Course Listing & FAQs

 

1. What should I include in my write-up?

Your write-up should be about yourself. Some things to include are:

• Why do you have an interest in this diploma and career path?
• What are your aspirations? Which aspects of the course do you like and why?
• To demonstrate genuine interest and passion for the diploma course you are applying for.

2. What if I don’t have a portfolio or multi-media file? Any advice on creating my portfolio or multi-media file?

Start preparing now. Your portfolio or multi-media file does not need to consist of many items, as we are looking for quality over quantity! Just a few good ones to showcase relevant content of the course you are interested in and to represent your style.

Things you can include in your portfolio (for DARCH, DLA, DID applications):

• Drawings/sketches/doodles/photos or even design attempts – a collection of works that represent what you as a future designer can offer.
• To arrange in a thematic manner (For example, a series of photography or a series of charcoal sketches).
• Softcopy digital portfolio / e-portfolio format required (PDF, website, blog).

3. Do I need to have a Built Environment, Humanities, Media & Design background? 

For some diplomas, the fundamentals of specific subjects are important. For example, Mathematics and Sciences, especially Physics, is important for the Diploma in Civil Engineering.

4. What is the EAE interview like? Is there a dress code?

The majority of our interviews are individual interviews with the exception of the Diploma in Integrated Events & Project Management which is a group interview. For face to face interviews, you must wear your school uniform. For online interviews, you can wear smart casual outfits.

5. How can I better prepare for my interview?

You might want to think about the following questions that your interviewers might ask:

• Why did you choose this Diploma?
• What do you know about this Diploma?
• What do you know about this industry or its career path?
• Related experiences, eg. Related competitions, internships, participation in related workshops
• Share with us a challenging situation? Name one challenge you faced, whether at school, CCA or during a part-time job. How did you overcome that?
• What are your strength and weaknesses? Use 3 words to describe yourself

 

More advice on being prepared:

• Be yourself at the interviews. No right or wrong answers.
• We want to get to know you, and your experiences and assess your passion, interest as well as suitability for the course of your indicated choice.
• Be punctual for your appointment.
• Research on the industry and course. 

 

1. What does the School of Business (SB) look for in EAE applications?
   
   The School of Business is looking for potential students who can show evidence of interest and aptitude for applied learning and are particularly interested in business.
2. Are there character traits you look out for in a potential SB student?
   
   Curiosity, confidence, a desire to learn and a willingness to express your thoughts would be key attributes in an SB student. A demonstration of care and concern for your fellow students is also encouraged.
3. What do we need to prepare for the Diploma in Banking and Finance (DBKF) interview?
   
   You should be prepared to demonstrate that you are an individual who can adopt a critical and flexible viewpoint and can analyse issues from a variety of perspectives. You should also demonstrate interest and curiosity in the evolution of today’s banking and finance sector.
4. What do I need to prepare if I want to apply for the Diploma in Accountancy (DAC) through EAE?
   
   You should exhibit strong ethical values and critical thinking, be passionate about numbers and feel comfortable working in teams. You should also demonstrate interest and curiosity in the evolution of the accountancy industry in the digital world.
5. What do we need to prepare for the Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology (DHRMP) interview?
   
   You should be prepared to share your experiences in conflict management, negotiation and influencing others, and convince us that you have a passion for working with and through people.
6. 6. What do we need to prepare for the Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) interview?
   
   You should demonstrate interest and passion in understanding and running businesses. Curiosity and the ability to work collaboratively to produce creative business strategies will be key attributes that we seek.
7. What do we need to prepare for the Common Business Programme (CBP) interview?
   
   You should demonstrate interest to discover the different aspects of business and have a desire to specialise in one of these business areas, namely accounting, banking and finance, human resource or business administration.

 

1. What kind of aptitude tests will I expect when I apply for the courses under CLS via EAE? Aptitude tests are designed to systematically assess your ability to perform general tasks related to the diploma programme, as well as your ability to make sound judgement in varying situations. Depending on the diploma, it might comprise of written tests and/or hands-on activities.
   
   
2. I am interested in the Diploma in Optometry. What does SP look out for if I apply via EAE? 
   
   In general, applicants who demonstrate passion, aptitude, good communication skills and general understanding of life as an optometrist will stand a good chance of getting selected.
   
   
3. What are the interviewers looking for, in terms of character?
   
   A good place to start is the SP CORE Values: Self-discipline, Personal Integrity, Care and Concern, Openness, Responsibility and Excellence. In addition, having a growth mindset, entrepreneurial vigour and versatility are valuable.

1. What aptitudes does SoC look for in a candidate?

The School of Computing (SoC) seeks candidates with two key types of aptitude: computing-related and general learning.

 For computing aptitude, candidates should demonstrate:

• Computational Thinking: Skills like problem decomposition and pattern recognition.
• Logical Reasoning: Abilities in probabilistic, proportional, and combinatorial reasoning.
• Abstract Concept Handling: Competence in working with mental models and analogies.
• Computer Literacy: Understanding how computers operate, including knowledge of programs, operating systems, and file systems.
  

