Diploma Programmes

The National Institute of Education (NIE) offers various diploma programmes to prepare candidates for teaching or counselling roles in primary and secondary schools. The Diploma in Education is available in two tracks: the Specialisation track, for those focusing on subjects like Mother Tongue, Art, Music, or Physical Education and the General track, for generalist primary teachers. Additional programmes include the Diploma in School Counselling, which trains candidates to support students using evidence-based counselling approaches, and the Diploma in Special Education (DISE), designed for nominated teachers of special education organisations and Special Educational Needs Officers (SEN Officers) from the Ministry of Education working with students with special needs. These diplomas also serve as a foundation for further professional development. 

Diploma Education Programmes

Specialisation track
The Specialisation track prepares student teachers to become specialists in the teaching of Mother Tongue languages or Art or Music or Physical Education at the primary or secondary level before being posted as primary or secondary school teachers.

General Track
The General track* prepares student teachers to become generalist primary school teachers.

*The General track programme is currently not offered.

School Counselling
For candidates who are interested in becoming school counsellors, they can apply for the Diploma in School Counselling.
This Diploma provides entry-level training for counselling with children and adolescents.
Upon completing this eight-month course, candidates should be able to apply evidence-based approaches to help school students to develop their strengths to deal effectively with life issues.

Diploma in Special Education
Candidates who are interested in special needs education can pursue a Diploma in Special Education (DISE).
DISE programme is for nominated teachers of special education organisations and Special Educational Needs Officers (SEN Officers) from the Ministry of Education.
The programme will equip students with the skills necessary for the identification of specific special educational needs as well as the diagnosis and assessment of individual weaknesses, and skills to plan intervention programmes.  

More information for Ministry of Education-sponsored candidates is available on the MOE website.

NIE's programmes provide student teachers with a strong educational foundation, pedagogies for effective teaching and specialized subject knowledge in at least one academic discipline. Our initial teacher preparation programmes offer three teaching tracks for teaching at either the primary, secondary or junior college levels.

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