Plan (min. S$500) and cheques.
Programme Fees
All fees excluding prevailing GST. The course fee does not include textbooks.
- Total: S$16,500 (S$17,985 incl. GST)
- The above fee includes the additional capstone fee of $1,500 to be sponsored by the organization
- Scholarship up to $15,000 available for eligible participants from social purpose organizations, click here to enquire
Fees published are inclusive of current GST of 9%.
Mandatory One-time Fees
All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.
|
Application Fee Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed. |
Local applicants: S$109 International applicants: S$545 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application) |
Scholarships & Bursaries
SIM GE Bursary
The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. This award is given based on our eligibility criteria, as well as the assessed level of neediness of the applicants.Learn more
SIM GE Bursary
SIM Alumni Grant
Graduates from SIM diploma, degree and post graduate programmes are entitled to 10% deduction off course fees.Learn more
SIM Alumni Grant
