Welcome Message
Welcome to the School of PsychologyI hope that you will enjoy your study in psychology, whether you are studying a couple of modules or required courses as part of your degree. Psychology is an interesting and varied area of study, so I hope that you will take the time to find out about the different topics that researchers and practitioners focus on. Established in 2009, the TMC School of Psychology offers various full-time and part-time programmes. The School is conveniently located at TMC Academy’s City Campus and has well equipped computer labs and counselling rooms. The School of Psychology's course offerings are designed to meet several goals:
Currently, the School offers a Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling (awarded by TMC Academy), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (awarded by TMC Academy), and a BSc(Hons) in Psychology with Counselling (top-up; awarded by the University of Greenwich, UK) on both full-time and part-time basis. The School also offers a Diploma in Psychological Studies for those who prefer a short-term course. These programmes prepare our graduates for a range of careers and allow our graduates to apply for associate membership with the Singapore Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society, as well as postgraduate specialist training programs in psychology. Our Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling and Graduate Diploma of Psychology programs are recognised as equivalent to the first two years of the BSc(Hons) in Psychology with Counselling awarded by the University of Greenwich, UK. Dr John Teo |
Staff Profiles
 |
Jennifer Carpio Ms. Carpio has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Cum Laude Honors from Mindanao State University, Iligan Institute of Technology, and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Prior to joining the TMC Academy in 2009, she worked as a Guidance Counsellor, as a Head Psychometrician and as a Human Resource Assistant handling Training, Policy Development and Employee Relations. Her research interests include counselling, burnout, stress, and current social issues. Ms. Carpio currently holds the position of a Senior Lecturer at the TMC School of Psychology and is actively involved in teaching modules for both the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling and the BSc(Hons) final year program, as well as supervision of undergraduate research projects. Among her other duties, Ms. Carpio co-ordinates the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling program and provides counselling to students of the TMC Academy. |
|
| back to the top ^ | ||
 |
Maria Schuchinsky Dr. Schuchinsky has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (First Class) in Psychology and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Before joining TMC Academy in 2010, she conducted supervised and independent research at the University of Otago, New Zealand and at the Duke-NUS Graduate School Singapore. Dr. Schuchinsky has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal publications and a book chapter. She has also presented her research at a number of international conferences, abstracts from which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests span cognitive models of face perception and recognition, neurocognitive mechanisms of aging, and signal detection theories. Dr. Schuchinsky currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the TMC School of Psychology. Among other duties, she is actively involved in teaching two of her favourite subjects, cognitive psychology and research methods, and supervision of undergraduate research projects in the BSc(Hons) final year program. |
|
| back to the top ^ | ||
Courses
TMC Academy
- Diploma in Psychological Studies
- Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology
University of Greenwich
FAQ
- What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Higher Diploma of Psychology with Counselling?
How can I find out more about psychology and what psychologists do?
The web sites of the major psychological societies in the English-speaking world are a good source of information here
- American Psychological Association, Topics | Help Centre
- Australian Psychological Society
- British Psychological Society
- Canadian Psychological Association
- New Zealand Psychological Society
- Singapore Psychological Society
How long will it take me to complete the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling?
It depends if you enrol in the 16 module version or the advanced standing version. The full 16-module version will take 16 months (4 terms) for full-time students and 32 months for part-time students (8 terms). The minimum time to complete the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling with advanced standing is 12 months full-time (4 modules each term for 3 terms) or 24 months part-time (2 modules each term for 6 terms). Of course, if you fail one or more modules it will take longer. Please note that international students must complete the course full-time under the terms of their student pass.
What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Higher Diploma of Psychology with Counselling?
Please refer to the Course Entry Requirements.
Can I transfer from full to part-time or part-time to full-time during the course?
If you’re a local student, yes, you can as long as the modules that you need to take in the next stage of your study program are being offered in the term in question (not all modules are offered every term).
If you’re an international student, you can study only full time in accordance with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority’s regulations.
