Anatomy of a Degree
Understand how a university degree works in Singapore, from the module system and GPA to the different degree types offered across local universities.
Last updated 16 June 2026
Anatomy of a Degree
1. Basics of higher education
Most universities practice a modular system and students need to complete a certain number of modules per semester.
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.
Each module carries a certain number of credits and the total number of credits you get depends on your attendance and grade.
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)
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).
Typically, a student who takes a 3 year course will achieve either Pass or Pass (with Merit).
To attain a higher class, students will typically need to take an extra year (Honours year), subject to a minimum GPA requirement.
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.
SMU and SUTD only have direct-honours courses. This is also the reason why the graduates from these universities typically command higher salaries.
For more information, you can read
2. Types of degrees
Types of degrees
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 |
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 |
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 |
More resources for you to find out more:
What you need to know about taking on second major
3. Overview of Local Higher Education
Local Universities
University | Type | Courses offered | Teaching style | Highlights | Top Scholarship | Scholars Programme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NUS | 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) | ||
NTU | Research-intensive | Comprehensive, with a focus on Engineering, Science and Tech | Varied, mostly traditional lecture-style | |||
SMU | Research-intensive | Specialist, with focus on Business, IT, Social Sciences and Law | 100% seminar-style | |||
SUTD | Research-intensive | Specialist, with focus on Design-focused engineering and IT | Hands-on and collaborative | |||
SIT | Applied learning | Specialist, with focus on Engineering, IT and Health Sciences | Work-focused | |||
SUSS | Applied learning | Specialist, with focus on Business and Social Sciences | Work-focused | |||
NTU-NIE | Research-intensive | Teacher preparation college | ||||
Duke NUS | Research-intensive | Graduate-entry medical school |