Last Updated: 30 May 2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
1. Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a full-time programme meant for degree holders who would like to become teachers.
The training programme provided by the National Institute of Education (NIE) aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to teach school subjects and better understand the teaching profession in Singapore’s educational context.
The PGDE training programme at NIE broadly covers:
- Education Studies
- Curriculum Studies
- Practicum
- Language Enhancement and Academic Discourse Skills
There are two types of PGDE programmes – one to teach academic subjects, the other to teach Physical Education (PE). Each programme has its own specialisations and programme length.
Click on the blue downwards arrows below to find out more about the 2 PGDE programmes.
- Primary
- Secondary
- Junior College
You will specialise in a teaching track consisting of:
- An educational level (e.g. Primary, Secondary or Junior College).
- A broad subject specialty (e.g. English Language, Mathematics, Science).
The teaching subject that you are assigned within the broad specialty will depend largely on whether you possess the necessary and relevant content mastery.
Candidates assigned to be teachers at the primary level will be trained to teach in 2 subjects to develop stronger mastery of content and pedagogical skills.
Bond length: 3 years
Teaching levels
- Primary
- Secondary
You will be trained to teach PE at both the primary and secondary levels. Dual-level training will help you to understand growth and motor development across the school years, and their implications on teaching and learning.
Your first school posting will be to the first teaching level indicated on your Letter of Offer. You may be posted to the second teaching level assigned subsequently, subject to organisational needs.
Programme length: 2 yearsBond length: 3 years
Compulsory Contract Teaching Stint
Prior to admission into the PGDE programme, you would need to undertake a compulsory contract teaching stint. The stint allows you to affirm your interest in teaching, and lets us assess your suitability for the profession. If you successfully complete the contract teaching stint, you will be enrolled in the PGDE programme at NIE.
Requirements
You will need a degree to be eligible for the PGDE programme.
Click on the blue downward arrow below to find out more about the possible subject majors that are preferred for the various teaching subjects.
You may also click on the teaching subject(s) you are interested in, and you will be able to access more information and useful resources related to that subject.
Level | Teaching subject | Possible major at university |
JC | General Paper | English Language / Linguistics / Social Science / Humanities / Liberal Arts / Law |
Economics | Economics | |
JC / Secondary | Mathematics | Mathematics / Statistics / Engineering |
Biology | Biology / Life Sciences / Biological Science | |
Chemistry | Chemistry / Applied Chemistry | |
Physics | Physics / Applied Physics / Engineering (e.g. Electrical Engineering / Civil Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science & Engineering / Engineering Sciences / Aerospace Engineering) | |
Geography | Geography / Environmental Studies | |
History | History | |
Secondary | English Language | English Language / Linguistics / Social Science / Humanities / Liberal Arts / Law |
English Literature | English Literature | |
Principles of Accounts | Accountancy, Business (with Financial Accounting modules) | |
Design & Technology | Engineering / Fine Arts | |
Nutrition & Food Science | Home Economics / Family and Consumer Science | |
Social Studies | Social Science / Humanities / Liberal Arts | |
Chinese Language | Chinese Language / Chinese Linguistics / Chinese Literature / Chinese Studies | |
Malay Language | Malay Language / Malay Literature / Malay Studies | |
Tamil Language | Tamil Language / Tamil Literature | |
Secondary / Primary | Music | Music |
Art | Fine Arts / Architecture / Design / Art History | |
Physical Education | All majors | |
Primary | English and Mathematics | All majors. A good proficiency in the relevant language is essential. |
English and Science | ||
English and Social Studies | ||
Mathematics and Science | ||
Chinese Language | ||
Malay Language | ||
Tamil Language |
Note: The list is not exhaustive and additional relevant criteria may apply.
You will be assessed in totality, taking into account your personal qualities, experience and content knowledge. You are free to indicate your interest in any of the subjects. The final assignment will be done by MOE, after considering your subject knowledge, preference and organisational needs.
While the teaching profession is a rewarding one, it also comes with expectations and demands at work. Teachers are role-models in professional practice and conduct, placed in a position of trust in nurturing and educating the young. Applicants should have the fitness and stamina to deliver lessons, and resilience required to engage students safely and carry out their duties effectively. As part of the application process, candidates may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.
Cost and teaching bond
Your training at NIE is fully funded by MOE. After completing the PGDE programme, you will serve a 3-year teaching bond.
You will have to pay damages to MOE should you:
- Fail to graduate from NIE.
- Resign or are terminated from the teaching service before serving out the full duration of your teaching bond.
Salary and benefits
You will receive a monthly salary of $3,305 to $4,295 while undergoing your Contract Teaching Stint in school and if enrolled, during NIE training as well. After successfully completing the PGDE programme, you will be eligible for a salary top-up.
Your exact salary would depend on:
- Your academic training.
- Your relevant experience to teaching.
- Time spent on the job.
- Whether you have completed full-time National Service.
As a General Education Officer (i.e. the scheme of service you are appointed to upon graduation from the PGDE programme), you will also be eligible for a number of benefits.
Some of them include:
- Bonuses, such as Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance, performance bonus and other variable bonuses.
- The CONNECT Plan, which rewards you for commitment to teaching with pay-outs at defined points of your career.
- Time off during school holidays, as long as your services are not required during that time.
- Subsidised medical and dental benefits.
- 14 days of medical leave (without hospitalisation), and up to 60 days of hospitalisation leave.
- 10 days of urgent leave for private matters, subject to approval.
Learn more about the benefits as a Public Officer.
Professional development and career tracks
The Ministry values every teacher as part of the MOE family, and is committed to supporting and developing each teacher’s potential. Learn about the professional development opportunities and career tracks available, to help you reach your career aspirations.