What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling?
If you are a local applicant, you should possess ONE of the following
- TMC Higher Diploma of Psychology with Counselling
- Relevant Polytechnic Diploma
◦Ngee Ann - Diploma in Psychology & Community Services
◦Temasek - Diploma of Psychology Studies - Other qualifications deemed equivalent to the first two years of the University of Greenwich BSc. (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling.
How do I apply for the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling?
Contact TMC Academy on Tel. 6690 9588 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and complete a TMC Application Form. You will then make an online application to the University of Greenwich, obtain an offer of a place in the course, accept the offer and enrol.
How long will it take me to complete the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling?
If accepted into the program, you will be given credit for the first two years of the degree and so, if you are a full-time student you can complete the final year in one academic year. TMC Academy follows the same academic year as is followed in the United Kingdom for this degree, and so you would commence in September and finish the course in May the following year.
If you study part-time, you will take 3 semesters instead of 2, and so you would complete in December the following year. As a part-time student, it is also possible to commence the course in January, in which case you would complete course in May the following year.
In order to become a psychologist, what do I need to do next after the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling?
The next step would be to complete a master’s degree. As a holder of a UK honours degree in psychology you are eligible to apply for master’s degrees in psychology in the United Kingdom (that is if you obtained honours 2.1 or better). To do this you would need to apply to the British Psychological Society for Graduate Membership of the Society.
http://www.bps.org.uk/membership/grades/grades_home.cfm
If you are awarded the BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling you will be eligible for Graduate Membership and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is an entry requirement for British Psychological Society-accredited postgraduate training courses in psychology that form part of the qualification for Chartered Membership. The title of Chartered Psychologist is the benchmark of professional recognition for psychologists in the United Kingdom
If you want to explore the availability of programmes in the United Kingdom, you might start with the British Psychological Society
The profession of psychology in the United Kingdom is now regulated by the Health Professions Council
After completing the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling are there any masters programmes in psychology in Singapore that I would be eligible for?
Yes, there are some options here in Singapore. The programs available in Singapore that you would be eligible to apply for without further study are as follows:
- National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
Master of Arts (Counselling and Guidance) - Master of Arts (Applied Psychology)
There are 2 other masters programs in psychology in Singapore but a four-year sequence in psychology is necessary to be eligible to apply for those. They are:
- James Cook University, Singapore
Master of Psychology (Clinical) - NUS ( National University of Singapore)
Master of Psychology (Clinical) – two programs, one in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, whereby students spent the first year of study in Melbourne
After completing the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling will I be eligible to do a Masters Degree in Psychology in Australia?
No, the Australian system of education in psychology is different to that of the United Kingdom. To be eligible to do a masters degree in Australia you would need to complete what in Australia is called a 4 th year in psychology. This is an honours year completed after a 3-year degree. In some cases it is possible to do an alternative 4 th year program called Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology. Details of accredited programs in Australia can be found on the website of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
If you click on ‘Search for courses in Australasia’ you will see that in Singapore you can complete a 4 th year of study in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council at James Cook University, Singapore. Of course there are many other options for 4 th year study in psychology in Australia itself.
If you decide to pursue an Australian option, you may need to have your degree assessed for equivalence to an Australian degree in psychology and for this purpose you would need to contact the Australian Psychological Society.
You may want to contact directly the programme coordinator at the university you are interested in to find out more about their programme’s entry requirements for candidates holding overseas degrees.
After completing the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling will I be eligible to do a masters degree in the USA?
Yes, you most likely will be eligible, but only the university to which you apply can tell you for sure. See the American Psychological Association site
American undergraduate degrees are of 4 years duration, but they are structured so that students have to complete a number of subjects from other disciplines as well as psychology. Therefore it is likely that you will have studied as much psychology in your 3-year degree as an American graduate will have in their 4-year degree.
Does the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling qualify me to be a counsellor?
