Introduction
The Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation) (DECA) focuses on electrical and electronic engineering that is applied in the area of automation, process control and instrumentation and aims to equip adult learners with the knowledge and skills required
to undertake diploma-level jobs in the manufacturing, process and automation industries.
In
response to the evolving needs of the industry, this course has been brought up-to-date with the introduction of 3 new modules:
• Artificial Intelligence for Automation, which provides the background required to understand the techniques
involved in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) and equip students with knowledge of how to implement AI and ML systems and solutions for industrial automation systems.
• Smart Sensors & Actuators, which provides
students with a broad knowledge of various types of smart sensors and an in-depth understanding of the principle & application of smart sensors & actuators in automation and process industries.
• Digital Manufacturing Technology,
which covers the various components and technologies in Digital Manufacturing (Industry 4.0).
Participants in this course will have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in our laboratories, which are equipped with facilities from leading industrial suppliers including Siemens, Yokogawa, Endress+Hauser, Pepperl+Fuchs, ABB, Bosch, Festo and
National Instruments.
The Diploma in Engineering (Control & Automation) complies with the revised CET Diploma Framework, which specifies that each CET diploma course will consist consists of five 180-hour modular certificates (MC). Each MC is designed to be completed in
one academic semester and is made up of 150 contact hours and 30 flexible learning hours. The flexible learning hours are non-timetabled curriculum hours set aside for self-paced learning activities like eLearning or project assignments.
Participants are required to bring their computer notebook when attending lessons, as they may need it to access the e-learning materials, write reports, etc.
Course Objectives
The course aims to train participants in the area of instrumentation, automation and control. The trainees can be from various fields of disciplines. The training will allow these trainees to obtain the basic
knowledge and practical experience in instrumentation, automation and control area and to work more effectively in manufacturing, process and automation industries.
On completion of the course, trainees would be able to understand and use common instrumentation automation systems and devices like transmitters, controllers, control valves, signal conditions and data acquisition systems, single loop and multiloop control
system analysis and design, digital control systems, fieldbus technology, PLC programming, safety and industrial practices.
This Diploma does not lead to any professional accreditation/licensing for the vocations in the industries outlined.
Suitable for
Engineers, technicians, technical supervisors and other personnel whose work scope is involved with or related to the design, operation, installation and maintenance of systems such as automation, control, measurement
and instrumentation, monitoring, industrial network and communication and PLCs. The course is also suitable for people who intend to make a conversion to these technical areas in their career pursuit.
SkillsFuture Study Awards
The following SkillsFuture Study Award is available for Singaporean who have enrolled into the course to apply. Please refer to the respective SF Study Award website for the eligibility criteria and award details.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must not suffer from serious colour appreciation deficiency.
Applicants with any of the following qualifications are invited to apply for the Part-Time diploma:
a) The following GCE 'O' Level grades and with at least 1 year of relevant working experience:
English Language Grade 1 – 7
Mathematics (Elementary or Additional) Grade 1 – 6
Science Grade 1 – 6
One of
the following subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Combined Science
- Design & Technology
- Electricity & Electronics
- Fundamentals of Electronics
- Integrated Science/Additional Combined Science
- Physical Science
- Physics/Engineering Science
- Science (Chemistry, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
OR
b) Nitec in an engineering or information technology discipline with GPA >= 3.5
OR
c) Nitec in an engineering or information technology discipline with GPA >= 3.0 and at least 1 year of relevant
working experience.
OR
b) Nitec in Technology in an engineering or information technology discipline with GPA >= 3.5 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
e) Higher Nitec in an engineering
or information technology discipline with GPA >=2.0
OR
f) Higher Nitec in an engineering or information technology discipline with GPA >=1.5 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
g) Higher Nitec in Technology in an engineering or information technology discipline with GPA >=2.0 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
h) Relevant WSQ Advanced Certificate (or higher) with at at
least 1 year of relevant working experience and Level 6 for both WSQ Workplace Literacy SOA & Workplace Numeracy SOA
OR
i) Applicant with none of the qualifications listed above but at least 2 years of relevant working experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The
Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.
Course Outline
The course is a 2.5 years part-time programme. It consists of 5 Modular Certificates (MC) conducted over 5 semesters, 1 MC per semester. The first MC to start with is MC1,which will be offered starting October
2020. The classes are conducted in the evening. Each MC comprises two modules and the details are as follows:
MC 1 - Certificate in Electrical and Digital Circuit Fundamentals
Module 1 - Electrical Principles
Module 2 - Digital Principles
MC 2 - Certificate in Electronics
Module 1 - Analog Electronics
Module 2 - Digital Electronics
MC 3 - Certificate in PLC and Control System
Module 1 - PLC Applications (with
newly introduced topic on OPC UA)
Module 2 - Control System
MC 4 - Certificate in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Module 1 - Artificial Intelligence for Automation (first run in April 2022)
Module 2 - Robotics Technology
MC 5 - Certificate in Sensor & Digital Manufacturing Technology
Module 1 - Smart Sensors & Actuators (first run in Oct 2022)
Module 2 - Digital Manufacturing Technology (first run in Oct 2022)
The synopsis of the modules can be found here.
Award / Certification / Accreditation
Upon completion of five Certificates within a five-year validity period, the participant will be conferred a Diploma qualification from Singapore Polytechnic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which universities can I apply to after I complete my CET Diploma? You can apply to part-time undergraduate programmes which are relevant
to your diploma course at NUS and UniSIM.
Please click here for more information on NUS, Bachelor
of Technology (Btech)
2. Will I need to take any bridging programme?
The revised part-time diploma is intended to be more accessible to the workforce, and is made shorter in duration compared to the full-time diploma because broad-based interdisciplinary modules, final
year projects and internships, as well as academic modules such as Mathematics and Sciences, are omitted. As such, most part-time undergraduate programmes would require you to go through a bridging programme to prepare you adequately before admission.
3. If I need to take the bridging programme, how much will it cost and how long will it take?
While the bridging programmes are currently being worked out by the polytechnics and universities, the duration will depend on the type and nature of the
part-time degree course that you apply for, and are expected to be between six months to a year. The fees will not be more expensive than undergraduate modules of comparable duration.