Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (N95)

Why TSE?

• The only diploma of its kind in Singapore taught in Tamil and English
• Enjoy attractive funding through the MOE Tamil Language Teacher Training Sponsorship (TLTTS) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Training Award
• Get certified as a Tamil Mother Tongue Language and English Language preschool educator, with opportunities to be trained at the National Institute of Education (NIE) to become a Tamil Mother Tongue Language teacher in primary school
• Gain an extra edge with NP’s signature Personalised Learning Pathway and graduate with a Diploma + Minor of your choice!

About TSE

Do you have a love for the rich Tamil language and culture? Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in children's lives? Make your dream a reality by taking up the Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (TSE)!

This one-of-a-kind diploma equips you with the skills and knowledge to nurture, inspire, educate and care for the next generation of young minds and share your passion for the Tamil language and culture with others! With the importance of Mother Tongue Language in schools, you will secure good career opportunities as a Tamil Language preschool educator.

Overview of your TSE Journey

Further Studies

As a TSE graduate, you may apply for further studies in the following universities:

• National Institute of Education / Nanyang Technological University
  • Diploma in Education (Tamil Language) (Primary)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Academic Discipline & Education) Teaching Scholars Programme
  • Bachelor of Arts (Education) – only for candidates selected for MOE Tamil Language Teacher Training Scheme

• National University of Singapore
  • Bachelor of Arts in South East Asian Studies (Tamil Studies)

• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Minor*
  • Bachelor of Arts in Tamil Language and Literature

* Graduates may be eligible for advanced standing and exemptions under this programme

Careers

Awarded by NIEC in collaboration with NP, the Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education qualifies you as a Level 2 early childhood teacher, certified to teach both Tamil and English from Pre-Nursery to K2. You may also apply to MOE to become a primary school Tamil Language teacher if you meet the criteria.

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-A

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE 'O' Level examination (or equivalent) results.

Applicants must also have sat for Additional Mathematics/Mathematics also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type (English Language, 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects) listed at www.np.edu.sg/docs/ELR2B2.pdf.

Note:
*All applicants with a C5 or C6 in EL in the GCE ‘O’ Level examination are given two years from the point of teacher registration to obtain at least a B4 or a minimum of band 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (Academic) – IELTS (Academic).

Applicants admitted to the Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education [N95] and are keen to register to be certified by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) as an L2 English Language Preschool Teacher (deployable to teach up to kindergarten level) after graduation must obtain a minimum of B4 in their GCE O-Level English Language (EL1) or an English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA). Applicants who do not meet the English Language requirement would be given up to 2 years from their registration as pre-school teachers to do so.

Note: The main medium of instruction for these subjects must be in English, except for a language subject.

ITE Certificate

• Higher NITEC with minimum GPA of 2.0 and above (inclusive of CCA bonus points)
• GCE ‘O’ level EL1 Grades 1 – 6
• GCE ‘O’ level Tamil Grades 1 – 3 OR GCE ‘O’ level Higher Tamil Grades 1 – 4

Other Requirements
Candidates would need to be certified medically fit for study by a certified medical doctor, and to work with children according to ECDA’s medical requirements for early childhood educators.

Please take note that in order to be granted teacher certification status to teach up to Kindergarten levels by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), new teachers must have a minimum of a B4 grade for EL1. Mother Tongue (MT) teachers must have at least a B4 grade in MT. Those with a C5 or C6 in EL1/MT are given 2 years from the point of teacher registration to obtain either a B4 or any acceptable alternatives* for EL teachers.

View the video to find out some dispositions of an Early Childhood Educator.