The big leap after the As
The PEI route may be more suitable for
you
A MOMENTOUS phase in a student's life when
the big decision on one's future career needs to be
made.
The routes are quite clear, but what choice to make that's hard
part.
Experts we consulted offered some advice:
• Students who prefer more
structured learning styles may be more suited to local university
studies or overseas, while those who want to get their degrees
quickly and prefer a mix of structured and experiential learning
may be more suited for the private school route.
• Students should choose a
course only after researching the repute of the qualifications
offered and that of the education provider.
• Students should talk to
industry practitioners to find out about the rewards and challenges
of the job they are aiming for, the qualities required for success,
and criteria that will help them advance in the industry.
While a place in a local or overseas university, is
still the first choice for most, the PEIs have a strong case to be
considered too, and it's a path that's becoming increasingly
popular.
Here are some reasons:
• The opportunity to study
courses not available at local non-private universities
• Being able to pursue a
degree course although the A-level results are not good
enough to get admitted to a local university
• Getting a degree from a
prestigious overseas university at a lower cost and
without leaving Singapore
• Being able to graduate with
a degree in a shorter time than their peers in local or
overseas universities.
As you flip through the pages of this A level GO
Guide, the sixth in the series, you will come across a range of
success stories of several students who have taken the PEI route.
SAA Global Education's Kenny Lim is one.
He did not allow himself to be deterred by a
lacklustre A level performance. Instead, he pushed himself and
ended up an award winner, receiving the annual Institute of
Certified Public Accountants of Singapore Outstanding Achievers
Award for excelling in his exams.
PASSION
lt's worth taking note of what he has to say: "Some
people think attending a local
university or going overseas is always the best choice, even it
they don't get to study
what they really want to.
"I think you shouldn't give up on your passion. You
can still strive hard to excel and get a good degree at a private
institute."
Agree? Then check out this guide for more detailed
information on the how, what, why of pursuing your further studies
in a PEI.
For many, the big leap into the future could be
through the private school route. The PEI Advantage may make the
difference.
More than what local unis
offer
Private schools aim to go beyond uni
spectrum to fulfil missions, job needs
AS PART of their aim to provide a wider
range of academic choices to students, private education
institutions (PEIs) offer some courses that are not offered by
non-private universities. (This list does not include UniSIM, which
is the only private university in Singapore).
Ms Yeo Ai Ling (left), Head of Business and CAT
Programme, SAA Global Education (SM-GE), said: "We introduced the
University of Plymouth courses as the university is ranked among
the top 10 modern universities in the UK and is known for its
entrepreneurial spirit. lt also has an up-to-date and practice
oriented curriculum, involving consultancy simulations and real
life business case studies, among other things.
"The Singapore Qualification Programme (SQP) for
professional accountants will be launched later this year. Under
this framework, it allows degree holders to enter the
profession.
"So doing the top-up degrees awarded by the
University of Plymouth enables them to leap ahead of their
peers."
Dr Lissy Vadakel (right), Head of School, MDIS
School of Life Sciences, said: "At the MDIS School of Life
Sciences, our aim is to provide the opportunity for our graduates
to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue
life-long careers in the Life Sciences sector. Advances in
Biotechnology have been following an upward trend for several years
now."
She added that the courses complement science
courses offered in the universities here.
"In Singapore, Novartis has just announced the
setting up of a US$500 million ($620m) state-of-the-art biologies
plant in Tuas, highlighting their plans for 250 new hires for the
plant that is expected to commence operations by 2016.
Said Dr Vadakel: "This follows an earlier
announcement by Amgen in January to build a US$200m biologics plant
in Singapore.
"With at least 500 new job prospects in
biopharmaceutical manufacturing expected to be created over the
next few years, Biotechnology graduates could look forward to
rewarding careers in this burgeoning sector," she said.
Why they pick private
education
Course choice, chance to work with overseas
faculty members among the reasons students give
PRIVATE education institutes are becoming
more attractive for many A-level holders. Here's why some choose to
study there.
CHOICE OF COURSES
JCU Singapore offered a unique fast-track course that was more
suitable for me. Many business entities have a growing awareness
for the environment. They are concerned abou reducing their carbon
footprint and cutting down on environmental pollution.
With a degree in Business and Environmental
Science, I will beat an advantage compared to just a Business
degree (holder). I can work as a
business consultant for environmental science-related industries,
like fisheries or horticulture. Alternatively, I can work with
government bodies on conservation projects.
-Mr Nicholas Chew Ken Min,21, formerly from Temasek JUflior
College and now a second year undergraduate in the Bachelor af
Business and
Environment Science programme at
JCU Singapore.
FLEXIBLE TIMETABLE
I have had a keen interest to work in the media industry. since
I was young. I feel that going to a private education institution
helps me achieve this goal faster.
In addition, SMF Institute's flexible timetable
enables me to stUdy and work at the same time to gain work
experience.
-Miss Sng Wan Chin, in her 20s, an A-level holder from Tampines
Junior College, who is pursing a Diploma In Mass Communication at
SMF Institute of Higher Learning.
SHORTER COURSE DURATION
I chose Kaplan as I wanted to pace my learning the way I
wanted.
I am getting a quality education in a much shorter
time than if I had gone to a local university.
I was also thrilled that Kaplan offered a degree in
Psychology which is accredited by the Australian Psychology
Accreditation Council and recognised by Australian Psychological
Society.
This was what I had wanted to pursue.
- Miss Cherly Tan, 22, an A level holder who is pursuing a
Diploma in Communication Management at Kaplan Singapore.
CONVENIENT LOCATION
After finishing my A levels, I applied for the Business Studies
course at Nanyang Technological University.
Unfortunately, I could not get into the course and
qualified for Sociology instead. To
choose a course I was interested in, I rejected the offer and
decided to go to a private
school.
One of my friends studying at SAA Global Education
(SAAGE) told me about the course she had taken there. I chose SAAGE
because it offered the course I wanted and is also conVeniently
located in town.
- Miss Joanne Tan Feng Chun, in her 20s, is an A level holder
from Tampines Junior College. She is in the Bachelor af Science
(Honours} in Economics and Management programme offered by the
University of London at SAA-GE.
FACULTY FROM OVERSEAS
CAMPUS
After getting my A-level results, I visited the various Open
Houses to learn more about their programmes, rather than just focus
on the ones offered by local universities.
When I wentto the one at SIM Global Education (SIM
GE), I discovered its partnership with University at Buffalo, The
State University of New York.lt left a deep impression on me.
lt gives me the prospect of working with faculty
members from the US campus, research opportunities, an interaCtive
and flexible academic programme and accessibility to graduate
studies in the US.
- Mr Goh Jia Hao, who is in his 20s and studying for a Bachelor
of Arts (Psychology), awarded by the University at BUffalo, The
State University of New York at SIM GE.
STUDY WHAT YOU LIKE
I chose private education because my A-level results were not
good enough. SAA-GE's classes are small, the location is central,
and the lecturers are approachable and willing to give us their
email addresses.
My advice to all A-Level holders is that if you
don't get a place at a local university, don't be discouraged. And
don't study something you don't like just because you want to go to
NUS or NTU.
Employers look at your abilities and grades. Study
something you like so you won't regret it later.
- Mr Kenny Lim Chuan Kai, 23, an A-level holder from lnnova JC
who is in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accounting and Finance
programme offered by the University of London at SAA-GE.
Go Guide Beyond A Levels, The New Paper, March 1 2013, Pg 2-4