Anatomy of a Degree
Anatomy of a Degree
1. Basics of higher education
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Most universities practice a modular system and students need to complete a certain number of modules per semester.
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Universities largely adopt the lecture-tutorial style that you are familiar with and you can expect most modules to follow a lecture-tutorial system followed by an assessment at the end of every semester in university.
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Each module carries a certain number of credits and the total number of credits you get depends on your attendance and grade.
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Your total credit score at the end of your university education will constitute what is called the Grade Point Average (GPA). NUS calls it Cumulative Average Point (CAP)
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Your GPA will determine the degree class that you get, with Honours (Highest Distinction) being the highest class of degree you can get. and Pass being the lowest (subject to a minimum GPA).
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Typically, a student who takes a 3 year course will achieve either Pass or Pass (with Merit).
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To attain a higher class, students will typically need to take an extra year (Honours year), subject to a minimum GPA requirement.
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There are many courses that practice direct-honours e.g. 4 year courses. However, note that your GPA must still meet a minimum standard for you to achieve an Honours degree.
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SMU and SUTD only have direct-honours courses. This is also the reason why the graduates from these universities typically command higher salaries.
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For more information, you can read
2. Types of degrees
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Major |
Major with minor |
Double Major (or second major) |
Double degree |
Joint degree (or concurrent degree) |
|
One area of specialisation |
One area of specialisation |
Two areas of specialisation |
Two areas of specialisation |
Degree with masters |
|
One certificate |
One certificate |
One certificate |
Two certificates |
Combined certificate |
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Flexibility to take free electives and more time to pursue your passions |
Minor takes up less units than major and is less time consuming |
May have less flexibility to take up other electives or specialise |
Academically very taxing and time-consuming. Complete two degrees in a shorter time |
Academically very taxing and time-consuming. Complete two degrees in a shorter time |
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Have option of further specialising in your chosen major with available units (called Specialisation / Concentration / Track) |
Minor is generally seen as a secondary specialisation. May not improve employability |
May have greater employability due to double specialisation |
More varied career opportunities due to two degrees |
Greater employability due to master's degree, especially if master's is read overseas |
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More resources for you to find out more:
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What you need to know about taking on second major
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3. Overview of Local Higher Education
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University |
Type |
Courses offered |
Teaching style |
Highlights |
Top Scholarship |
Scholars Programme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Research-intensive |
Comprehensive, with 17 faculties including Duke-NUS, Yale-NUS and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory |
Varied, mostly traditional lecture-style |
(not tied to any scholarships) |
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|
Research-intensive |
Comprehensive, with a focus on Engineering, Science and Tech |
Varied, mostly traditional lecture-style |
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|
Research-intensive |
Specialist, with focus on Business, IT, Social Sciences and Law |
100% seminar-style |
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|
Research-intensive |
Specialist, with focus on Design-focused engineering and IT |
Hands-on and collaborative |
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|
Applied learning |
Specialist, with focus on Engineering, IT and Health Sciences |
Work-focused |
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Applied learning |
Specialist, with focus on Business and Social Sciences |
Work-focused |
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|
Research-intensive |
Teacher preparation college |
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|
Research-intensive |
Graduate-entry medical school |