Success via the Kaplan (Singapore) Diploma-to-Degree Pathway

Published: 24 March 2025

Finding an effective educational pathway is essential to laying a solid foundation for long-term academic and career success. Whether you’re pursuing a passion or aiming to secure a high-demand profession, the journey begins with a strategic plan.

But what happens if your interest or career aspiration changes? Is it too late to switch paths? These changes are a natural part of any academic journey and shouldn't hold you back from achieving excellence; instead, they should be embraced as part of your professional growth.

Kaplan (Singapore), with its versatile, integrated academic structures, can be a transformative bridge that helps you pivot and thrive, regardless of where your journey began.

If you’re stuck wondering what’s next after a Diploma that no longer aligns with your career goals or interests, let the success of our Diploma graduate, Chong Wei Jun, show you how an academic journey with Kaplan (Singapore) can empower you to confidently bridge into a new field and achieve your highest potential.

The Inspiring Success Story

Chong Wei Jun, currently a Service Controller at SMRT Buses Ltd, is a testament to the effectiveness of the Kaplan (Singapore) ecosystem. Wei Jun did not just change his career trajectory; he completely redefined it, graduating with First Class Honours in a field entirely different from his initial studies.
 

Chong Wei Jun
Service Controller, SMRT Buses Ltd
Kaplan Diploma in Psychology 2021 Graduate
University of Portsmouth Bachelor of Science (Honours) Software Engineering 2024 First Class Honours Graduate
(Source: 2024)

Wei Jun’s story is a masterclass in how a strategic educational pathway at Kaplan (Singapore) provides the "scaffolding" needed to jump between seemingly unrelated industries. By leveraging the Kaplan Diploma as a foundation and progressing into a specialised Bachelor’s Degree, he proved that an unconventional start can lead to outstanding results.

Reflecting on his experience, Wei Jun shared: “The programme offers a good balance of theory and practical experience, which is valuable as it allows me to develop real-world skills that are applicable to my career. Now equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering from UOP, I am thrilled to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Why Psychology Wasn't a "Detour"

Wei Jun’s journey began with a Diploma in Psychology at Kaplan (Singapore). To an outsider, a Psychology Diploma might seem like an unconventional path for someone destined for a Software Engineering Degree, but in reality, it provided a unique competitive edge.

The study of psychology is fundamentally about understanding one of the most complex systems — the human mind. It builds critical thinking, empathy, and behavioural analysis skills. In the tech world, these are not just ‘soft skills’; they are essential for User Experience (UX) design and understanding how humans interact with software.

Additionally, the communication, research, and data analysis skills honed during his private Diploma became Wei Jun’s secret weapons. When he transitioned into the technical world, he didn't just see code; he saw the people who would use it.

Transitioning to Software Engineering

When Wei Jun was wondering what was next after his Diploma, he chose to continue his journey with Kaplan (Singapore). The pathway made the transition seamless, as its structure is designed to help students jump between disciplines without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Wei Jun chose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering at the University of Portsmouth (UOP), which is one of Kaplan’s many prestigious University partners. This private Degree was the ideal next step to turn his interest in technology into a viable career.

UOP is renowned for its industry-aligned curriculum, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-value IT job in today’s digital economy. Awarded a 5-star rating in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, UOP provides an education that goes beyond the classroom, with a focus on practical experience.

At Kaplan (Singapore), Wei Jun was able to tap into these prestigious global resources and academic rigour while remaining in Singapore. This enabled him to earn a world-class qualification without relocating overseas, ensuring a seamless, efficient progression toward his professional goals.

Throughout the programme, Wei Jun was exposed to innovative methodologies that bridge the gap between academic concepts and commercial applications. Speaking on his growth, Wei Jun noted: “The programme has also provided me with technical skills such as programming and problem-solving, and the experience of working on projects has improved my teamwork abilities.”

Embracing Transformation with Kaplan (Singapore) 

Whether pursuing a part-time diploma in Singapore or a full-time Bachelor’s Degree, Kaplan (Singapore) ensures students receive full support to pursue their passions or make a career pivot later in their professional life through:

A Holistic Academic Experience

Pursuing higher education with Kaplan (Singapore) ensures a world-class academic experience. We offer a vast range of Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, and Postgraduate Degrees across numerous disciplines, delivered in partnership with globally renowned universities and professional partners. Additionally, with over 250 dedicated academic professionals, including locally based experts and fly-in faculty, students can benefit from a global perspective without leaving Singapore.

Comprehensive Student Support

We aim to ensure our graduates are future-ready with strong employability skills. This is achieved through a culture of support that aids students from enrolment through to seeking career opportunities. We also provide workshops, employability training, industry talks, and work experiences that are directly relevant to your field of study, ensuring you are prepared for your first IT job or leadership role.

Trusted Excellence and Accolades

Kaplan (Singapore) is a 4-year EduTrust-certified institution. This certification demonstrates the excellent quality of our programmes, student services, and business operations. Our commitment to excellence is also reflected in our other numerous accolades, including the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2025 Regional Edition (Corporate Excellence Award), the Dun & Bradstreet Singapore Business Eminence Awards 2025 (Gold Award), and the 2025 Singapore Business Review International Business Awards (Educational Management).

Designing Your Own Path

Professional success is rarely a straight line; it is a series of strategic, well-timed moves. Kaplan (Singapore) provides the flexibility and resources for students to redefine themselves at any stage of their academic or professional journey.

Whether you’re looking for Degrees for working adults to help you make a mid-career pivot or a part-time Diploma to explore an interest, you can find the right support system at Kaplan (Singapore) to make the impossible possible.

Download the Kaplan (Singapore) brochure to find out more about our programmes or contact our admissions team to discuss how you can begin your journey toward a first-class future today.