Comparison of Common Methods to Learn Software Engineering in Singapore

Overview

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Obtaining a degree in Computer Science is one way, but there are other methods to learn software engineering even after tertiary education. The three most common ones are: self-learning, bootcamps, and postgraduate programmes like diplomas and Master’s degrees. 

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Gain insight into the tertiary and post-tertiary ways of learning software engineering at a glance, and review each method in detail below.

• Method
• Cost
• Duration
• Curriculum Reputation
• Typical Perception of Graduates

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1. Computer Science degree

• Cost: High (~S$14,000)
• ~4 years
• Structured learning
• Good theoretical foundation
• Relatively less practical exposure
• Good theoretical foundation, may not have practical software experience
  

Read more about the pros and cons of undertaking a computer science degree.
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2. Self-learning

• Cost: Low/Free
• Flexible
• Learning at your own pace
• Focus on practical skills
• Lack of learning structure, mentors, and fellow peers for can make this method challenging
• No strong signal about level of proficiency
  

Thinking of self-learning software engineering? Here are some resources.

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3. Postgraduate Programme

• Cost: High (~S$10,000)
• 1-2 years
• Structured learning
• Students need to gain practical exposure in their own time
• Good theoretical foundation, unlikely to have practical software experience
  

See more information about postgraduate programmes here.
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4. Bootcamp

• Cost: Moderate (~S$5,000)
• 3-6 months
• Structured learning
• Typically focused on practical skills, with little Computer Science knowledge being taught
• Less theoretical foundation, decent practical software experience through building applications
  

Interested in coding bootcamps in Singapore? Here are three reasons why they might be the choice for you.