With the two polytechnics being in such close proximity, how would you choose between the both of them?
In this post, I will be covering some important factors to consider when making your decision.
This is 3 years of your precious life that we are talking about here. So I understand that it’s not an easy decision, and I will try my best to provide you with some objective opinions.
Let’s get started then!
Contents
Location & Accessibility
The next thing that you could consider is the travelling time and ease.
I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to have a commute so tiring — that leaves you breathless before you even reach class.
NP
NP is located at 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489.
The nearest MRT to NP is the Beauty World station, along the blue Downtown Line. You would have to head towards Exit C, and from there NP is approximately an 800m walk away.
You could take buses from the MRT (i.e. 61 from Opposite Exit C or 75 from Exit A), but I personally wouldn’t recommend it because it’s slower than walking.
If you are planning on commuting to NP by bus, you would have to keep a lookout for these bus stops:
- Opp Ngee Ann Poly (Stop ID: 12109)
- Ngee Ann Poly (Stop ID: 12101)
Here are the bus services that will take you there:
| Bus Number | Route |
| 52 | Jurong East Int / Bishan Int |
| 61 | Bt Batok Int / Eunos Int |
| 74 | Buona Vista Ter* / Hougang Ctrl Int |
| 75 | Gali Batu Ter* / Marina Ctr Ter* |
| 151 | Kent Ridge Ter / Hougang Ctrl Int |
| 154 | Boon Lay Int / Eunos Int |
| 184 | Gali Batu Ter* |
As for looking out for bus timings, I have an app that I think is could be useful: SG BusLeh. It is mostly accurate and they could help you to plan your commute even before you head to the bus stop.
Another way to keep track of the incoming bus timings is to use the Bus Uncle Telegram bot. I personally find the bus uncle’s responses entertaining and quirky, with a dash of Singlish.
If you’re driving to NP, you can head into campus from either the:
- Clementi Road, or
- Upper Bukit Timah Road exiting towards PIE Tuas (Might not be open at times)
SP
On the other hand, SP is located at 500 Dover Rd, Singapore 139651.
If you’re getting to SP by MRT, you would have to alight at the Dover station, located along the green East-West line. Once you tap out, you will be right at the entrance of SP’s Plaza.
Otherwise, if you’re heading there by bus, here are a few bus stops which you can alight at:
- Dover Stn Exit A (Stop ID: 19031)
This is the stop that is on the same side as SP.
- Dover Stn Exit B (Stop ID: 19039)
This is the stop that is opposite of SP.
There are a few more stations that you can alight at, you can check them out on the directions to SP page.
The above 2 mentioned SP bus stops are the most commonly known/used ones, offering bus services:
| Bus Number | Route |
| 14 | Clementi Int / Bedok Int |
| 74 | Buona Vista Ter* / Hougang Ctrl Int |
| 105 | Jurong East Int / Serangoon Int |
| 106 | Bt Batok Int / Shenton Way Ter* |
| 147 | Clementi Int / Hougang Ctrl Int |
| 166 | Clementi Int / Ang Mo Kio Int |
| 185 | Buona Vista Ter* / Soon Lee Bus Pk* |
If you’re driving to SP, you would need to turn in from Dover Road, which is accessible from AYE, the nearest expressway, then:
- If you are visiting the Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy at T1A, enter through Gate 8 from Commonwealth Avenue West, you can park your vehicle at Car Park C or D.
- If you are visiting the Admin building, enter through Gate 1 from Dover Road and park your vehicle at Car Park A.
Diplomas offered & Cut-off points
Disclaimer: The diploma content covered by each school does vary, and the naming of each diploma might also vary.
First off, I’m going to cover the diplomas that each of the polytechnics offers.
You can head over to these links to check out the cut-off points (for 2022 JAE) for each course in NP and SP, or you could scroll down to take a look at them.
The net ELR2B2 aggregate score that’s stated is only meant to be a reference.
