From the second half of this year, Singapore Institute
of Technology (SIT) and SIM University (UniSIM) will offer new
degree programmes which would allow undergraduates to alternate
between studying and working.
About 65 places would be available under these
SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree Programmes, which would be piloted
in those two universities.
For SIT, these new programmes will be in information
security, software engineering, hospitality business, electrical
power engineering and civil engineering. The programmes are open to
the incoming first-year students, while those in their second year
can apply for some of them.
Meanwhile, UniSIM's programmes, which will be in
finance and business analytics, will be open to students in their
second and third year.
These "co-operative" degree programmes were first
mentioned by Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills)
Ong Ye Kung last June. Giving further details in his address at
SIT's inaugural graduation ceremony, where 82 accountancy students
received their degree certificates, Mr Ong said, "Such programmes
will take the work-learn concept a step further, and have been
implemented in countries in Europe and also in Canada."
A total of 12 organisations, including government
agencies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as
multinational corporations will partner the two universities to
jointly co-design the curriculum and assess potential candidates.
Those who have come onboard include Standard Chartered, Singapore
Power and the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
Applicants would be assessed on qualities such as
passion for the industry, good leadership track records and
performance in entrance tests. Participating organisations will
also mentor and guide students during their on-the-job training,
with credits to be given which will count towards their total
credit required for graduation.
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