FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Applications
When is the deadline for submission of application and where can I get the application forms?
The deadline for submission of application is 11 Jun 2010 & application forms can be obtained from our website at www.ial.edu.sg. Three forms need to be completed namely (1) The IOE Application Form; (2) The Equal Opportunities Form; and (3) The IOE Reference Form (with two references). All three forms must be completely filled up and reach IAL, 1 Kay Siang Road, Tower Level 6, Singapore 248922 latest by 11 Jun 2010.
What is this Equal Opportunities Form and what is the purpose for it?
This is a requirement by IOE. The Equal Opportunities Form is to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable treatment than another based on grounds of any condition or status not directly affected by work or study. Hence, applicants are required to declare their gender, ethnicity and disability for record and monitoring purpose.
What are the requirements for entry to the IOE MALLL programme?
IOE states that an applicant must have a good first degree (or equivalent) and minimum two years of work experience.
What do you mean by a good first degree?
A good degree means it is recognised by the IOE as conforming to international university standards, and is conducted entirely in English. All local Singaporean degrees from NUS, NTU, SMU and UniSIM are considered good degrees. A good degree does not automatically entitle you to entry to the programme. Candidates will still have to go through an IOE selection process, which comprise of standard procedures common to all international students.
What if I do not meet the entry requirements for admission? Can I still apply?
IOE states that applicants who do not meet the entry requirements can seek entry through the completion of qualifying work. Such qualifying work can be in the form of interview, essays, reviews or portfolio as determined by IOE. Hence, applicants who do not meet entry requirements may still apply but the decision on admission is at the sole discretion of IOE.
Can IAL advise if I can qualify for entry?
IAL would only advise on your eligibility and every candidate must still go through a shortlisting process by IOE.
General Enquiries
What do I gain after doing this Masters Programme?
The Masters Programme is an academic programme which prepares the individual for advancements in CET research and policy-level work in the CET sector. The programme offers a macro view on lifelong learning, promotes ideas in policy and professional practice, and equips candidates with CET research skills. On completion of the programme, you may seek jobs which require overall management or development of policy related work.
Is the programme more academic or practical bias?
As in all Masters programme, it is an academic programme, and not a practice or competency based course. In postgraduate programmes, theories are also discussed in the context of practical examples and applications. Candidates also draw practical applications from class discussions among course mates who are professionals with varied experience from different industries and fields of work.
How long is the programme?
The programme duration is 20 months.
What are the different modules being taught?
There are four modules. Module 1: Lifelong Learning: Theories and Perspectives; Module 2: Learning and Teaching for Adults; Module 3: Education for the Professions; Module 4: The Design, Conduct and Evaluation of Educational and Social Research. In addition, candidates need to attend a 2-day Induction Workshop & a 3-day Dissertation Workshop. Details on the module can be obtained from the IAL website or from the programme brochure.
Course Attendance
What happens if I miss a class?
It would be preferred that the classes are not missed since the dates are provided in advance. The course fee provides for the physical engagement with course leaders who fly in direct from IOE, and it is all part of the programme development.
What are the assignments like?
Students are required to write a 5,000 word assignment for each module. In addition, students are required to produce a 20,000 word dissertation as part of the course requirements.
Can the 4 x 5,000 word assignments be combined for the 20,000 word dissertation?
No. The dissertation is to be completed as part of the course requirements and does not constitute a culmination of the 4 module assignments. The dissertation is a separate piece of work that needs to be prepared by the participant in an effort to show that he/she is able to put into practice the academic skills obtained from the programme.
Why does it take such a long time to complete?
Most Masters level programmes spread across 2 years part time. This programme is targeted for completion within 20 months. The course modules will have to be completed within the first year before time is spent on the dissertation in the next 6 months. While participants will not be engaged in the programme for the entire duration of the first year, there would be ample time provided for the individual to reflect on their learning so that it is incorporated into their assignments. The subsequent 6 months is provided for the completion of the dissertation and the next 4 months for dissertation evaluation. This is where assessors may get back to the participants with necessary amendments or clarifications before the final award of the degree.
How many students are there in a class?
There will be no more than 25 students in each cohort.
How are the lessons conducted?
The lessons are conducted in a classroom environment. After the physical engagement during the one week programme, online discussion with supervisors and tutors may occur online in the Blackboard site. There will be constant engagement with tutors since a tutor is assigned to each student.
Can I get the reading materials beforehand?
Yes. All reading materials will be available before each module and uploaded onto Blackboard.
Will reading materials be printed for us?
As with all postgraduate programmes, all reading materials will be available online through IOE blackboard.
Do I have access to IOE staff when they are not in Singapore?
Yes. At every module, there will be a lecturer who will be taking care of a group of students till the end of the module. And you would be able to contact your individual lecturers via email.
Do all my previous certificates need to be verified?
Yes. The certificates must be brought to IAL Main reception for verification.
Fees & Payment
How much is the course fee?
The course fee is S$42,600. A flat subsidy of 60% is extended by WDA for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents, bringing the nett fee to S$18,232 (inclusive of GST).
What does the course fee cover?
The course fee covers face-to-face lectures by faculty from the Institute of Education, University of London.
How is the payment of fees structured?
The fees are payable in two annual instalments at the start of each semester. The semester terms will be advised by the program coordinator.
Who enjoys the WDA subsidy of 60%?
The WDA subsidy of 60% course fee is extended to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
Apart from the WDA 60% Subsidy, is there any way to get further subsidy for the fees?
No. There is no further subsidy for the fees.
Dissertation
What do I write for the dissertation?
Students are to choose a topic of interest and are encouraged to focus on topics with specific relevance to the advancement of CET in Singapore.
IAL MALLL Scholarship
What does the IAL MALLL scholarship cover?
The IAL MALLL Scholarship comprises a flat award of S$10,000 and is meant to help scholarship recipients defray the course fees for the MALLL.
What is the nett fee payable by a scholarship recipient?
The total course fee for the programme is S$42,600, and a flat subsidy of 60% is extended by WDA to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, bringing the nett fee to S$18,232. Together with the WDA subsidy and IAL Scholarship, individuals need only to pay the balance of course fees of S$8,232.
What is the application process for the IAL MALLL Scholarship?
Applicants will need to fill up the IAL MALLL Scholarship Form and Scholarship Proposal, and submit them to IAL by 11 Jun 10. Both sets of forms can be downloaded from www.ial.edu.sg. All applicants will need to fulfil the entry requirements by IOE for the MALLL programme. Applicants for the IAL MALLL Scholarship will be further shortlisted and invited to attend an IAL MALLL Scholarship Selection Board Interview.
Is there a scholarship bond?
There is no bond for the scholarship but we would require scholarship recipients to stay and contribute to the CET sector over a period of 2 years.
I am a freelance trainer, not from a CET centre. Can I qualify?
No. The scholarships are only offered to staff employed in non-government CET Centres and WDA Approved Training Organisations.
I am with the Ministry/Statutory board/PSEI. Can I qualify for scholarship?
You will not qualify for the scholarship if you are from the ministry, statutory boards or PSEIs. You will qualify for the scholarship only if you are from a non-government CET centre or WDA Approved Training Organisation. Shortlisted candidates will have to go through an interview to ascertain eligibility for the scholarship.
Who will be on the scholarship interview panel?
The interview panel will comprise senior management staff from IAL or WDA and a prominent professional from the CET or related industry.
My company sponsors me partly for this programme. Can I still apply for the IAL scholarship?
No. You are not eligible for the IAL scholarship if you receive any other institutional award or scholarship for this programme.
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