On the cards: Big change in varsity programmes
By Amelia Tan

SINGAPORE'S three universities are planning major changes to their programmes to make themselves more attractive to students.

The plans include expanded overseas exchange programmes, revamped post-graduate degrees and an interdisciplinary approach to subjects like engineering.

The proposed changes were announced yesterday during the release of a preliminary report on the expansion of the university sector. The aim is to give university places to 30 per cent of each year's cohort by 2015, up from 25 per cent now.

Officials highlighted a National University of Singapore plan to start a two-track engineering programme in 2011. Its courses will be designed to equip students with breadth of knowledge so that they can work in the science and engineering industries. The school also wants to equip engineering students with fundamentals in design and management.

Next year, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is scheduled to launch an accelerated engineering programme leading to a master's degree in four years. The programme aims to produce engineers who will become industrial and business leaders.

NTU provost Bertil Andersson, who sat on the committee that drew up the report, said an interdisciplinary approach in engineering will help students find work in other fields. 'We still need classical engineers who can build a boat and an aeroplane, but many engineers no longer go into businesses which they used to do.'

Also announced was a Singapore Management University plan to raise the number of places for new undergraduates to 2,100 by 2015, up from 1,600 now.

The committee also recommended that more niche degree programmes be offered through tie-ups between polytechnics and specialised institutions.

The polytechnics plan to forge 10 such links by 2010, with places for about 460 students, or double the current intake. The aim is to create 700 places by 2015.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic announced on Monday that it is tying up with Chapman University to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative producing. The school is also pursuing another degree tie-up in advertising and marketing communications.

Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew said: 'These tie-ups allow our polytechnic graduates to go on and pursue higher education here in Singapore at fees that are affordable because they are highly subsidised.'