TWO more polytechnics will offer diplomas in psychology from next year, in line with growing interest in the course among students.

This follows a new diploma course in psychology and community services introduced by Ngee Ann Polytechnic earlier this year.

Ngee Ann's course, which covers topics like crisis intervention and social research, had 40 places but the number of students who applied for them was 20 times more.

When the new term begins in April, Temasek Polytechnic will offer a diploma in psychology studies, which will focus on the use of psychology in human resource practices.

Singapore Polytechnic will offer a diploma course in applied drama and psychology, which will use drama to resolve problems in education and rehabilitation. Both are three-year courses, for 40 students each in the first batch.

Director of Singapore Polytechnic's language and communication department, Mrs Lam Yoke Peng, said psychology is becoming more popular among students.

'It's a subject they can now take without having to wait until university, and it also helps them understand how people think,' she said.

She said there is a need for skilled professionals trained in psychology and applied drama to work in various sectors like social services and community development.

Students who graduate from the course can work as drama educators, rehabilitation facilitators and social work assistants.

Temasek's course in psychology studies will come under its new humanities and social sciences school. The course will prepare students to use psychology to motivate people and raise their performance.

It will prepare students for a range of jobs in the human resource industry, for instance as a personnel officer, staff training and development executive, or union official.

Temasek Poly's deputy principal Mr Edmond Khoo said the new course provide more options for students who are not interested in hard sciences and technology subjects.

Temasek Poly also launched a new course - diploma in interactive media technology - on Monday. It will train students to create interactive three-dimensional product simulations which can be used by the industry.