FAQs FOR SOE COURSE STRUCTURE
 

 
 
What is the SoE course structure?

The course structure comprises two main components:

i. core curriculum and
ii. SoE electives
 
To graduate, students must fulfill the minimum graduating requirements (MGR) of 150 credit units (CUs).
 
(i) Core Curriculum (144 CUs)

Year 1 Semester 1
Modules provide students with foundational knowledge in common core disciplines.
             
Year 1 Semester 2 to Year 2
Modules equip students with strong foundational knowledge specific to their disciplines.

Year 3
Modules are offered to deepen students knowledge in areas of specialization or broaden their knowledge in other disciplines. Students can select engineering or non-engineering options for the below SoE courses. Refer to question "Which SoE courses offer Engineering and Non-Engineering options?"

For courses with engineering options, students can select specific fields to deepen their knowledge in areas of specialization building on their foundational knowledge acquired in Years 1 and 2.

For courses with non-engineering options, modules are offered to broaden students’ knowledge in other disciplines. This will prepare students for less technical jobs such as sales and marketing in engineering industry.

For courses without options, modules are offered to deepen students’ knowledge in specific disciplines to build on their foundational knowledge acquired in Years 1 and 2.

 

(ii) SoE Electives (6 CUs)

SoE electives provide greater flexibility by allowing students to choose modules from a wide range of engineering and non-engineering modules offered by SoE.

Students are required to complete two SoE electives, in addition to the core curriculum in order to meet the MGR. Each elective carries 3 CUs.

For students who wish to graduate with more than just a diploma, they can choose to top up with additional modules from the SoE clusters based on their abilities and interests. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded Diploma Plus and/or Enhancement certificates.
 

Which SoE courses offer Engineering and Non-Engineering options?

SoE Course Engineering Options Non-Engineering Options
Diploma in Electrical Engineering (DipEE) Yes Yes
Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering (DipECE) Yes Yes
Diploma in Marine & Offshore Technology (DipMOT) Yes --
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DipME) Yes Yes
Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering (DipMTE) Yes Yes
 
What is credit unit (CU)?

In general, a credit unit is equivalent to 1 contact-hour per week per semester.

For example:
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (5 contact hours per week) carries 5 CUs
 
However, there are exceptions.
Examples:
- Industrial Attachment Programme (about 6 months) carries 25 CUs
- Project Design and Development (about 1.5 days per week) carries a minimum of 20 CUs
- Industrial Training Programme (6 to 7 weeks) carries 5 CUs
 
Students will be able to view the credit units of modules of the course.
 

What is ‘Minimum Graduating Requirements (MGR)?

MGR is the minimum number of credit units required for students to graduate with a diploma. The MGR for all SoE courses is 150 CUs.
 

What is an option?

An option is part of the core curriculum to satisfy the minimum graduating requirements (MGR). It provides specializations catering to students with different aspirations. For courses with options, students can select an option of their choice for the final-year study.
 

If a student chooses Engineering Common Programme (ECP), what courses are available to him/her after completing the 1st semester in ECP course?

The available courses are Aerospace Electronics (AE), Aerospace Technology (AT), Audio-Visual Technology (AVT), Biomedical Engineering (BME), Electronic & Computer Engineering (ECE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Marine & Offshore Technology (MOT) and Mechatronic Engineering (MTE).
 
What is Diploma Plus Programme (DPP)?

DPP is a programme that enables students to obtain certificate(s) by taking cluster(s) of modules beyond their diploma course. These are additional modules which will expose students to greater depth in their chosen disciplines or broaden their knowledge in other fields. It will prepare students better for further education and/or increase their employability.

All SoE students have the opportunity to take the programme. They can plan to take their DPP modules over the semesters within the 3-year course duration.

Upon successful completion, students will be awarded either a Diploma Plus and/or Enhancement certificates. Refer to question ‘What are the criteria for awarding a Diploma Plus certificate?’

 
What are the criteria for awarding a Diploma Plus certificate?

All students will take two SoE elective modules to complete their diploma. To qualify for a Diploma Plus certificate, they only need to top up with two additional SoE elective modules and satify the requirement that with three of the four SoE elective modules from the same cluster.
 

What are the differences between the “Option” and “Diploma Plus Programme (DPP)”?

Option

DPP

Students select either an Engineering or Non-Engineering option.

Students select a cluster of modules among the SoE electives that will lead them to a Diploma Plus certificate.

Compulsory.

Non-compulsory.

Intended for professional development.

Aimed to enhance the employability of graduates and/or prepare them for further studies.

Forms part of the core curriculum to satisfy the minimum graduating requirements (MGR).

Leads to Diploma Plus and/or Enhancement certificates.