Work-Study Degree Programme

The SPMS Work-Study Degree Programme (WSDeg)* offers on-the-job training experiences during your studies at NTU, in partnership with one of our industry-leading company partners. These experiences will enhance your readiness for the workplace, giving you an advantage in landing your dream job after graduation.

The programme consists of a sequence of credit-earning internships, culminating in an industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP).

The WSDeg programme is offered to students in any of the following undergraduate degree programmes:

  1. BSc in Mathematical Sciences
  2. BSc in Physics / Applied Physics

* The SPMS WSDeg Programme replaces the SPMS Co-Operative Education Programme, which was offered prior to 2022.

Benefits

  • Early Access To An Established Industry Partner—The multiple on-the-job trainings, hosted by established industry partners, provide a unique opportunity for students to supplement their classroom-based education with practical work experiences, and to learn about their host company's work culture and domain expertise.
  • Deepen Relevant Industry Skillsets and Knowledge—Students benefit from greater exposure to a professional work environment, allowing them to their deepen technical skills, develop soft skills, and improve their understanding of real-world practices.
  • Industry-sponsored Final Year Project—Students have the opportunity to embark on a final year project supervised by company and faculty supervisors.
  • Enhance Career Readiness—The continuous engagement with a company throughout the course of study enhances students' job readiness and transition into the workplace after graduation.

Participating Companies

DBS Bank  • DSTA • Dyson  • Eva Group  • Evoqua Water Technologies  • GlobalFoundries
Hyperganic  • Makino  •  Manulife • Nordic Group Limited  • REC Solar Group • SAP
ST Electronic Engineering • Schlumberger • Standard Chartered Bank  • Swift Solutions
Vertex Holdings  • Visa • Yara International

... and more!

How to Apply

Students will be invited to apply in Year 2 Semester 1 via email. 

The following materials are needed for the application (please note that these materials will be forwarded to the participating companies):

  • Cover Letter and Resume (as a single file, in PDF format)
  • A brief explanation of interest in the programme

To be admitted to the programme, students must be first shortlisted by School to participate in the placement with a participating company. CAO will then facilitate the placement process. However, final placement is decided by companies on a competitive basis. 

For all enquiries, please email [email protected].

Programme Structure

The WSDeg consists of 4 Work Terms and a WSDeg FYP. 

  • Work Term 1: 10 weeks (during Year 2 Special Semesters I & II)
  • Work Term 2: 20 weeks (during Year 3 Semester 1 OR Year 3 Semester 2)
  • Work Term 3: 11 weeks (during Year 3 Special Semesters I & II)
  • Work Term 4: 5 weeks (during Year 4 Winter Break - Dec to Jan)

Commitment for Students: 

  • Maximum up to 2 companies in Block 1 and Block 2, i.e. students may change to a different company in Block 2 subject to agreement by the company. 
  • In Block 3, students must commit to one of the companies they have engaged in earlier work terms. 
  • Work Term 4 is for immersion and continuity.
  • Students must spend minimum 1 day at the office during the course of the WSDeg FYP in Year 4. 

1. I am doing a double major programme in SPMS. Can I apply for WSDeg? 

The WSDeg is open to Year 2 students in the BSc Mathematical Sciences and BSc Physics and Applied Physics programmes. It is not open to students in Second Major, Double Major, and Accelerated Programmes, due to the high existing time commitments of those programmes which make it impossible to fulfill the WSDeg requirements.

For the same reason, students in the CN Yang Scholars Programme and the University Scholars Programme are also not eligible for WSDeg.

2. What do I have to prepare for joining WSDeg?

You need a comprehensive CV and personal statement to apply for the WSDeg programme. Please contact our Career Coach if you need assistance in preparing these documents.

3. Can students choose the company for each Work Term?

The companies for Work Term 1 and 2 may be different, subject to successful placement and selection by the companies. For Work Term 3, students are expected to commit to one of the companies they have previously work in during Work Term 1 or 2.

