Part Time Degree Studying: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a part time degree is like spreading butter on toast. Stay with me here.

You always want to make sure that you have enough butter to spread over the entire piece of toast, corners included. There’s nothing worse than running out of butter just before you reach the parched, crusty wasteland of the corner of your toast.

If I don’t have enough butter to cover the toast, I end up desperately trying to scrape the butter into the corners.

Usually, this just leaves me questioning my life choices over a pile of crumbs on the counter.

time undergraduate programmes … and toast?

Most people studying to get their degrees end up feeling like a tiny pat of butter spread over too much toast. Seriously, who has enough time to study, spend time with family, work, socialise, AND still get enough sleep?

Enter the part time degree.

1. What is a part time degree?

Studying part time is essentially like studying full time, but spread over a longer period of time.

It takes the big slice of tertiary toast and cuts it into smaller pieces. That way, you have enough butter to cover all of the toast thoroughly.

Most colleges and universities offer the option of getting your degree part time. This leaves you with enough time to get through everything else in your life that also needs to happen. Like binge-watching Netflix.

2. Is a part time degree the same as a full time degree?

Say you want to study digital marketing or social sciences to get a promotion or a new job. Kinda’ like Cinderella needing a new dress to go to the royal ball.

The qualification you need is like Cinderella’s dress. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to make the dress, as long as it looks beautiful when it’s finished.

Whether you have a fairy godmother who makes it happen with a quick “bippity-boppity-boo,” or you take some extra time to make it, both dresses will work equally as well.

3. Is studying a part time degree worth it?

 

Like Cinderella, it can be really difficult to focus on making your dress when you have so many other chores. But without it, it might be impossible to get into the royal ball.

We often neglect our own professional development when we are caught up pursuing our current occupations. But to remain relevant and gain new skills, a university degree programme might be the best ticket to a better life.

*Spoiler alert — it is ALWAYS worth it.

Cinderella would agree.

4. How do part time undergraduate programmes work?

Not everyone has had the opportunity to be a student at university. Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to study, these days there are plenty of opportunities in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

On top of all this, modern science and technology have gifted us with something spectacular: opportunity.

With science (of course)

Most accredited Universities (like Edinburgh Napier University, Northumbria University, or SUSS) have made their core courses and degrees available online.

Suddenly, something that wasn’t possible, like completing a course in business administration, has become easily doable!

These days, many undergraduate learning programmes have gone digital. With online learning, doing things like attending classes, completing assignments, and submitting essays can happen remotely in your own time.

5. Does a part time bachelor’s degree help equip working adults better?

If you head on over to Amazon, you’ll find 100’s of 1000’s of self-help books. Most of them are published by desperate amateur writers trying to make a quick buck, and offer no real value.

There are some that offer some good advice, but most end up being a waste of money.

Granted, studying at a recognised institution may cost a bit more than a book from Kinokuniya, but it produces far more results. Think of it as a down payment on your future.

In all honesty, a degree might not always seem like a necessity in today’s job market.

But the extra knowledge you gain tertiary studies in your industry from might just be the thing that sets you apart from your competition.

6. What are the requirements for admission to part time undergraduate programmes?

If you have been through an MOE school, Polytechnic, or another common Singaporean institution, then you’re just about there.

• When you apply, make sure that you have the correct documentation. This includes
• Academic transcripts
• Identity documents (whether you are a permanent resident or Singaporean citizen)
• Your resume
• A relevant portfolio (if you have one)
• Any previous diplomas, admission tests, or certificates

If you’re still not entirely sure about what you need, check out the application section in our definitive guide to part time studies in Singapore.

7. I want to study a part time honours degree programme in (for example) business administration. How do I know it’s the right fit?

Whenever someone asks us what to study, we always ask them to find their purpose for studying. Your purpose is what will get you through long nights with only your laptop for company.

To make sure you study the right thing, make sure you do plenty of research on what qualification you need in order to accomplish your goals (whether it’s business, banking, operations, humanities, or llama husbandry).

Don’t just study something because you think you are interested in it as a hobby or because it has an easy curriculum.

Only submit your application once you know YOUR why.

8. Which Singapore universities offer part time programmes?

Are you already looking forward to graduation? Great! There is many a university in Singapore which offers great subjects and qualifications.

Does NUS offer a part-time bachelor’s degree?

Yes. According to their website, they offer a “bespoke selection of part-time undergraduate programmes.”

Come on. Who doesn’t love a bespoke bachelor’s degree?

What about SIM Global Education?

SIM is an extremely popular choice for professionals following their dreams into the world of self-education and innovation.

And yes, they offer part time courses.

What about SIT?

Unfortunately SIT does not offer degrees on a part time basis. Although they are looking at options for integrating specific industry partners into providing ongoing learning (and degree programmes) for working adults to pursue.

And SMU Business School?

SMU is a great school, and they offer core courses which stack towards a degree programme. However, they do not offer part time degree courses.

9. How many hours is a part time degree?

Each program is different, but in general you should budget between 10-15 study hours each week, or 200 to 300 hours per semester.

So how long will a degree take me?

This all depends on how many courses you take simultaneously. A part time bachelor’s programme can take anything over 3 years. Maybe even 10. That all depends on how much work you put in.

How long is a SUSS degree?

Completing a SUSS degree takes most students 4.5 years ( including the SUSS core courses).

10. Is a part time degree recognised in Singapore?

Yes.

Well, usually. This all depends on the institution you choose to study through.

It doesn’t matter whether your degree is part-time or full-time. What matters is that you study through an institution that has full accreditation in Singapore.

Otherwise, your academic career will REALLY be toast.

Is a SUSS part time degree recognised in Singapore?

Yes — fully! We actually wrote a whole thing about that. Check it out here.

Is a part time diploma recognised in Singapore?

If done through an accredited institution, a part time diploma can be very useful in providing useful information to equip students for real-world practice.

In short — yes. Just check on your institution’s accreditation status before you complete any applications.

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