|
1. Who can qualify for the Certificate Programme and how are students selected? Why is it not offered to all TP students?
As the Certificate Programme involves additional workload, it is meant for those who are performing well in their diploma course of study. The Certificate Programme is thus offered only to the top 10% of freshmen in each diploma based on their Year 1 Semester 1 results. For the main cohort of students, it would be good for them to focus on and do well in their diploma course of study, which comprises TP core subjects, diploma core/elective/option subjects and three Cross-Disciplinary Subjects required for graduation.
2. Why am I not allowed to select certain subject clusters?
If the subject cluster includes subjects similar to your diploma core subjects, you will not be allowed to select the cluster.
3. When and how do I apply for the Certificate Programme?
Freshmen who have performed at the top 10% of each diploma course will receive an email sent to their TP email account on the day of the release of Semester 1 Main Examinations results inviting them to apply for the Certificate Programme. If you decide to take up the invitation, please do the online Certificate Programme Cluster Selection at the same website as that for your CDS selection. Go to http://www.tp.edu.sg and sign in to epoly. Upon successful sign-in, click on 'Student' tab, followed by 'Subject Selection'. At this point, you will be prompted to login again before you can proceed to Certificate Programme Clusters. Only clusters for which you are eligible are open for your selection.
You will be able to indicate up to five preferred clusters for the Certificate Programme during the sign-up period. Of the five preferred clusters that you indicate, one will be allocated to you based on the time stamp (first come first served), ranking of choices and availability of cluster places.
4. Is there any cost involved?
No extra fees are required for the Certificate Programme, but you may be required to pay for some materials and/or field trips.
5. When does the Certificate Programme start?
All students who are eligible and have signed up for the Certificate Programme will commence their programme from the second semester of their freshman year.
6. Am I allowed to take other subjects that are not within my allocated subject cluster?
To obtain a certificate, you should focus on completing the four subjects in your allocated cluster within the three years of your diploma course of study. If you have completed the four subjects in your allocated subject cluster and are coping well with all other core/elective/option subjects required in your diploma, you are allowed to take other cross disciplinary subjects.
7. Am I allowed to switch to another subject cluster after being allocated one? What if I’m not allocated the subject cluster that I want?
You are able to indicate up to five preferred clusters for the Certificate Programme cluster selection.
If you are not allocated any subject clusters due to oversubscription of the clusters you had selected, or if you want to change your subject cluster, you can approach your Course Manager during the Subject Enrolment period at the start of Semester 2 of your freshman year. The Subject Enrolment period is normally from Monday to Friday of Week 1 of the semester. Additions or changes to the allocation of subject clusters are subject to availability.
8. What if I fail a subject in the Certificate Programme?
You will not be able to continue in the Certificate Programme if you fail any of the subjects twice in your allocated cluster because it is unlikely that you will have enough time to complete the Programme. However, the subjects you have already passed in the Certificate Programme will be reflected in your examination transcript and they will count towards your fulfilment of the Cross-Disciplinary Subject requirement for graduation.
9. Can I withdraw from the Certificate Programme after I have completed one or more of the subjects in my subject cluster? Is there a penalty?
Commitment is required of students who sign up the Certificate Programme. As additional resources are devoted to provide you with the Programme, you will be expected to complete all 4 subjects in your allocated cluster.
Students can approach their Course Managers if they find it difficult to cope with the additional workload of the Certificate Programme. Withdrawals will be allowed on a case-by-case basis and there is no penalty.
10. How will my cumulative GPA be computed when I take the four subjects in the allocated subject cluster?
At the end of the three-year course of study, the cumulative GPA of students will be calculated using the “best three out of X CDS taken” rule. However, for the earlier semesters, cumulative GPA calculated will include all CDS taken.
| 