4. Can students withdraw from WSDeg after they registered?

Yes, but students on the WSDeg are strongly encouraged to stay committed to the programme. Withdrawal deprives other students of the opportunity to take part in the programme, so it must not be done lightly. Please consult the SPMS WSDeg Office to discuss this matter.

5. Who can I contact for WSDeg related matters?

You may contact any of the following:

Office Email contact
Consultation of study plan [email protected]
Career Attachment Office [email protected]
SPMS Career Coach Mr. Benn Goh, [email protected]
SPMS WSDeg Office[email protected]

 

Programme Curriculum

For students admitted in AY2024/2025

Mathematical Sciences

For students majoring in Mathematical Sciences, the SPMS-CEP is considered a distinct programme track. Any students who later decide to opt out of the SPMS-CEP must convert to a standard track, and comply with the respective AU requirements.

Core53 AU
Major PE (WSDeg)8 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg)18 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core17 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core
10 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg)18 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg)5 AU
Total129 AU

Physics and Applied Physics
Core 61 AU
Major PE (WSDeg) 10 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg) 3 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core 17 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core
10 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg) 18 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg) 12 AU
Total 131 AU

For students admitted in AY2021/2022 to AY2023/2024

Mathematical Sciences

For students majoring in Mathematical Sciences, the SPMS-CEP is considered a distinct programme track. Any students who later decide to opt out of the SPMS-CEP must convert to a standard track, and comply with the respective AU requirements.

 [PMAS, AMAS][STAT][BA]
Core52 AU
53 AU50 AU
Major PE (WSDeg)8 AU
8 AU8 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg)16 AU
15 AU18 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core17 AU
17 AU17 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core
10 AU10 AU10 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg)18 AU
18 AU18 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg)8 AU
8 AU8 AU
Total129 AU
129 AU129 AU

Physics and Applied Physics
Core61 AU
Major PE (WSDeg)10 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg)3 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core17 AU
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core
10 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg)18 AU
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg)12 AU
Total131 AU

For students admitted in AY2020/2021

Mathematical Sciences

For students majoring in Mathematical Sciences, the SPMS-CEP is considered a distinct programme track. Any students who later decide to opt out of the SPMS-CEP must convert to a standard track, and comply with the respective AU requirements.

Core56 AU
Major PE (WSDeg)16 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg)14 AU
GER Core18 AU
GER PE
9 AU
UE (WSDeg)15 AU
UE (Non WSDeg)6 AU
Total134 AU

Physics and Applied Physics
 Pure Physics (PPHY)Applied Physics (APHY)
Core63 AU
64 AU
Major PE (WSDeg)18 AU
18 AU
Major PE (Non WSDeg)12 AU
11 AU
GER Core18 AU
18 AU
GER PE
9 AU9 AU
UE (WSDeg)15 AU
15 AU
UE (Non WSDeg)0 AU
0 AU
Total135 AU
135 AU

Students in the SPMS WSDeg are required to complete three Professional Attachments, one Professional Internship and a WSDeg FYP to fulfil the requirement under the NTU Work-Study Degree Programme. The course codes and titles are shown below (for all programmes):

BlockWork TermCourse Code & TitleAUDurationCourse TypeGrading
U21 & laterU20
1WT1PS2001 Professional Attachment I (Work Term 1)510 weeksICC Foundational CoreUEPass/Fail
2WT2PS5001 Professional Internship (Work Term 2)1020 weeksBDEUEPass/Fail
3WT3PS5002 Professional Attachment II (Work Term 3)511 weeks (10+1*)BDEMPEPass/Fail
3WT4PS5003 Professional Attachment III (Work Term 4)35 weeks*BDEMPEPass/Fail
3WSDeg FYPMH491482 Semesters (Year 4)MPE
Letter-Graded
PH490210

* Assessment for PA II (Work Term 3) will be assessed as a whole for 11 weeks. The 1 week in excess of 10 weeks during PA II in Summer will account to PA III (Work Term 4) to earn 3AUs.