This is part of the Ultimate Guide to Higher Education series. If you'd like to know more about other types of higher education you can pursue, we strongly recommend that you read the guide.
Welcome stranger, to the world of specialised diploma/degree programs.
This route can be risky to take, but it can also be hugely satisfying.
To make it clear, specialised programs in this post specifically refer to diplomas and degrees that are otherwise so niche and specialised that local universities and most private schools do not offer.
It is also different from our other post on skills-based courses. Specialised programs are at least one-year long, and offer either a diploma and degree certification while skills-based courses are usually shorter, and offer only a certification, not a diploma or degree.
What is a specialised degree/diploma?
As mentioned, specialised programs are basically diploma and degree courses but focus specifically on certain niches that most schools do not offer.
You can see an overview here:
Advantages of Specialised Programs
So why will you want to study these specialised programs since its so niche? Quite frankly, there are several distinctive advantages which are very, very appealing.
- In demand skills with fast job placements
One benefit of many specialised programs in Singapore is their focus on addressing the needs of industries. This means that these programs train students in skills, knowledge and abilities that appeal to many industries who are looking to hire.
For example, fields like data analytics, cybersecurity, or financial technology (fintech) are witnessing rapid growth in Singapore. Graduates with specialized qualifications in these areas are well-positioned to secure well-paying jobs in these expanding industries.
Many times, schools that offer such specialised programs also have good connection with relevant industry partners, which means that there are opportunities for students to be offered a job even before they graduate.
These industry partners also offer internship opportunities that can be turned into a permanent placement should students perform well.
As such, if getting a job fast is your main criteria, do check out if the school provides internship opportunities and if the school has a list of good relevant industry partners which you can network with.
For example, BCA academy’s integrated work-study diploma requires students to get in a mandatory 6-month internship and a 12-month workplace learning with key firms in the Built Environment sector to graduate. This means that you are almost likely (unless you perform really poorly) to get a job WHILE still studying.
- Higher earning potential
Similarly, since specialised programs often focus on developing skills that are in high demand in specific industries, this also translates to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
By acquiring specialized knowledge and expertise, graduates from these programs possess unique skills that are valued in the job market. Employers recognize the value of specialized qualifications and are willing to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent with such expertise.
Let’s take for example the average gross salary of a fresh graduate in NTU Computer Science (relatively general programme) and NTU Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (specialised programme):
A graduate in NTU Data Science and Artificial Intelligence immediately earns 18%, or $1,050, more than the more general NTU Computer Science graduate.
Additionally, specialized programs often provide practical training and hands-on experience, equipping students with industry-specific skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.
Shatec for instance, has training facilities that replicate a hotel or even commercial kitchen environment.
- Aligned with your passion
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Just like the famous Mark Twain’s quote, finding a course that you are passionate about is sometimes better than getting into one that focuses on other aspects like earning potential or inexpensive program fees.
Living in Singapore, sometimes we can get too caught up with finding a white-collar job that we missed out on considering how our passion may very well be a sustainable, and very fulfilling job.
Culinary, for instance, is big business in Singapore. F&B sales have seen 15.1% growth in 2023 to hit $946 million in sales and is expected to stay strong in the coming years.
As such, getting a culinary/food oriented business not only can fulfil your passion for culinary, but can also potentially be a highly lucrative one.
At-sunrice and Shatec for instance, are two institutions that focus on offering culinary and F&B-related programmes that can kickstart your dream of never needing to work again in your life, just like Mark Twain’s quote.
Disadvantages of specialised programs
- Limited scope
While there are numerous advantages to specialized programs in Singapore, it's important to consider their potential limitation in scope.
Specialized programs often have a narrow focus, which means that students may have limited exposure to broader knowledge or interdisciplinary subjects. This can be a drawback for individuals who have diverse interests or are seeking a more well-rounded education.
The downside of a narrow focus is that it may restrict students' understanding of other fields and potentially limit their career options outside of their specialized area.
For example, if you choose a program in manufacturing, you may become highly skilled in specific manufacturing processes, but you might miss out on gaining a broader understanding of business management, marketing, or other related fields that could be valuable in your career.
Yet, it is also important to note that many such specialised programs actually offer a well-balanced curriculum that provides students with a combination of specialized knowledge and a broader educational foundation.
Lasalle's specialized program in Animation Art for instance, offers a well-balanced curriculum that combines technical skills with artistic and conceptual development. The program covers technical skills like animation production and storytelling while also including liberal arts courses that expose students to art history, critical studies, and cultural perspectives.
- Skills may one day be obsolete
Moreover, in rapidly evolving industries, such as technology or healthcare, a narrow focus can pose a risk of skill obsolescence.
Technology, in particular, is constantly advancing, and specialized skills that are highly sought after today might become less relevant in a few years.
This means that individuals with a specialized skill set might need to continually update their knowledge and acquire new skills to stay competitive in the job market.
A student studying in applied computing for instance, may risk having everything learnt being obsolete shortly after graduating. In fact, with AI being extensively developed now, any skills that can reasonably be replace by AI are faced with the same obsolescence issue.
- Limited job opportunities
While specialized programs in Singapore offer advantages such as quick job placement and strong industry connections, it's essential to consider the potential limitation of limited job opportunities within certain specialized fields.
Although these programs train graduates with skills that are in demand by specific industries, it's important to recognize that the job market may not always have a high demand for professionals in those particular fields.
Specialized programs often cater to niche industries or specific job roles, which can result in a limited number of available positions. This is especially so if you do not yet have broader job experience in the industry.
For example, while certain programs that focuses on highly specialized manufacturing processes or niche culinary skills can be quickly hired, it is ultimately a relatively small job market.
