AskST Jobs: Work and study, specialist, advanced, postgraduate – which diploma variant to choose?

In this series, human resources reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions about how to navigate challenges in the workplace and advance your career. Get more tips by subscribing to The Straits Times’ HeadSTart newsletter.

Q: How do I choose the right diploma for my career and learning needs, with the increase in new variants awarded by polytechnics and other institutions?

A: Diplomas are not just three-year programs awarded by polytechnics and now aimed at high school leavers.

Instead, new variants have emerged such as work-study diplomas, advanced diplomas, specialist diplomas and postgraduate diplomas.

Additionally, some are issued by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), local autonomous universities or private education providers, rather than polytechnics.

The increase in the range and variety of diplomas, as well as the organizations that confer them, aims to promote lifelong learning and employability of Singaporeans, says Dr Betsy Ng, an education research scientist at the Research Center in Pedagogy and Practice of the National Institute of Education.

In Singapore’s educational landscape, ITE has offered the work-study diploma to its graduates since 2018.

These diplomas combine academic study with practical work experience to prepare students for specific job roles in industries such as engineering and healthcare, says Dr Samson Tan, director of the learning and professional development division at the Institute for Learning. Adults.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng says the advanced diploma and specialized diploma courses are designed to enable holders of existing diplomas or degrees to deepen their knowledge and skills, as well as specialize in the trained disciplines.

Finally, a postgraduate diploma represents an advanced academic achievement that is pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree, notes Dr Tan.

“It focuses on a specialized subject area and is characterized by the absence of the research component, which is normally found in a master’s program,” he adds.

Dr Ng says postgraduate diplomas are linked to a level of education above a bachelor’s degree but below a master’s degree, and can be completed in one year.

Those considering postgraduate diplomas usually do so in the hope that what they learn can help them move into higher or specialized positions in their field, seek new jobs or complement their existing qualification, he adds.

Meanwhile, graduate degrees are typically aimed at those in management or research-related roles, he notes.

Comparing postgraduate diplomas with postgraduate degrees such as master’s or doctorate, Dr Tan says the degrees involve extensive research and theoretical study, often spanning several years.

He adds: “In contrast, postgraduate diplomas are shorter in duration and typically focus on practical skills and specific training within a particular field.

“While postgraduate degrees can offer broader career opportunities, postgraduate diplomas can provide valuable, immediately applicable skills relevant to specific industries.”

Dr Tan also says diplomas issued by ITE, polytechnics and universities are industry-recognized programs and present value to employers in different sectors depending on job requirements and industry context.

He advises: “When deciding on the right diploma, it is important to consider your career goals, your interests and the relevance of the diploma to the industry you are interested in.

“It is also important to compare in detail the different similar diplomas offered by different institutions. Factors to consider include curriculum, mode of study, and potential for further education or career advancement.”

He suggests that students look for former graduates to better understand whether the course is right for them as well.

“Each of these diplomas caters to different stages of an individual’s educational and professional journey, providing pathways tailored to diverse career aspirations and learning preferences.”

I have a question? Send it to [email protected]