Applied Sciences
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Biomedical Science | 3 to 8 | 3 to 7 |
| Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | 6 to 12 | – |
| Environmental & Water Technology | 6 to 16 | – |
| Landscape Design & Horticulture | 5 to 14 | – |
| Pharmaceutical Science | 4 to 9 | – |
| Applied Chemistry | – | 5 to 9 |
| Chemical Engineering | – | 3 to 13 |
| Food Science & Technology | – | 5 to 13 |
| Perfumery & Cosmetic Science | – | 5 to 11 |
Built Environment
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management | 10 to 18 | – |
| Real Estate Business | 8 to 14 | – |
| Architecture | – | 5 to 13 |
| Civil Engineering | – | 7 to 20 |
| Facilities Management | – | 11 to 19 |
| Integrated Events & Project Management | – | 5 to 16 |
| Landscape Architecture | – | 8 to 15 |
Business & Management
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Accountancy | 4 to 11 | 3 to 12 |
| Arts Business Management | 6 to 13 | – |
| Banking & Finance | 5 to 11 | 6 to 12 |
| Business Studies | 3 to 8 | – |
| Common Business Programme | 5 to 12 | 4 to 12 |
| International Trade & Business | 5 to 13 | – |
| Tourism & Resort Management | 9 to 17 | – |
| Business Administration | – | 4 to 12 |
| Human Resource Management with Psychology | – | 5 to 12 |
Engineering
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Aerospace Engineering | 5 to 19 | – |
| Automation & Mechatronic Systems | 6 to 19 | – |
| Biomedical Engineering | 7 to 11 | – |
| Common Engineering Programme | 6 to 26 | 7 to 17 |
| Electrical Engineering | 13 to 20 | – |
| Electronic & Computer Engineering | 7 to 16 | – |
| Engineering Science | 5 to 12 | – |
| Mechanical Engineering | 9 to 20 | 4 to 17 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | – | 5 to 17 |
| Aerospace Electronics | – | 7 to 13 |
| Computer Engineering | – | 3 to 12 |
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering | – | 6 to 17 |
| Engineering with Business | – | 5 to 11 |
| Mechatronics & Robotics | – | 5 to 13 |
Health Sciences
Humanities
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Chinese Studies | 7 to 13 | – |
| Community Development | 3 to 13 | – |
| Early Childhood Development & Education | 8 to 21 | – |
| Tamil Studies with Early Education | 13 to 17 | – |
Information & Digital Technologies
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Common ICT Programme | 5 to 13 | 3 to 13 |
| Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics | 5 to 8 | – |
| Data Science | 5 to 11 | – |
| Immersive Media | 8 to 15 | – |
| Information Technology | 9 to 15 | 4 to 14 |
| Applied AI & Analytics | – | 3 to 8 |
| Infocomm Security Management | – | 4 to 11 |
Maritime Studies
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Marine & Offshore Technology | 16 to 25 | – |
| Marine Engineering | – | 7 to 22 |
| Maritime Business | – | 7 to 18 |
| Nautical Studies | – | Offered under DAE |
Media & Design
| Diploma | NP | SP |
| Chinese Media & Communication | 6 to 15 | – |
| Design | 6 to 15 | – |
| Film, Sound & Video | 5 to 11 | – |
| Mass Communication | 4 to 11 | – |
| Media Post-Production | 5 to 12 | – |
| Interior Design | – | 4 to 14 |
| Media, Arts & Design | – | 4 to 12 |
Both NP & SP focus on different strengths
As you can see in the tables above, there are similar courses offered in both polytechnics. There are courses that are offered in one, but not the other.
If your desired course is only offered in either of the polytechnics, I’d reckon that going for your interest would be a better choice.
The most obvious difference that stood out to me was that SP seems to offer more courses related to the Built Environment faculty. While NP offers more courses in the Media & Design and the Humanities faculty.
Though the module content might vary a little, the main concepts of each course are still being taught. Therefore, if the course that you’re interested in is offered in both schools, I suggest for you to scroll down for more comparisons to help you in your decision!
My Personal Take
So in my experience, while there are similar courses offered in the 2 polytechnics, it’s a little different from taking the same subjects in JC.
To explain it further, taking the JC path eventually leads all students across all colleges to take the same paper during your A-levels.
However, polytechnics don’t have the same system, and there is no standardised way to grade all polytechnic students on their knowledge of the courses.
Therefore, diplomas from different polytechnics, even if they have the same name, do not mean that the things that are taught are the same.
