The Diploma in Consumer Science and Technology (CST) is one of two diplomas you will obtain after a four-year training programme under Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Home Economics Teachers Training Scheme. The other, the Diploma in Home Economics Education, is awarded by the NIE and will prepare CST graduates to become competent Home Economics teachers by training you in effective pedagogy.

The distinctive feature of this Diploma is its synergy of expertise from the Applied Food Science & Nutrition course delivered by Temasek Applied Science School and the Apparel Design & Merchandising course delivered by the Temasek Design School. This inter-disciplinary approach aims to equip you with the scientific and technical skills related to Food Science & Nutrition as well as the creative aspects of textiles and design. You will receive training in food chemistry, nutrition, food preservation, food quality control and human physiology. In Textiles & Design, you are trained in textile fundamentals, apparel design, lifestyle sewing and decorative construction. The module on Consumer Resource Management enables you to gain a good understanding of consumer economics.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applications are to be made online directly to MOE at the following website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach/Apply.htm.

* SPM/UEC holders must have a minimum of Grade 6 for their Bahasa Inggeris (Paper 122/Paper 322)/ Communication English or English Language (for UEC holders).

The cut-off point for this course varies between 10-20 points depending on the demand for the course and quality of applicants. The cut-off point is to be used as a guide only as it may vary from year to year depending on the aggregate scores of the students applying for the course. The cut-off point is the aggregate of the last student admitted to the course. In addition, shortlisted applicants would have to attend an interview conducted by MOE.

Students admitted into this course will be fully sponsored by MOE. This sponsorship includes course fees as well as a monthly bursary during the first three years. In the fourth year, each student will be appointed to the Education Service as an untrained teacher drawing a salary. In return, students will serve a five-year bond with MOE.

Students who withdraw or are removed from the course will have to pay liquidated damages in accordance with the contract signed with MOE.

Some relevant degree programmes include:

• Family and Consumer Science
• Food Science and Nutrition
• Home Economics

Upon completion of the Dip in CST, graduates will join the Education Service as untrained teachers while concurrently reading the Dip in Education (Home Economics) at NIE. Upon completion of both diplomas, graduates will serve as Home Economics teachers in secondary schools. Teaching in itself offers tremendous opportunities for career growth and development. It demands exploration of new and exciting ways of teaching while shaping the thoughts and inspirations of future generations. It is challenging and rewarding. At the school level, a teacher can be promoted to Subject Head, Level Head or Head of Department. Beyond this, a teacher can be promoted to Vice-Principal or Principal in schools depending on the teacher’s potential and performance.

"The environment is really conducive for learning."

"Staff are ready to help all the time."

"I've learnt to be independent... able to make decisions for myself and be responsible for my own actions."

"There are many enrichment programmes and activities conducted for the students."

"We first thought Home Economics pertained only to cooking & sewing. However, we soon saw the links between Chemistry, Microbiology and Food Science with Food Preparation."

"The student internship program was a turning point in my education. I realized that teaching may not be an easy task but it can be a wonderful and enriching experience"

"... well-trained & equipped with the necessary knowledge & skills."

"... have a positive attitude to work and are independent."

"... have potential to be good Home Economic teachers."

Employers who offered SIP placements for our students:

• Balestier Hill Secondary School
• Cedar Girls' Secondary School
• Changkat Changi Secondary School
• Chung Cheng High School (Main)
• Dunman Secondary School
• Holy Innocents' High School
• Ngee Ann Secondary School
• Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School (Secondary)
• Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
• Sembawang Secondary School
• Temasek Secondary School

"During the ten weeks' attachment, the intern from your Diploma in Consumer Science & Technology worked proficiently and independently and was a great asset to the Home Economics department. She carried out her duties with enthusiasm and displayed a great sense of responsibility. With her commitment and passion, I have no doubt that she has what it takes to be a good teacher".

-Ms Lim Chek Quay, Home Economics Subject Coordinator, Temasek Secondary School

"Your intern is positive and committed in delivering her duties given to her by the School. She is capable of applying her knowledge learnt from the Polytechnic to complete her project on 'Food Investigation and Healthy Eating'. She loves her work and spends time in school on extra activities for the students. In general, she is a reliable and valuable trainee".

- Mdm Tham Yoke Yin, Home Economics Teacher, Chung Cheng High School (Main)