Some 200 students who enrol in the full-time SIM University degree courses next year can take as little as three years or up to six years to complete their studies.

The pioneer batch selected for the full-time degrees - in finance, accountancy and marketing - will be allowed to complete their degrees in a shorter time by taking more courses each semester or by taking additional classes in the evenings with the part-time students. Students may even seek jobs mid-way through their studies. If they land one, they will then be able to switch from full-time to part-time studies.

UniSIM president Cheong Hee Kiat who gave out more details on Monday morning on the courses said "flexibility" will be one of the key features of his university's offerings. He explained how the fresh school leavers who enrol for the full-time courses can benefit interacting with the working adults who take part-time courses.

UniSIM's programmes, he said, will differ from the traditional degree programmes in that they are designed to produce graduates with three distinct qualities: professionals with strong skills in their chosen fields who are able to hit the ground running in the workplace; socially-minded individuals who are motivated to make a difference in society; and self-directed lifelong learners with strong work ethics and values.

To get students career-ready ,the university will partner companies to co-develop and closely supervise a structured 24-week work attachment. Unlike traditional internships, UniSIM's work attachments will be longer, more substantial and structured, requiring students to undertake work assignments and job tasks like the other employees at the companies that they will work for. This will allow students to gain real work experience that complements their classroom learning.

To graduate, students are also required to complete a capstone project that is scoped around a work-related issue. These projects are supervised by both UniSIM faculty and industry partners.

The nurture socially-mindedness students will also be required to initiate a service learning project. UniSIM will partner non-governmental organisations to develop projects.

The Ministry of Education had announced last year that UniSIM alongwith the Singapore Institute of Technology will be expanded to provide more degree pathways for Singaporeans.

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat who announced the details of the expansion plan last week said the varied offerings will better cater to the diverse aspirations of Singapore youths.