Ahead of peers

A special feature by Kaplan Higher Education Academy
A well-designed diploma route enables Ms Nichole Choy to enjoy her tertiary accountancy studies

At 16, Ms Nichole Choy already knew she wanted a future in accountancy, and dreamt of one day joining the ranks of recognised professional auditors and accountants.

Seeing a clear progressive path from a diploma to a degree for the profession, she embarked on a Diploma in Accountancy at the Kaplan Higher Education Academy.

With a reputation for collaborating and partnering with prestigious universities around the world to better prepare students for employment in various fields, the Diploma in Accountancy at Kaplan consists of subjects such as Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Banking and Finance, Commercial Law, Quantitative Analysis, Business Information Systems, Economics and Management.

A Kaplan diploma may be completed in eight months over four terms. Upon completion, students may gain entry to the 2nd year of the degree programmes offered by Kaplan's partner universities, subject to entry requirements.

The course welcomes applicants with GCE N or O levels, NITEC holders as well as GCE A Levels, Higher NITEC or equivalent qualifications. Students may be required to complete certificate programme prior to the diploma course.

Students are pampered with choices as Kaplan offers over 20 diploma programmes across 7 disciplines: Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, Communication & Media, Humanities & Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism Management and Information Technology, Law and Nursing & Allied Health.

An alternative path to success

"We learnt about Kaplan from an advertisement in a Ministry of Education linked publication," Nichole's mother Agnes Choy recalls.

She and her husband did some "homework" visiting other private institutions for comparison but eventually decided on Kaplan as the staff members appeared professional and knowledgeable about their programmes.

They were also convinced by the repute of degree programmes Kaplan had tie-ups with - which makes the transition from diploma to degree a more seamless learning process.

Enrolling in Kaplan enabled Nichole to pick the course of her dreams that is aligned to her aspiration and interest, as well as gain a head start over her peers.

Says Mrs Choy: "I strongly encourage all parents to consider private education institutes, which allow youths to pursue their passion and get a headstart in their dream careers."

All-round development

Beyond just a rat-race for academic achievements, or to become a straight-A student, Mrs Choy appreciates that Kaplan's curriculum was able to build up Nichole's character - nurturing her so that she became a young woman of "self confidence and a strong motivation to succeed".

With each course unit assessed by a combination of modes, such as class participation, written assignments, project or examinations, students get to develop both their academic aptitude as well as soft-skills which are so intrinsic to success in the workplace today.

The learning experience at Kaplan has helped stretched her potential, as it is "challenging but rewarding", says Nichole.

"The challenge to present and explain complex concepts to her class¬mates from all around the world honed her confidence in public speaking skills," Mrs Choy says. She also appreciates her diverse friendships from students from all around the world.

Now 18, she is glad she chose the "right path" of a full-time accountancy diploma.

It fully prepared her to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Banking (Double Major) - with the Murdoch University at Kaplan. She is now immersed in the joy of learning.

With less than two years to graduation in May 2017, she feels assured that her degree will open doors for her in future.

With a new upbeat mantra of "up and on", she says, "I now realise there are many pathways to success if one works hard."

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