Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) announced plans to expand options for interdisciplinary study with 13 new degree offerings for graduates. These include two new degree programmes incorporating Data Science to train students to become professionals skilled in the use of data analytics and technologies.
NTU is also offering 10 new Double Major combinations in the arts and humanities to give students greater flexibility and choice in customising their education based on their interests and aspirations, an official statement read.
In addition, NTU is launching a Second Major in Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on technopreneurship to nurture innovation-driven entrepreneurs who can contribute to Singapore's Smart Nation goals.
The new offerings are in line with the recently announced NTU 2025 strategic plan to transform learning at the University.
"Through the new interdisciplinary combinations and degree programmes, students will enrich their disciplinary training, gain an appreciation of taking different perspectives, and maintain intellectual and learning flexibility. This is so that they will be better prepared to respond to the changes and challenges brought about by rapid technological change and uncertainties in the post-COVID-19 world," Professor Ling San, NTU deputy president and Provost, said
These new programmes add to the University's move to offer a university-wide common interdisciplinary core curriculum to all freshmen from the new academic year starting in August 2021. The core curriculum will cover topics such as digital literacy, communication and inquiry, ethics and global challenges.
Starting from the 2021 cohort enrolling this August, all undergraduates will be required to complete internships before graduation.
Students will also have more opportunities to pursue research internships through corporate laboratories and other joint laboratories established on NTU's campus, in partnership with industry.
As students are unable to travel during the pandemic, more remote internships with overseas-based companies are being offered as well.
The new double majors are:
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies and Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies and English
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History and Linguistics and Multilingual Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Chinese and Linguistics and Multilingual Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy and History
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy and Chinese
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and History
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Chinese and English
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History and Chinese
Unlike a second major, which is meant to supplement a single major, the double majors are two full majors taken in a single course of study. The double majors deliver a comprehensive curriculum in both majors, while requiring only 10 per cent more academic credits than a single major.