For general learning aptitude, candidates should have the ability to:

• Organize and Elaborate Ideas: Effectively structure and explain their thoughts.
• Synthesize Information: Gather and integrate information from various sources, such as online research and peer discussions.

This combination of computing-related and general learning aptitudes ensures that candidates are well-prepared to excel in the academic and professional environments of the School of Computing.

 

2. What is the EAE process for SoC?

The Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) process for SoC consists of two stages:

• Online Assessment: Applicants must sit for an online assessment.
• Group Activity and Presentation: Shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in group activities. These may include discussing technical topics and preparing a simple presentation. During this stage, applicants are assessed on their ability to think abstractly, work collaboratively, and organize their ideas. Judges will observe and interact with the candidates to evaluate these skills.
  

While the process is the same for all SoC courses, applicants should clearly indicate their first choice based on their interests and aptitudes. 

 

3. What is your advice if I have no experience or haven't participated in many relatable events for the course I would like to pursue?

If you lack experience or have not participated in many relevant events, you should:

• Familiarize Yourself with Computational Thinking: Practice breaking down problems, identifying patterns, working with analogies, and engaging in algorithmic or systemic thinking. There are many videos available that introduce computational thinking concepts which you can start familiarizing yourself with.
  
• Engage in Peer Discussions: Revise subjects with your peers, discuss the content together, identify what you have learned, and tackle challenging material by asking questions and collaborating.
  

By focusing on these areas, you can develop the necessary skills and mindset to excel in your chosen course.

 

EAE Tips from Our Lecturers and Students

1. What do I need to include in my portfolio if I am interested in applying for the courses under the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering?
   
   Some portfolio examples you may include are Young Engineer Awards (YEA), Applied Learning Modules (ApLMs), Certificate in STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics), awards received from participating in STEM-related competitions (e.g. Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC), RoboCup SG Open), evidence of being an active member of STEM-related CCA (e.g. Robotics Club, Infocomm club) or other significant contributions in STEM projects.
   
   You may also include certificates, testimonials or photos that show your participation in related competitions and programmes to showcase your interest.
   
   
2. Are the aptitude tests the same for all the courses?
   
   For the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, the aptitude test includes questions on logical thinking, Mathematics, and relevant topics on the specific course  which the applicant applied for.
   
   For the Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (DARE), applicants are required to complete an online quiz on aviation-related areas.
   
   
3. What if I do not have a portfolio? Will I be at a disadvantage?
   
   You can still explain the rationale behind your choice of courses, and show the results of the relevant subjects as evidence.
   
   
4. Does SP provide additional mathematics lessons for the ITE students who are entering via EAE? If yes, is it applicable for specific courses or all the engineering courses?
   
   Yes, SP offers Bridging Mathematics modules for the ITE students who are in their first year of studies in SP. It is designed to be fully integrated with the Engineering Mathematics module. The focus is to equip students with fundamental mathematical skills.

1. What is DMAD?
   
   The Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (DMAD) is a merger of 8 diplomas into a single diploma with 7 specialisations in response to the evolving needs of the Arts, Design & Media (ADM) sector. It trains students in one core discipline and gives students the choice of developing other complementary skillsets in the ADM areas. This prepares students to be competent, adaptable and to thrive in a constantly changing environment.
   
   
2. What is the reason for merging your previous diplomas into one diploma?
   
   As the industry landscape shifts with emerging technologies, disruptions and consolidations, many jobs can no longer operate in silo. There is a growing need for a broad-based curriculum that equips students not just with a deep domain specialisation, but also with other supporting skillsets that are required for their careers.
   
   DMAD allows students to go beyond their domain areas by further exposing and equipping students with a broad range of complementary skillsets to meet the demands of the Arts, Design & Media industry and support them in their future careers.
   
   
3. What is the EAE process for DMAD?
   
   The EAE process for DMAD consists of two stages. In the first stage, applicants will be required to sit for an online assessment. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to the second stage.
   
   The second stage involves an interview with a panel of lecturers. The interview panel will be looking to get to know the applicant better and to assess their passion in their selected area. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their portfolio related to their area of passion during the interview. The interview will be conducted on campus.
   
   

1. Are the aptitude tests the same for all the courses in SMA?
   
   No, they are not the same. For all of the courses offered by the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), the aptitude test consists of MCQ questions on the maritime industry in Singapore and information related to the specific course which you are applying for. If you do well in the aptitude test, you will be shortlisted for an interview.
   
   
2. What do I need to include in my portfolio?
   
   You may include a collection of maritime-related articles, interesting pictures or fun facts of the maritime industry that you collated to demonstrate your interest and awareness of the course.
   
   
3. Who will the interviewers be?
   
   A panel of SMA lecturers will conduct the interviews.
   
   
4. What do the interviewers look out for?
   
   They will be looking at your passion and assess your suitability for the course as well as your ability to communicate effectively and think on your feet. Additionally, you should have good analytical skills and a confident demeanour. Lastly, it is important to have awareness of the course and the industry you are getting into.