
Congratulations — you have reached this point in your education and career, and you are considering TMC Academy as way to advance to the next level.
TMC Academy is a prestigious EduTrust Certified Private Educational Institution (PEI) located in Singapore. It has over 40 years of experience in providing education to both local and international students looking to upgrade their skills and explore new career opportunities.
Background to the TMC Academy
As a prospective student, you are likely interested in finding out if the TMC Academy is a ‘good’ school. In other words, is it safe to commit your dream and future career to the TMC Academy?
Here are a few things for you to consider:
The TMC Academy has been an academic establishment since 1981, and has been awarded several certifications since then. In 2010, the TMC Academy was one of the first PEIs to achieve the sought-after four-year EduTrust Certification awarded by the Committee for Private Education (CPE).
This shows that the TMC Academy has met the CPE’s required stringent standards and indicators for excellence in education, and has overall successfully demonstrated the ability to provide high-quality education to its students.
Credentials
Apart from this, the TMC Academy has received recognition for excellence in its degree offerings.
For instance, the school was awarded Best Private Education Institution for Hospitality and Tourism in 2018, and also bagged the Winner in Higher Education award for the third time for the Psychology category in 2019.
Awards like these show that the TMC Academy delivers high-level education across courses, enabling it to produce successful graduates who have gone on to promising careers.
Programmes Offered
The TMC Academy offers over 70 high quality courses across several disciplines. Specifically, courses are organised into nine disciplines. These are offered at a range of programme levels, from Diploma and certificate levels, to bachelors’ degrees, postgraduate Diplomas, and postgraduate and master’s degree levels.
Here’s a quick run-down for your consideration:
- Accounting and Finance: For individuals who are keen on learning how to make sound financial decisions for business profitability, the TMC Academy offers Diploma ‘O’ level, Diploma ‘A’ level, Bachelor’s Degree, and Postgraduate programmes for this discipline.
- Business: Under the Business discipline, the TMC Academy aims to develop well-grounded leadership skills in its students. It offers Diploma ‘O’ level and Diploma ‘A’ level courses under this discipline. Students can opt to specialise further by selecting relevant modules such as Human Resource Management and Logistics. Bachelors’ degree options with majors in Business and Management, Marketing Management, and International Logistics and Trade Finance, are also offered in partnership with the University of Northampton. Individuals interested in Postgraduate and Masters studies can likewise choose from a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and Leadership, or a Masters in Business Administration.
- Hospitality and Tourism: The TMC Academy’s Hospitality and Tourism courses are delivered in partnership with external hospitality and tourism associations in Singapore, specifically, the Association of Bartenders and Sommeliers Singapore (ABSS) and the Food and Beverage Managers Association (FBMA). Under this discipline, the school has Diploma, Higher Diploma, and Bachelor’s Degree offerings.
- Infocomm Technology: For those interested in software development, e-commerce, digital marketing, and cybersecurity, the TMC Academy offers Diploma and Higher Diploma courses.
- Engineering: Under this discipline, interested individuals may enrol in Diploma or Higher Diploma programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
- Mass Communication: The TMC Academy offers Diploma, Higher Diploma, and Bachelors’ Degree programmes for those interested in pursuing a career in Mass Communication.
- Psychology: The TMC Academy’s Psychology and Counselling programmes are delivered in collaboration with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). Here, interested individuals may select from programme offerings ranging from Diploma to Postgraduate Diploma.
- Financial Planning: The TMC Academy’s Financial Planning course is delivered in partnership with the Financial Planning Association of Singapore (FPAS). Upon completion of this course, students may apply for certification from FPAS, and may further apply for certification from the Institute of Banking and Finance of Singapore (IBF).
- English Language: The TMC Academy also offers a range of courses that will equip students with extensive skills in using the English language. Upon completion, students may earn certificates for academic purposes. Courses may also be used as a preparatory step for taking on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
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Short certificate courses are likewise offered for individuals who are looking to elevate their skills.
The TMC Academy Facilities and Academic Staff
Of course, the environment in which you study is almost as important as what you study.
The TMC Academy campus is located at 805 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389683. It is near Paya Lebar, and is accessible through the Paya Lebar MRT station.
The TMC Academy’s physical campus features facilities such as a wide lecture hall, computer labs, and a library. Its physical campus is supported by its eCampus, where students are able to participate in online discussions and access online resources.
In addition to this, the school has partnered with Bistro @ 39 to provide hands-on training and learning for students who are enrolled in its hospitality courses.
Further, the school’s academic staff are highly qualified, as seen in this staff publication.
Admission and Funding
If you already have an idea of what programme you’d like to enrol in and what course you’d like to take, your next question is: how do I get in?
To be considered for admission to a university programme at TMC, applicants must meet specific entry requirements. These requirements vary depending on the course and degree level, so it is important for you to check with the admission team and verify if you meet the criteria for your chosen programme.
However, there are some general university requirements that apply to all applicants, such as pre-course counselling and the submission of course documents and any applicable proof of pre-requisite certifications or qualifications. In addition, international students would need to show proof of English proficiency to be eligible for enrolment.
Prospective students may submit a course enquiry here.
Programme fees are of course another aspect to consider. Interested applicants may send an email here for detailed fee breakdowns. There are also scholarships and grants for qualified individuals, while some short courses are also eligible for external funding.
Why Choose TMC Academy?
We’ve gone through all the necessary background information about TMC Academy. Now, what does it all mean for you?
