SAF Continuing Education Master's Sponsorship Programme
- Innovation & Business Improvement
- Leadership & Management
This programme is conducted on-campus and online.
Note: This SAF Continuing Education Master's Sponsorship Programme is open to all MINDEF/ SAF personnel who have completed their CSC/ CSC(E).
44 weeks
Singapore Management University
Who Should Attend
- CSC/ CSC(E) cohorts
PREREQUISITES
- A Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of working experience; or
- Recognition of prior learning: Applicants with a Diploma from MOE-recognised IHLs with at least 10 years of relevant work experience may be considered. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview
Overview
The SAF Continuing Education Master's Sponsorship Programme aims to support the continuous learning and upskilling of eligible MINDEF and SAF personnel through a flexible, stackable postgraduate programme, enabling them to build industry-relevant skills and progressively attain the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE).
The IPMDE is a stackable postgraduate degree designed for professionals seeking industry-relevant skills. It allows learners to stack modular courses, engage in work-based learning through Digital Economy Capstone Project - (SMU-X Lifelong Learning), and personalise their learning journey.
As part of the pathway, learners can first complete an Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD), which provides a strong foundation before progressing to the IPMDE. With a modular structure for greater accessibility, and competency-based assessments, the IPMDE offers a customisable, career-advancing qualification that fits seamlessly into your professional growth.
Your Learning Journey
A structured yet flexible pathway designed to help you balance work and study while building future-ready competencies.
Topic/Structure
- Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD)
- Programme Core
- Programme Electives
- Digital Economy Capstone Project - (SMU-X Lifelong Learning)
- Integrated Learning Project (ILP) or Enrichment Workshops and/ or Networking Sessions
For more information on the programme structure, view here.
Assessment
Competency-Based Exam
Only students who have successfully matriculated will be eligible to take the Competency-Based Exam.
- Required after completing seven Programme Core modules
- Assesses application of knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrates integration and application of knowledge in real-world scenarios
Individual Module Assessments
As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of every Industry Graduate Diploma module as well as an overall Industry Graduate Diploma and Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy exam. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.
Upon completion of the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy, graduates will be awarded with both the SMU Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy and Industry Graduate Diploma and recognised as SMU alumni, with full access to alumni benefits.
Fee Table
Category | Estimated Total Fee Range* |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | $26,966.60 - $32,934.35* |
| Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | $17,206.40 - $19,523.45* |
| International Participant (Non-funded) | $64,201.00 - $84,093.50* |
* Final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, chosen electives, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD).
Please refer to the detailed fee breakdown here.
Intake Information
| Programme | Biannual Intakes | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) | January & August | See Schedule |
FAQs
The IPMDE is a flexible, personalised, industry-relevant continuing education pathway for adult learners, providing them with the opportunity to stack certificate courses, work-based learning, industry certifications and personalised learning towards an applied postgraduate degree. The IPMDE is skills-based and industry-relevant. Learners of the IPMDE have the flexibility to learn at their own pace and stack modules towards the IPMDE. The recommended duration for IPMDE is 3 years, but learners have the flexibility of up to 4 years to complete the degree.
SMU recognises relevant prior learning and professional experience, allowing Polytechnic advanced and specialist diploma (i.e. post-diploma) holders to receive credit exemptions towards SMU Academy’s Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD) and Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) programmes. It also establishes clear progression pathways for ITE diploma graduates to work towards these qualifications.
The IPMDE offers learners a flexible and personalised learning experience, empowering them to pursue their professional goals at their own pace. Learners can stack modules and pursue industry certifications that align with their interests and aspirations.
One of the programme's key strengths is its integration with the industry through co-curation of Digital Economy Capstone Project - (SMU-X Lifelong Learning). This unique approach ensures that learners gain real-world exposure and practical skills, enabling them to bridge the gap between theory and practice effectively.
Competency-based assessment places a strong emphasis on application, ensuring that learners not only acquire knowledge but also develop the ability to apply their skills in real-life scenarios. Career development coaches will be available to offer valuable support in career planning, enabling learners to make informed decisions and chart their professional trajectory effectively.
The recommended duration for the IPMDE programme is 3 years, but learners have the flexibility of up to 4 years to complete the programme. Any request for extension beyond the validity period of 4 years is subject to the review and discretion of SMU Academy. A validity period is recommended to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and relevant, given the short knowledge cycle for technology.