Whilst you may be able to get a job involving some counselling, you need a further qualification if you want to become a fully qualified counsellor in Singapore and a member of the Singapore Counselling Association. See list of courses acceptable for membership
Does the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling enable me to become a member of the Singapore Psychological Society?
You will be eligible to apply to become an Associate Member of the Singapore Psychological Society.
If you click on “Membership” you will note that additional qualifications and/or experience are required to gain full membership.
What do I need to do to be a psychologist in Singapore?
The Singapore Psychological Society provides guidance to the public as to which of its members are thought to be appropriately qualified to offer psychological services to the community. It does this through the Singapore Register of Psychologists
Most members on the register have at least a master’s degree (and many have a doctorate). Therefore, if you are aiming to become a psychologist offering psychological services to the community you should aim to complete a masters program.
Nevertheless, there are graduates employed as psychologists in some organizations, e.g., the special schools sector, who do not have a master’s degree. Scroll down on this page of the Singapore Psychological Society’s site to see what the Society has to say about this issue
In the near future, the profession of psychology in Singapore is going to be regulated by Act of Parliament under the Allied Health Professions Act, 2011. Once this Act is implemented for the profession of psychology, the qualifications necessary to use the title psychologist will be specified and it will be against the law for those without these qualifications to use the title. If those administering the Act follow the lead set by the Singapore Psychological Society, it may well be necessary to hold a masters degree to become registered as a psychologist.
How does the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counseling at TMC Academy compare with the usual undergraduate degree at other Singaporean and/or overseas universities?
The course offered at TMC Academy is approximately equivalent to the first two years of a university degree in Singapore and overseas. Under the normal circumstances, though, the course does not take two years of full time study to complete, as you are doing only psychology modules. To see a list of modules covered in the course see the Course Introduction page.
What if I already have a (Higher) Diploma in Psychology and/or Counselling from a polytechnic or another tertiary education institution?
If you have successfully passed all of your modules and graduated with a (Higher) Diploma in Psychology and/or Counselling, you may qualify for entry to the BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling. For further information on the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling, please see What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the University of Greenwich BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling?
Who can I talk to about either the Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling or the BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling programme?
You can contact the Sales, Recruitment, and Marketing department at Bishan Campus (+65) 6671 2799 or the City Campus (+65) 6690 9599. If you wish to talk to one of the psychology lecturers, you can ring (+65) 6690 9592 and ask for an appointment.
Student Testimonials
Abbah Esther Eleojo (Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling graduate) –
"I have always been interested in working with abused, abandoned, and less privileged children. At first, I wanted to study a social work related course, but I met a friend who studied psychology and I thought I should do the same. I chose this course because it does not only offer a solution to or fix the problem, but also deals with the root course of the problem.
I am grateful to have found out about TMC. I had a pleasant experience as a whole. The knowledge of psychology that I gained helps me now to see the world from a whole new perspective, respect other people's views and value life in general. The Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling exposed me to a few challenges and improved my coping abilities, which will help me in the course of further studies.
Compared to other private institutions in Singapore, the quality of lecturers and learning culture at TMC Academy is very very good! There are lecturers I will not forget. To lecturers who were empathic, caring and always there, realized that no matter how old we are as students, we still needed the guidance and assurance and encouragement, I am eternally grateful."
Thahira Banu (BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling graduate) –
"Although TMC institution was a 'discovery by accident', I personally think it was a splendid discovery. Not having many plans for the future, I chose a psychology course with a simple aim of getting to know myself and being able to work in any area, with a higher preference for jobs that deal more with people, than with systems.
I achieved First Class Honours in my BSc(Hons) degree because of the constant devoted efforts of each of the lectures, who ensured that their students understand every single aspect of the subject. Their method of teaching was very unique and comprehensive, showing their sincerity to their work as a lecturer. Without them I would not have achieved this much. I earnestly appreciate their efforts. My lectures trusted in me more than I did myself. Their support nurtured me and allowed me to get to where I am now."