For any undertaking, it’s often wise to list down pros and cons before making a choice and taking the next step. It’s much the same for your choice of school. We have, however, done some of the legwork for you.
Here are our top three reasons for choosing the TMC Academy:
- Strong Industry Partnerships:
As you have seen from the run-down of programme and course offerings, the TMC Academy has elected to partner with external industry associations.
For instance, business students would benefit from TMC Academy’s collaboration with the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) and partnership with established companies such as Sofitel, Sentosa, and HMS Assurance. Students who are enrolled in TMC’s hospitality and tourism programmes would likewise benefit not only from its partnerships with ABSS and FBMAS, but also from its internship tie-ups with well-known companies such as the Intercontinental Hotel Group, Marina Bay Sands, Shangri-La Hotel, and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel group.
These partnerships with acclaimed associations and establishments benefit students in several ways.
Firstly, students are assured that the curriculum that they are studying is in strong alignment with current industry trends and practices. This ensures that students gain the knowledge and skills that are directly applicable in their respective fields.
Also, through partnerships with prominent companies and associations, TMC Academy provides students with opportunities for internships, industry projects, and experiential learning. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Apart from this, partnering with industry associations and established companies opens doors for students to connect with professionals, experts, and potential employers. When you study at TMC, you will have the chance to participate in industry events, conferences, and networking sessions, allowing you to expand your professional network and gain insights into industry practices and career pathways.
Finally, by partnering with certifying associations such as the FPAS and IBF, students have the chance to earn industry-recognised certifications or qualifications. This can further enhance students’ credentials and competitiveness in the job market.
As a graduate of TMC, achieving these certifications demonstrate to prospective employers that you have acquired specialised knowledge and skills endorsed by industry authorities.
- Collaboration with Esteemed Institutions
For some of its Bachelors and Postgraduate degrees, TMC Academy has partnered with well-established overseas universities such as the University of Northampton, Griffith University, and the Swiss Hospitality Management School.
This partnership and collaboration brings international recognition and accreditation to TMC Academy's programs. As a graduate of TMC, this is beneficial for you because it allows you to obtain qualifications that are recognised not only in Singapore but also globally, increasing your mobility and employability on an international scale.
Also, looping back to our earlier question of is it ‘safe’ to entrust your future to the TMC Academy? — partnerships and collaborations with reputable universities such as these underscore that you are, in fact, receiving quality education that aligns with international benchmarks and meets rigorous quality assurance processes.
- Enhanced Career Prospects and Employability
The end goal of most students after completing their diplomas or degrees is to secure jobs that they not only enjoy but are also passionate about in their preferred industry.
TMC’s recognitions for quality education, as well as its partnerships with reputable associations, establishments, and institutions, all work together to push students toward successfully reaching this end goal. For instance, by opening opportunities for hands-on learning with established companies, TMC students are assured that they gain knowledge and skills that are directly applicable in their respective fields, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Further, collaborating with reputable companies increases the chances of job placements for TMC Academy students. The academy's strong connections with industry partners can result in internship-to-employment opportunities, job referrals, and recruitment drives specifically targeted at TMC students, giving them an advantage in securing employment upon graduation.
In fact, TMC reports that 1 in 2 graduates of PEIs have found full-time permanent employment within six months of graduation — and not only that, they have enjoyed an increase in median gross monthly salary, underscoring the high employability and competitiveness of graduates.
The ‘Cons’
We promised to give you not only the ‘pros’ of choosing TMC, but also the cons. So, what’s the other side of the coin?
- Limited Programme Offerings
Compared to larger universities, TMC Academy has a limited range of programme offerings. Further, some courses are only offered for specific levels: for instance, Infocomm Technology is only offered at the Diploma and Higher Diploma levels. If you have specific academic interests or who have career goals that are not covered by the available programs, your choices may be restricted.
- Smaller Campus Size
TMC Academy's campus may be smaller in size compared to larger institutions. This means that there may be fewer facilities, resources, and extracurricular activities available on campus. If you are the type of student who values a diverse and vibrant campus life with extensive facilities and a wide range of student organisations, you may find the options at TMC Academy quite limited.
- Recognition and Perceived Prestige
While TMC Academy is a reputable institution, it may not have the same level of recognition or perceived prestige as larger, more established universities such as the ‘Big Three’: Nanyang Technological University, National Singapore University, or Singapore Management University. This can be a factor to consider if you highly value the reputation of the institution that is awarding your educational qualifications.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, considering TMC Academy for your educational journey is a decision that should be weighed carefully based on your individual needs and aspirations. TMC Academy offers a range of advantages that make it a compelling choice for prospective students, but it also has some limiting factors to consider.
The academy's accredited programs and industry-relevant curriculum ensure that the qualifications you obtain are credible and can enhance your employment prospects with every step you take. Additionally, the experienced faculty and support services at TMC Academy contribute to a positive learning experience.
However, it is important to acknowledge that TMC Academy may have limitations in terms of program offerings and campus size compared to larger institutions. The level of international exposure and recognition may also vary, which is worth considering if these factors are important to you.
Ultimately, the decision to enrol in TMC Academy should be based on a careful assessment of your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. While our guide gives you a great run-down of important considerations, you can also visit the campus, and speak with current or former students to gain personal insights into the specific offerings, culture, and overall fit of TMC Academy for your educational and professional journey.
Remember, your education is a significant investment in your future, so ensure that the institution you choose aligns with your goals and aspirations, providing the opportunities and support you need to succeed.