Degree Programmes offered by Universities

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are plans to educate and enlighten stakeholders, especially students, employers, and parents, on the further differentiation of the university landscape to ensure that the distinct degree education offered by the Singapore Institute of Technology and SIM University will not be perceived to be inferior to the research-intensive courses offered by the Autonomous Universities; and (b) whether a university education counselling programme will be put in place to guide students in selecting degree programmes that are aligned to their abilities and interests.

In the course of its work, the Committee on University Education Pathways Beyond 2015 (CUEP) engaged extensively with a broad range of stakeholders to highlight the unique strengths of the new applied degree pathway, which will be delivered by the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and SIM University (UniSIM). What SIT and UniSIM will offer is different and distinct from the programmes available at the four existing autonomous universities.

Both SIT and UniSIM will build on the work of the CUEP and will continue to share the value of the applied pathway and its programme with students, their parents and teachers, through our Secondary schools, Junior Colleges and Polytechnics.

Given the increased diversity of the university landscape, MOE will also continue to emphasise education and career guidance in schools. Among other things, MOE's Education and Career Guidance programme will be enhanced and updated to reflect the new pathways as well as nurture the dispositions of lifelong learning. Polytechnics will also update their student advisory services resources. These will provide a current and relevant resource for students and teachers to help select programmes most suited to the students' dispositions and abilities.