- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) launches new engineering degree pathway.
- This SIT stackable degree programme allows students to earn degrees through stackable micro-credentials.
- It caters to both young students and working professionals seeking to upgrade their skills.
SIT’s new Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) pathway offers a flexible way to earn engineering degrees, starting from September 2024.
- Key Terms Simplified
- New SIT Stackable Degree Pathway at SIT
- How the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) Pathway Works
- Who Can Benefit from This Programme
- Support for Students
- Focus on Sustainability
- Why This Programme Matters
- Benefits for Older Learners
- Impact on Singapore’s Education and Economy
- Challenges and Considerations
Key Terms Simplified
- Micro-credential is a short course that teaches a specific skill.
- Stackable means you can combine multiple short courses to earn a bigger qualification.
- Competency-based education focuses on what you can do, not just what you know.
New SIT Stackable Degree Pathway at SIT
On 4 October 2024, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) announced a new way to earn engineering degrees.
This new pathway is called the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM).
It started in September 2024.
Students can earn degrees in Infrastructure and Systems Engineering (ISE) or Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).
How the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) Pathway Works
The CSM pathway lets students learn at their own pace.
This is good for working professionals who want to study.
Students take short courses called micro-credentials.
Each micro-credential takes about four months to complete.
Students have five years to use these micro-credentials towards their degree.
| First Three Micro-credentials | Start Date |
|---|---|
| Data Analytics | September 2024 |
| Electronics Systems | September 2024 |
| Engineering Design and Solutioning | September 2024 |
Who Can Benefit from This Programme
The CSM pathway is not just for young students.
It’s also for professionals who want to upgrade their skills.
According to SIT, the programme recognises prior learning and work experience.
This means students might get credits or exemptions for what they already know.
Patrick Tan, a 47-year-old Senior Engineer at SBS Transit, said, “The flexibility of the ISE programme enables me to advance my engineering knowledge at my own pace.”
Support for Students
SIT provides a success coach for each student.
The coach helps with setting academic and personal goals.
They also provide extra resources and motivation.
This support system helps students balance work and study.
Focus on Sustainability
Both the ISE and EEE programmes focus on sustainability.
They align with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Graduates can work in areas like renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
These areas are important for Singapore’s future economy.
Why This Programme Matters
Professor John Thong, Deputy President (Academic) and Provost at SIT, explained why this programme is important.
He said, “The rapid technological advancements in the engineering landscape and the increasing complexity of global challenges necessitate a continuous learning mindset for engineers to stay relevant and competitive.”
This means engineers need to keep learning to stay up-to-date.
The CSM pathway helps with this lifelong learning.
Benefits for Older Learners
The programme is not just for young people.
Ben Xiao, a 68-year-old learner in the EEE programme, shared his thoughts.
He said, “Lifelong learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about finding joy and fulfilment in pursuing knowledge“
This shows that learning can be rewarding at any age.
Impact on Singapore’s Education and Economy
- Helps meet the rising demand for engineers in Singapore
- Supports urbanisation and digital transformation
- Prepares workers for technologies like artificial intelligence and Internet of Things
- Encourages a culture of lifelong learning
Challenges and Considerations
While the CSM pathway offers many benefits, there are some things to think about.
One question is whether this flexible learning can provide the same quality of training as traditional methods.
Another is whether the programme can keep up with fast-changing employer needs.
These are important points as Singapore aims to stay competitive in the global market.
SIT’s new CSM pathway offers a flexible way to earn engineering degrees, supporting lifelong learning and Singapore’s future economy.
