Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will be launching two new degree programmes in the coming academic year (2019/2020) – the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Dietetics and Nutrition, and the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Air Transport Management.
These are the first of such undergraduate programmes to be offered by an autonomous university in Singapore, SIT said in a press statement on December 26.
Currently, the only way to achieve a recognised dietetics academic qualification is through an overseas degree. SIT’s new Dietetics and Nutrition degree programme aims to address the lack of a specialised undergraduate dietetics degree in Singapore.
The four-year Bachelor degree programme is developed in close consultation with chief dietitians from Singapore’s three major public healthcare clusters. It will provide students with theoretical knowledge, research skills, and industry-relevant practical experience across all domains of dietetics practice.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a 56 percent increase in demand for dietitians in acute care from 2010 to 2015. However, currently, the only way to achieve a recognised dietetics academic qualification is through an overseas degree.
“There is a growing need for dietitians on the back of the challenges posed by the increasing ageing population. This programme is timely in the absence of an academic degree locally. We are excited about SIT’s collaborative and consultative approach in engaging dietitians from various healthcare organisations to develop the aims, learning outcomes and curriculum framework for this specialised degree,” said Dr Lim Su Lin, Chief Dietitian & Senior Assistant Director, Dietetics Department, National University Hospital.
Skilled air transport professionals for aviation transformation
With the development of Changi Airport Terminals 4 and 5, manpower needs in the aviation sector are projected to increase till 2035.
To strengthen the pipeline of skilled aviation professionals and meet manpower demand in the expanding aviation industry, SIT will launch the first and only Air Transport Management degree programme in Singapore.
The programme covers operations, management and business aspects of the air transport industry. Students will undergo an eight-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), in their third year, during which they will be able to gain first-hand industry experience in air transport-related companies.
“SIT’s new degree programme in Air Transport Management will help expand the air transport manpower pipeline, and enhance job-readiness of students and job-seekers looking to join the sector. The programme is designed in partnership with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), to ensure relevance to the industry’s needs,” said Mr Ho Yuen Sang, Director (Aviation Industry), CAAS.
