1. What is the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)? And how is it connected to the NLM?

The Ngee Ann Learning Model (NLM) provides you with a curriculum that covers both a discipline and an interdisciplinary focus. Your diploma course will offer you modules pertaining to your discipline, as well as interdisciplinary modules (which are essentially modules outside your course of studies). Together, the discipline and interdisciplinary modules give you a broad-based education. The School of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) was set up to develop and deliver the IS curriculum within your diploma course.

2. Why do I have to do IS modules?

The IS modules will give you broader knowledge beyond your discipline. The IS modules are designed to equip you with the skills to adapt, change, create, innovate, communicate effectively, and participate effectively in a dynamic social and work environment.

3. How much time will I spend on my IS modules?

The interdisciplinary component of the curriculum takes about 4 - 6 hours per week of curriculum time. As you move on to Levels 2 and 3, you can exercise more choice and flexibility in selecting interdisciplinary elective modules.

4. Are IS modules compulsory?

Your Ngee Ann learning curriculum has two parts: your discipline modules, offered within your diploma course, and a set of interdisciplinary modules, offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. All modules are equally important. You have to pass all modules to graduate.

5. Are IS modules assessed?

All IS modules are assessed on a continuous assessment basis. All IS modules carry credits needed to graduate.

6. What happens if I fail IS modules?

You will have to repeat the failed module or replace the failed module with a new one from the same category.

7. Are IS modules considered for NP Awards and graduation?

Yes. Performance in IS modules will be taken into account for both.

8. Do only selected students get the opportunity to choose Interdisciplinary Studies modules?

All students will have opportunities to learn through the NLM. The importance of interdisciplinary studies in education is well-recognised. As such, we have integrated the interdisciplinary element into all our courses.

9. Where do I go to find out more about IS modules?

Please visit our website at www.np.edu.sg/is Alternatively, you can visit the IS office in Block 53, Level 05 and/ or call Tel: 6460 8366/Fax: 6462 5631.

10. Do I have a choice of IS modules?

The IS modules are classified as prescribed IS modules and general IS modules. Prescribed modules are compulsory modules that must be taken by students from all courses. Some examples of prescribed modules include Sports & Wellness and Contemporary Issues. General modules are those that give you the flexibility of choice, according to your areas of interest, abilities and preferences.

In your first year you will do a prescribed set of IS modules, which will build a foundational set of skills. In your second and third year, you will have the flexibility to choose interdisciplinary modules that are of interest to you

11. I have a distinction in English Language. Do I have to do the Communication modules?

Yes, all students must do the Communication modules. A solid knowledge of English would help you in the area of communication. However, in these modules you will not study the English language per se. Instead, you will learn valuable skills such as delivering presentations and managing interviews.

In the first year, you will be equipped with foundational skills for clear written and oral discourse. In the subsequent years, you get to choose from varied subjects such as small group communication dynamics, or an awareness of contemporary issues, to name but a few. You can also choose to study foreign languages such as French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.

12. How does the enrolment system work?

For Level 2 IS modules, you can use our web enrolment system to choose the modules you want to do under the relevant category, and to enrol and register for an available time slot. To web enrol, you can log on to https://npalstudent.np.edu.sg For the latest information, please check the Web Enrolment Announcement on the Student Homepage at www.np.edu.sg/mel . Before the actual web enrolment, a briefing will be conducted to acquaint students with the range of modules offered. You may also visit our website at www.np.edu.sg/is for more details.