In order to ensure that you are aware of what you are signing up for, I strongly encourage you to take a look at the modules that are taught in the courses that you are interested in.
You might not be interested in all of the modules taught, but you can consider choosing the diploma that is most in line with your interest and passion.
For example, let’s take a look at the Diploma in Information Technology offered in SP (DIT – S69) and NP (IT – N54) Year 1 Semester 1 curriculum.
| NP Y1S1 | SP Y1S1 |
| Computing Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Cyber Security Fundamentals | Front-End Web Development |
| Design Principles | Critical and Analytical Thinking (CAT) |
| Data Science Fundamentals | Fundamentals of Computing |
| Fundamentals for IT Professionals 1 | Communicating for Project (Proposal) Effectiveness |
| Programming 1 | Fundamentals of Programming |
| Education and Career Guidance 1: Personal Development |
You might be asking — What’s actually being taught in these modules?
You wouldn’t be able to make total sense of it from just the name of the course. You’ll need to dive in a little deeper to read each module’s description.
CCAs
Both NP and SP offer vibrant CCAs that you can be a part of. In polytechnics, it’s not necessary for you to take up any CCAs, though it could be beneficial in helping to build your portfolio!
This system provides you with the freedom to explore what interests you, and what doesn’t. There’s no commitment to these clubs unless, of course, you want to.
NP has a wide variety of CCAs, split into a few categories:
- Arts & Cultural (B-boys, Concert band, Photography,…)
- Sports (Dragonboat, Floorball, Muay Thai,…)
- Community Service (Food Aid, Red Cross Youth Chapter, Environmental Rangers,…)
- Special Interests (Astronomy, Chess, Toastmasters,…)
If you don’t find a club that interests you, you can gather a few of your friends that have the same interests as you and create a new club by contacting the Student Development Office.
SP also has a great number of CCAs, split a little differently:
- Constituent Clubs (Community Service & Cultural Club, Current Affairs & Debating Club,…)
- Arts & Culture (Lion Dance, Stage Management, Deejays,…)
- Special Interests (Student Exchange Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Memory Sports Club,…)
- Service Learning (Sign Language Club, Rotaract, Mentoring Club,…)
- Sports & Adventure (Adventurers, Bowling, Darts,…)
Joining a CCA will certainly help to make your polytechnic life much more vibrant and enjoyable.
Overall, in terms of quantity, SP does seem to provide more CCAs. However, NP also encourages you to start up your very own CCA if you feel like your interest has not been represented yet!
Facilities
This is one of the most important factors that I would look into when researching institutions. In my opinion, schools that are able to offer their students a quality environment and tools are the best way to show that they care about the well-being and quality of education that each student receives.
Sports Facilities
Starting off with the sports facilities that are offered by each of the polytechnics.
| Sports Facilities | NP | SP |
| Running Track | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sports Field | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sports Halls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Martial Arts Studio | ✓ | ✕ |
| Sports Care Centre | ✓ | ✕ |
| Dance Studios | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gym | ✓ | ✓ |
| Swimming Pool | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rock Climbing Wall | ✕ | ✓ |
| Basketball Courts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tennis Courts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Squash Courts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Badminton Courts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Futsal Court | ✕ | ✓ |
From the table, you can tell that both NP and SP have common facilities that you’d expect. Like the swimming pool, gym, variety of courts, and track-and-field facilities.
With some exceptions, SP has a rock climbing wall within the campus, and NP has a sports care centre that offers physiotherapy services.
Retail & Dining
Moving on to the food section, one of the staple experiences of poly life. Given that you might spend quite a few days in school, it’s important that there’s a variety of food options to choose from.
| Retail & Dining | NP | SP |
| McDonald’s | ✕ | ✓ |
| KFC | ✕ | ✓ |
| Subway | ✓ | ✓ |
| Starbucks | ✕ | ✓ |
| Old Chang Kee | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coffee Bean Tea Leaf | ✓ | ✕ |
| Bubble Tea | Each A Cup | Tea Tree Café |
| Koufu | ✓ | ✓ |
| Other Food Courts | Makan PlaceFood ClubMunch | Food Courts 1 – 6 |
| 7-11 | ✕ | ✓ |
| Cheers | ✓ | ✕ |
If you get sick of the food, both polytechnics have other food options that are within walking distance or a few bus-stops away!