Jasmine Lee (Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling graduate; BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling student)–
"I came to know about TMC from one of my friends twelve years ago. I got my Diploma in Business Administration from TMC then and enrolled in Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling in 2009. Upon graduation in 2011, I enrolled in BSc(Hons) in Psychology with Counselling.
I have always been inspired by how one's mind works, how people behave, how they feel, and what their thoughts are. Besides this, I have an older child who has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. The knowledge I have gained from the two psychology courses have definitely helped me tremendously. I have a better understanding of human behaviour now, and most importantly, I am better in guiding my older son.
It came as a surprise to me when I received a call from TMC Academy informing me that I was awarded the Certificate of Excellence for my outstanding performance in one of the modules for Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling. It was not an easy route for me and my family during my studies. So, this award was very special and meaningful for me and my family.
The lecturers at TMC Academy are good at what they are teaching. I was inspired by them during the lectures. I appreciate the staffs' and the lecturers' efforts in making the courses successful."
Joanne Tan (BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling graduate) –
"I was interested to learn about people, human nature, and personality. I was intrigued by how one behaves and thinks, and how one changes according to the different situations or stages in life. Before doing this course, I thought psychology is simply about people and counselling people. I'm glad to have learnt how broad this field is and how psychology can be applied in almost every aspect of life, be it work (organisational psychology), school(educational psychology) or health (developmental and health psychology).
During the course of study, I found the lecturers to be very approachable and helpful. The small class size ensured that each of us got attention from the lecturers. Working on three modules in each term gave me enough time to juggle my work and study commitments. Moreover, since I was working as a home tutor during my studies, I got to apply some relevant psychological theories to my work at the time. This allowed me a deeper understanding of the theories as well. My job and the course complemented each other well.
Upon graduation, I've looked into jobs that tie education with psychology. I'm glad to have found a job as an educational therapist."
Christine Tan (BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling student) –
"I have always been fascinated with the human mind and behaviour. After learning about mental disorders, I have a greater understanding of people I come across in my daily life. In Singapore, we are quick to label loud children as "naughty" or "rude", but how many of us know if the child have development or behavioural disorder? I also have learnt some ways to improve my learning effectiveness and efficiency. I hope to continue learning about the different therapies. Once I join the workforce, I hope to work with autistic children and maybe look for a Masters in psychology in the future.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from another university. I had the choice of continuing my studies with them, but I felt that it was a better choice to do a University of Greenwich Honours programme with TMC Academy. The lecturers at TMC are dedicated and friendly. When I encounter any difficulties with my studies, I can be sure that the lecturers are there to encourage and also to guide me along. In terms of employment, an honours degree can and will make a difference in my career prospects."
Saritha Bondili (Higher Diploma in Psychology with Counselling graduate; BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling student) –
"The desire to understand human behaviour existed since my childhood. I did not encounter anyone who could guide me in this field till I landed in Singapore. My previous studies were in engineering, but I eventually took up a course in psychology at TMC Academy.
The wonderful experience of studying psychology at TMC Academy cannot be put in words. The lectures, the discussions, the presentations, the practical labs etc. all have added feathers in my cap. The multi-dimensional exposure that the faculty imparted on me is unmatched with any other university. The faculty were at their best in providing assistance in any form that best suited me. I take this as a platform to express my gratitude and my sincere thanks to all who have supported me throughout.
Being a mother of two kids and a student, and of late a businesswoman, all in one day is a thrilling experience. Studying psychology helped me a lot in understanding my children's behaviour and personalities. I have implemented some of the techniques that I picked up during my course and saw encouraging results in shaping my children's personality and their achievements.
My thirst for knowledge in the field of psychology is increasing exponentially every second, and to quench it, I am intending to do my Masters in Psychology with Counselling, and then probably a PhD. I want to take the opportunities that life offers and gain as much knowledge as I can from various cultures. Eventually, I want to open my own counselling clinic."
