Giving back to society

She discovered her calling after graduating from Republic Polytechnic in 2010.

Miss Syidda Amron, 25, who completed a Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, found great joy in doing volunteer work with underprivileged youth through programmes organised by organisations like the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) during her post-graduation months.

So she decided to read a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Counselling at TMC Academy to better help troubled youth.

The degree programme, which is credited by the University of Greenwich in the UK, lasts up to 16 months.

Miss Syidda, who completed a related higher diploma course at TMC Academy prior to reading her part-time degree programme, said: "Volunteering with young people, especially those who are underprivileged, is very meaningful to me.

"I enjoy being their mentor and am happy to help them in any way I can.

"I believe that my degree programme can help me fulfil my dream of becoming a professional counsellor one day."

Miss Syidda said that the subjects she studies are applicable to real situations.

The Research Methods module has given her important technical knowledge for doing psychology-related research.

"I also thoroughly enjoy learning about the different areas of psychology, including social psychology. These lessons are valuable for anyone interested in becoming a counsellor," she said.

Miss Syidda, who did not do well in a few modules during her higher diploma course, said her lecturers are very capable and patient.

She took several personal lessons with the lecturers whose subjects she failed, and added: "Unlike other higher learning institutions where students are left on their own most of the time, the lecturers at TMC Academy are willing to give individual lessons to help students understand their subjects better and pass their exams.

"My lecturers were patient with me and willing to sacrifice their time to re-teach the basics so that I could pass the subjects that I failed."

Miss Syidda added besides having a healthy student-teacher ratio in every class, TMC Academy also has good educational resources.

"Our library has many different psychology books that we can borrow for learning and to use for our assignments. We also have access to an online bank of research papers that can help us better understand the subjects we study," she said.

Miss Syidda, who plans to further her studies in psychology in the UK after she graduates, aims to score first class honours.

She said: "The joy of seeing the underprivileged youths do well in their studies and improving their behaviour is great. I really want to give back to the Singapore community, and believe I can."

Why This Course

THE Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with Counselling is awarded by University of Greenwich, UK.

Students will apply psychological knowledge and research skills and critically evaluate theoretical explanations, methodological approaches and research findings.

"The TMC Academy Bachelor of Science honours degree in Psychology, offered in partnership with the University of Greenwich, covers key topics in psychology. Students who complete a psychology honours degree at TMC Academy can apply for membership of the Singapore Psychological Society and British Psychological Society.

"Many of our students complete specialist training programmes and postgraduate degrees in psychology at leading international universities." - Dr Hew Gill, Academic Director and Head of Psychology Programmes, TMC Academy

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