Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (N95)
Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (N95)
About Course
The Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (TSE)* is conducted by NIEC in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) at the NIEC (NP) Campus. Recognised by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), this professional qualification allows graduates to be certified as Tamil Language & English Language early childhood educators in Singapore.
This is the only diploma in Singapore with a curriculum that is taught in Tamil & English! You’ll study child development from birth to 6 years while exploring Tamil history, literature, and culture. You’ll also learn to design meaningful language and literacy programmes and your skills into practice during a 6-month preschool internship teaching Tamil Language and literacy.
*Course Code:
- Diploma in TSE at NIEC (NP): N95
Gain a strong foundation in child development and early childhood education through modules such as:
- Child Development 1: This module introduces you to research on brain developments and its implications on children’s growth and learning. Early Years developmental milestones will be discussed with significant emphasis on birth to three years of age. You will develop an understanding of the philosophy of infant and toddler care and development, and the Early Years Development Framework (EYDF). Theories of child development, with emphasis on Attachment theory, characteristic behaviours, and their implications on play and care-giving practices for families and in the infant care context will be covered. You will also learn appropriate behaviour guidance and interaction strategies for this age group of children that are guided by observations and documentations.
- Tamil Literature: The module introduces the Tamil literature from the Sangam period to the Modern era. You will explore the relationship between Tamil history and its literature. You will examine the different Tamil epics (e.g. Thirukkural and Aathichudi), local Tamil novels and short stories. You will also be introduced to the elements of Tamil literature, enabling you to reflect and analyze the different literature materials.
- Curriculum Planning & Implementation: This module provides you with the knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum in Tamil and English for children from birth to three and from three plus to six years of age. You will also take reference from the Early Years Development Framework, the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s refreshed Kindergarten Curriculum Framework and Nurturing Early Learners: Framework for Mother Tongue Languages to explore the scope and process of integrating learning areas and learning dispositions. Philosophies and beliefs, theoretical underpinnings of how children learn and develop that are fundamental to the meaning of curriculum will be discussed. The supporting environment, the types of learning activities, the role of the educator and different facilitation techniques in Tamil and English will also be thoughtfully considered.
For a full list of modules and detailed descriptions, visit the Ngee Ann Polytechnic website.
Practice-Oriented Learning
- Experience hands-on training through a 6-month enhanced internship programme and 100-hour practicum attachment, applying the skills and knowledge you gain throughout the diploma.
Enjoy tuition fee coverage and allowances through the MOE Tamil Language Teacher Training Sponsorship (TLTTS) and the ECDA Training Award.
Graduates of the Diploma in TSE meet the professional qualifications of a Level 2 early childhood educator, allowing you to teach both Tamil Language & English Language to children from Pre-Nursery, Nursery, K1 and K2.*
*To be certified by ECDA to teach Kindergarten levels (K1 and K2), graduates must have a minimum of a B4 grade in GCE O-Level English as a First Language (EL1) or an equivalent qualification. Students without a B4 in GCE O-Level English Language (EL1) will receive conditional certification to teach Kindergarten levels for two years. They must achieve a B4 in EL1 or an English Language Acceptable Alternative (ELAA) (e.g., IELTS 6.5) within this period, or they will be certified to teach only up to Nursery levels after the two-year conditional certification. Visit here for more information.
With our diploma, you can also:
- Apply to MOE to become a primary school Tamil Language teacher if you meet the requirements. More details here.
- Apply for full-time degree programmes at Autonomous Universities (AUs) or overseas universities. You may find the full university accreditation list here.
- Continue learning through NIEC’s post-diplomas or continuing professional development courses.
Entry Requirements
Graduating GCE O-level Student
Aggregate Type: ELR2B2-A
| Subject | O-Level Grade |
| GCE O-level English | 1 – 6 |
| Any one of the 1st group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type | 1 – 6 |
| GCE O-Level Tamil
OR GCE O-Level Higher Tamil |
1 – 3
1 – 4 |
To be eligible for selection, students must also have sat for Mathematics (Elementary/Additional) and fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type listed.
Graduating Higher Nitec Student
- Higher Nitec GPA of 3.0 and above (inclusive of CCA bonus points)
- GCE O-Level English Grades 1 – 6
- GCE O-Level Tamil Grades 1-3 OR GCE O-Level Higher Tamil Grades 1-4
Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) for N(A) Students
Find out your eligibility and application process by visiting the Polytechnic Foundation Programme website.
Fees Payable
Course fees will be at the prevailing rates at the respective campuses. Visit the Ngee Ann Polytechnic course fee page to find out more.
Course Schedule
For graduating GCE O-Level students
For graduating ITE students
For graduating N(A)-Level students
For working adults with 2 years of relevant working experience
