Specialist Diploma in Formulation Science & Technology

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Specialist Diploma in Formulation Science & Technology

Overview

Course Date:
17 Apr 2023 to 31 Mar 2024
Registration Period:
01 Dec 2022 to 28 Feb 2023
Time:
12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Mode of Training:
Facilitated Learning (Face-to-Face/ Online Synchronous) and Asynchronous E-Learning
Venue:
Singapore Polytechnic (facilitated classroom training) and Online E-Learning
Funding:
Eligible for SkillsFuture Credit

Please note that once the maximum class size is reached, the online registration will be closed. You may register your interest and be notified with there is a new run.

Class schedule:
2 - 3 evenings weekly from week 1 to 18 of academic calendar (PDC1: 6.30 - 9.30 pm, PDC2: 6.30 - 9.30 pm)

(Up to 3 weeknights on certain weeks due to makeup classes for holidays/vacation or curriculum requirements)

Duration:
300 hours (1 year)

Enquiries:
Email: ptenquiry@sp.edu.sg

Please refer to Academic Calendar.

The Specialty Chemicals industry is projected with a global market value of US$530 billion by 2022 while expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%1. The mega growth trends of rapid urbanisation, changing demographics and the rise of the middle-class in Asia have a major role to play in catapulting this promising growth. Leveraging on Singapore’s strategic geographical location and positive economic climate competitive advantage, Singapore has been able to attract many leading Specialty Chemicals companies such as Lubrizol, Croda, Procter and Gamble, Arlanxeo, Evonik Degussa, Solvay, Clariant, 3M etc. to strengthen their footholds here with substantial investments on R&D and/or manufacturing establishments. It is foreseeable that R&D activities will increasingly be crucial for the sustainable development of this sector in order to drive value creation and continual growth. As a result, there is an impending demand for a skilled workforce to serve this emerging industry. As reflected by industry’s responses, training in these specific skills are particularly essential to bridge the prevalent competency gaps in the current workforce.

1 Stratistics MRC, Specialty Chemicals Market Outlook - Global Trends, Forecast, and Opportunity Assessment (2014-2022), November 2015.
(https://www.researchbeam.com/specialty-chemicals-outlook-global-trends-forecast-and-opportunity-assessment-2014-2022-market)

Course Objective

The courses are designed to upskill the technical competencies required for product formulation and application of specialty materials.

The Specialist Diploma (SD) course focuses on imparting a sound understanding of the functionality and application of specialty materials for performance within the pillars of the Specialty Chemicals industry such as consumer care, coatings, oilfield and lubricants. This will include training in formulation design, characterisation and performance evaluation of specialty materials.

Course Outline

The course is a one-year part-time programme. It consists of 2 Post Diploma Certificates (PDC) conducted over 2 semesters, 1 PDC per semester. The first PDC to start with is PDC1. The classes are conducted in the evening. Each PDC comprises three modules and the details are as follows.

PDC 1 Certificate in Functional Materials for Performance
CP1301 – Specialty Chemicals
CP1302 – Specialty Polymers
CP1303 – Performance Evaluation Techniques

PDC 2 Certificate in Product Design and Formulation
CP1304 – Formulation Science and Technology I
CP1305 – Formulation Science and Technology II
CP1306 – Product Design and Development

Please Click for Module Synopsis

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have a Polytechnic Diploma/Degree in relevant Science/Engineering discipline or equivalent qualifications. Individuals with 3 years of relevant working experience in the chemical industry but possessing other diploma/degree qualifications shall be considered on case-by-case basis.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 5 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted will have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.

Certification / Accreditation

Upon completion of two Certificates within a two-year validity period, the participant will be conferred a Specialist Diploma in Formulation Science & Technology from Singapore Polytechnic。

Participant completed the Specialist Diploma can choose to continue with one PDC from the Advanced Diploma (AD) in Specialty Chemicals and will be conferred a Advanced Diploma in Specialty Chemicals upon completion of the PDC within a one-year validity period.

Testimonials

Caden Seah

Graduated with Advanced Diploma in Specialty Chemicals in 2019

Caden is currently a Development Engineer, Lab Associate at Milliken Asia Pte Ltd and is pursuing a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Why I took up the Course

“I was hesitant to take up a degree programme as I was not clear in which area of study in materials science to specialise in. I wanted to join the workforce and take up part-time study to discover my scientific interests, hence it was an apparent choice to take up the advanced diploma programme. This is especially so when I learned that some of my technical managers and seniors I’ve met at work also went through a similar route and attained their Master’s degree. Now that I have made it to the Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering programme at NTU, I am grateful for the opportunity Singapore Polytechnic has offered me.”

My experience

“During the advanced diploma programme, I was exposed to a variety of industries within materials science ranging from personal care formulations to polymer processing. With that said, I have learnt in depth about the most up-to-date equipment and technology being used in the various industries. This allowed me to have a taste of working in these industries, which was what I needed to find my professional interests. It was an overall pleasant experience as the workload and schedules were fairly paced and manageable, despite having to work full-time during the day time. The enriching content provided by the programme and lecturers also helped by making learning less daunting.”

Suitable for

This course is suitable for working adults and graduates from Science/Engineering discipline who wish to seek gainful employment/career advancement in the burgeoning Specialty Chemicals sector by equipping themselves with specific occupational competencies that are highly sought after by the industry.

Participants are required to bring computer Notebook when attending lessons, as you may need it to access the e-learning materials, writing reports, etc.

Course Fees

Click here for Funding Incentives and Fees Matters

Applicants/Eligibility	Certificate in Functional Materials for Performance	Certificate in Product Design & Formulation	Total Course Fees
SINGAPORE CITIZENS BELOW THE AGE OF 40	$498.35	$598.02	$1,096.38
SINGAPORE CITIZENS AGED 40 AND ABOVE	$332.24	$398.68	$730.92
SINGAPORE PR	$1,360.80	$1,632.96	$2,993.76
ENHANCED TRAINING SUPPORT FOR SME SCHEME (for SC)*	$343.10	$411.72	$754.83
ENHANCED TRAINING SUPPORT FOR SME SCHEME (for PR)**	$415.80	$498.96	$914.76
OTHERS / REPEAT STUDENTS (for SC)	$3,322.35	$3,986.82	$7,309.17
OTHERS / REPEAT STUDENTS (for PR)	$3,402.00	$4,082.40	$7,484.40

The fees shown (inclusive of 8% GST) are indicative as they are based on prevailing funding policies and subject to review. Module Certificate fee is payable on a semester basis.

* SC- Singapore Citizens

** PR- Permanent Residents

SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Funding and Enhanced Training Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). For details, please refer to here.

Other Fees Payable:

FEE DESCRIPTION	PER SEMESTER (AFTER GST)
	SINGAPORE CITIZENS	SINGAPORE PR AND OTHERS
Examination Fee	-	$16.20
Miscellaneous Fee	$7.49	$7.56
Statutory Licence Fee (CLASS)	$1.01	$1.02
Insurance Fee (GPA)	$1.70	$1.72

*Not subjected to GST

- The fees shown (inclusive of 8% GST) are indicative as they are based on prevailing funding policies and subject to review.

- As announced at Budget 2022, there will be no increase in government fees and charges for Singaporeans from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023.

- Post-Diploma Certificate Fee is payable on a semester basis.

Refund Policy:
- Withdraw within 2 weeks before semester commencement, 70% refund of paid course fee.
- Withdraw on or after date of semester commencement, no refund of paid course fee.
Please note that other fees paid are non-refundable.