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
• Get a head start on university through the NP-NUS Pathway, with opportunities to earn credits towards your degree

What is Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education about?

Passionate about the Tamil language and culture and working with young children? The Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (TSE) equips you with the skills to teach and nurture young children while sharing your love for the Tamil language and culture. You’ll build a strong foundation in Tamil language and early childhood education, preparing you for a career as a Tamil Language preschool educator.

What real-world experience will you gain?

Starting in Year 1, you will gain hands-on experience through an 80-hour practicum at a preschool. In Year 3, you will build on this experience through a 20-week internship, teaching Tamil and English literacy while designing engaging activities that support children’s language, literacy and motor development.

What sponsorships are available?

You may be eligible for the Tamil Language Teacher Training Sponsorship (TLTTS) and ECDA Training Award, which offer full course fee sponsorship and a monthly allowance of $800, subject to eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.

How will TSE give you a head start in uni?

Get an early taste of university* by taking NUS modules while studying at NP. These modules may count towards your degree and help you fast-track your studies later.

*For selected students only

Further Studies

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

Singapore

• 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

Finland

• Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku AMK) 
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences

Careers

Awarded by NIEC in collaboration with NP, the Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education qualifies you as a Level 2 early childhood educator*, 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, subject to requirements.

*In order to be granted teacher certification status by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to teach Kindergarten levels, graduates must have a minimum of a B4 grade for GCE O-Level English as a First Language (EL1) or equivalent.

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/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 in Early Childhood Education with final net GPA of 2.5 and above (including CCA bonus points)
• Higher NITEC with final net GPA of 2.5 and above (including CCA bonus points)
• GCE ‘O’ level EL1 Grades 1 – 6
• GCE ‘O’ level Tamil Grades 1 – 4 OR GCE ‘O’ level Higher Tamil Grades 1 – 3

Other Requirements
NIEC courses include practicums and/or internship attachments as part of the programme and graduation requirements. Applicants are also required to meet the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)’s medical requirements. As these may present challenges for individuals with certain medical conditions, applicants are required to declare any relevant conditions early. If you are unsure how your condition may affect your course completion, please reach out to us so that we can better understand and assist with your situation. More details on the medical requirements can be found here.

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 list of acceptable alternatives in place of GCE ‘O’ level English Language.

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