This means that if you’d like to switch job within the industry in the future, there may be fewer employment opportunities.
What are some specialised programs in Singapore?
Culinary Programmes
Culinary is one of the most popular specialised programs with many established private schools offering it.
Shatec for instance, is one of the oldest hospitality-focused school that offered culinary diplomas and degrees for both full-time and part-time students.
Interestingly, it also has apprenticeship diploma programme which allows you to apprentice under one of its hotel partners, while you get your diploma.
Other institutes that offer culinary programs include At-sunrice and Asian Culinary Institute. Many of Singapore’s polytechnic and even NUS offer culinary-related programmes which will surly interest those that wanted to get their diplomas or degrees from an autonomous school.
Polytechnic programmes
Before you dismiss polytechnic programmes as elementary and not up to the level that you are looking at, it is worth noting that these courses have many great benefits. Firstly, it offers post-diploma courses, which means that the diplomas offered are named as specialist diploma and have the following benefits:
- Short course of usually one year
- Much cheaper, usually around $2,000 - $4,000
- Polytechnics can have better recognition to some employers
- Polytechnics are well-connected with relevant industry partners
- You graduate with a Specialist Diploma cert, which reflects well on you as a specialist.
The polytechnics have an extensive list of more than 250 types of specialist diplomas that you can apply to. This includes courses in disciplines like engineering, counselling, data science, and many others. Here’s the links to each polytechnic’s offerings:
- Temasek Polytechnic (select Part-time Diploma & Post-diploma Courses under course type)
- Republic Polytechnic (select Specialist Diploma under Programme Type)
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Nanyang Polytechnic
Sports-related Programmes
When it comes to sports-related programs, there are various options available in Singapore. Firstly, many autonomous schools are already offering sports-related programmes including Republic Polytechnic’s School of Sports, Health and Leisure. Yet there are several private schools that you can consider as well:
PSB Academy: PSB is quite invested in sports-related programmes, including even a sports lab that can impart practical lessons for students.
International Management & Sports College (IMSC): IMSC focuses on sports-related programmes from universities like University of Portsmouth. This includes programmes like BSc in Sports And Exercise Science and BSc in Sports Management. Their campus at the Singapore Sports Hub is also highly conducive for practical lessons.
Religion-related Programmes
Religion-related programmes can be highly fulfilling for those who are religious and can often become a good career as well. These programs aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of different religious traditions, enhance their knowledge of religious texts and doctrines, and explore the intersections of religion with various aspects of society.
Various institutions offer religion-related courses, ranging from diplomas to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Christianity:
- Singapore Bible College: Offers a range of programs in theology and biblical studies, preparing students for Christian ministry and leadership roles.
- Trinity Theological College: Offers several programs including bachelor of divinity and master of divinity
- Biblical Graduate school of theology
- Islam:
- Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah: Offers programs in Islamic Studies, providing students with a deep understanding of Islamic theology, law, history, and contemporary issues.
- Buddhism:
- Buddhist College of Singapore: Offers programs in Buddhist Studies, focusing on the study of Buddhist philosophy, scriptures, history, and practices.
Arts
Arts programmes are generally well known among Singaporeans and even foreigners so this section will be short. Other than popular schools like LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), School of the Arts Singapore, some private schools that offers art-related courses include
- Raffles College of Higher Education: Focuses on fashion design and have other programmes like architecture and graphic design
- Polytechnics: All polytechnics offered some design related courses which you can explore through the links provided above
- Singapore Raffles Music College: As the name suggests, this private school focuses on music and dance and offer diplomas, bachelor’s and even master’s courses.
Other specialised programmes
There are many other specialised programmes available that are being offered by private institutions as well. Here’s a summary of some prominent ones:
Aviation: Many aviation-related courses are covered by Singapore Institute of Technology, but if you are looking for private institutions, ERC Institute and ERAU Asia Institute have several courses in Aviation.
Build and Construction-related: BCA Academy is perhaps the most well-known, while schools like Auston, Global School of Technology & Management and Dimensions International College also offer several relevant courses.
Criminology: That’s right Sherlock, there are specialised courses from Kaplan that takes you one step closer to being called a detective. Local universities like SUSS and SIT are also big on criminology, offering several courses on the topic.
Early childhood: Besides courses offered by major institutions, National Institute of Early Childhood Development and Asian International College both offer early childhood studies programmes. KLC International college even offers a programme in Mandarin, which suits Chinese speakers well.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Singapore college of traditional Chinese medicine offer courses including a bachelor degree in TCM. Despite the niche market, there is still a considerable demand for TCM in Singapore. This might turn out to be a very lucrative market for people interested in TCM.
Medical: Parkway College Of Nursing And Allied Health offers several medical related courses including Bachelor of Science (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging. The school is also linked to Parkway Group, which means Parkway Group may prioritise graduates of its courses for entry-level placements.
Law: There are several schools offering a Law degree, including Kaplan, Amity Global Institute and BAC College. The shortest course is offered by Kaplan, a top-up course that last 25 months.
Digital Innovations: Digipen focuses on courses that are useful in the digital age, such as Digital Art and Game Development.
Adult Learning: Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), an institute of Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), IAL offers several diplomas and masters’ focusing on adult learning. By adult learning, this means courses that teach you how to be a trainer, training adult professionals.
Conclusion
I hope that the article has given you enough insights into some specialised programs offered in Singapore to make your decision.
It is definitely a road less travelled, but as they say, a road less travelled means you are creating your unique path.
We suggest that you check out other routes you can go in our Ultimate Guide to Higher Education in Singapore, to compare which is best suited for you.
If you have any questions, do post it in the comment below!