Despite efforts to reduce the emphasis on academic qualifications in Singapore, a university degree is still widely seen as the key that opens doors to many job opportunities. At the same time, it comes with its own number of costs to earn it. The tuition costs for a degree are not cheap either, besides putting in the requisite effort to prepare for exams and complete your coursework. Additionally, there’s always the opportunity cost you need to consider not working. It is not a decision that you can take lightly to obtain a degree, whether a full-time or part-time degree in Singapore, local or overseas. Here are three factors you must consider before making your decision.
#1 Duration
In comparison to full-time students who can want to devote themselves completely to their studies, working adults have to juggle between various obligations such as their job, family, and research. If you’re talking about obtaining a part-time degree, you should weigh the time it takes for you to finish it, and whether or not you can stick to it. If a degree takes three years to complete, then you have to make sure the duration is correct for you. For example, if you’re planning to get married, have children, or are planning to get an overseas posting during this timeframe, pursuing your degree at the same time can be unlikely.
#2 Structure of Lessons
It’s neither practical nor fair to expect a part-time student to follow a course planned for full-time students. With full-time jobs to take care of and their own families, part-time students would definitely need a course program built around them. This may mean holding lessons on weekday evenings that allow students to concentrate on one module at a time, rather than several modules that are simultaneously taken and completed. If you take a part-time degree, make sure that the layout of the course is structured in a manner that suits your schedule, as well as work and family responsibilities.
#3 Campus Location
If you are seeking a full-time degree, you do not appreciate your campus location as much as you would expect that 1) you will have enough time each day to drive to school and 2) you might also have the option of living on campus if necessary. Place matters, though, as a part-time student. So, imagine if you work in the East and your campus is on the other end of the island. It’s not only going to be difficult to take a 1.5-hour one-way commute via public transport, but also unsustainable. You’ll be more likely to be out or late for classes and project meetings than not.
A school campus situated in Singapore’s central region is likely to
be even more convenient for part-time students who work inside the CBD.
Many engineering schools have campuses in central cities and convenient locations.
To find out more about part time degrees, visit https://www.auston.edu.sg/part-time-degrees-in-singapore/