NP
- SIM
- Bukit Timah Plaza
- Beauty World Centre
- Bukit Timah Food Market
- Food Street @ Cheong Chin Nam Road
SP
- NUS
- Star Vista
- Rochester Mall
- Ghim Moh Food Centre
Academic Facilities
I believe that in order for a school to properly nurture their students in their respective course of study, providing relevant resources and facilities is extremely important.
Over here, I’ll mention some of the academic facilities that are offered by both NP and SP.
Apart from the common computer labs, and classroom spaces, we have:
| NP | SP |
| School of Design & Environment Prototyping Workshop Integrated Facilities Management Lab (IFML) DE GalleryETC Lab Integrated Building Technology Lab (IBTL) | Architecture & The Built Environment Environmental, Geomatic and Geotechnical Lab Event Space Facilities Management Lab Architectural Design Studio Landscape Design Studio |
| School of Engineering Aerospace Hub Microelectronics Lab Audio-Visual Technology Studio DA40 Flight Simulator Towing Tank Lab Solar Technology Centre | Electrical & Electronic Engineering A320 Flight Simulator Electrical Installation Lab Green Mobility Lab Nano Fabrication Lab |
| School of Health Sciences Simulation Lab Scrub Room Operating Theatre Nursing Skills Laboratory | School of Business Hospitality Studio |
| School of Film & Media Studies TV Studios Radio Presentation Studio Green Screen Studio Avid and ProTools Stations Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Mixing Studio Sound Post-Production Room Video and Audio Production, Editing and Post-Production Suites Multi-track Studio Recording Studios Electronic Music Laboratory Sound Stage Visual Effects Labs Cinema-Standard Preview Theatre Integrated Newsroom, Campus Radio and TV Stations | Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering Aero Hub Bioengineering Lab CNC Workshop Fab Lab Industrial Automation Lab Machine Development Centre Rapid Prototyping Workshop |
| School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology Centre of Food and Sustainable Resources Centre for Environmental Technology Centre of Applied Biosciences | Media, Arts & Design School Black Box The Agency Writers’ Room Design Studio |
| Chemical & Life Sciences Dough and Roll Studio Energy and Chemicals Training Centre Optometry Centre Perfumery and Cosmetic Science Centre | |
| School of Computing Music Technology Centre Recording Studios Motion Capture Studio Visual Effects Studio | |
| Singapore Maritime Academy Engine Room Simulator Maritime Business Centre Navigation Simulator Poly Marina Integrated Simulation Centre |
Just by looking at the table, SP does have more facilities than NP. However, it’s also essential to look into the facilities that will be relevant to you. After all, we might not have the chance to use all of them during our years of study.
Chill Spots
Other than the academic side of things, you would also probably need some time off.
Apart from the usual study and hangout spots that both polytechnics offer, there are some facilities that are quite unique to each institution:
NP
Studio27
Studio27 is a jamming room for those that are interested in music. Grab a couple of your friends, book the space and feel free to let your creativity flow within the 4 sound-proof walls.
Dialogue in the Dark
Dialogue in the Dark was a very interesting personal experience because it gave me a glimpse into what a world without visual light would be like. The centre employs vision-impaired individuals as guides, trainers and motivational speakers.
SP
Moberly
Located just near Gate 2, this is a chill-out spot in SP. You would find the dance studios, jamming studios, karaoke room, games room, and cafe here!
Final Verdict
Before reading my take on NP vs SP, I do have to let you know that I am from NP. I have tried to give objective takes, and another neutral party has also vetted this post.
So, who’s the winner?
In my opinion, I feel that SP is a great place for those who are looking to have a more comprehensive and hands-on approach to learning. I do reckon that they have the relevant facilities and resources to further your understanding of the course subject.
However, NP is perfect for young entrepreneurs to start out, in recent years, they have been trying to provide opportunities like overseas internships in startups, and hackathons to encourage young budding innovators.
Cliche ending, but yes each institution has its own strengths to play to. If you’d like to know more about my NP experience, feel free to connect with me on Linkedin!
Otherwise, you can check out this article that compares between SP and Temasek Poly here.
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