Common Business Programme (T01)

Course Overview

Are you excited about the business world but need more time, information and experiences before deciding which field to pursue? Then join the Common Business Programme (CBP) – your gateway to many possibilities, shaping the bedrock of your journey toward your dream career.

The one-year CBP helps you navigate the diverse functions of the vast business landscape through the newly curated ENhanced learning modules (EN modules) from seven diplomas offered by the School of Business. The EN modules allow you to explore topics across disciplines before narrowing down your focus on one diploma to pursue.

The CBP is designed to:

• Equip you with strong business foundation knowledge spanning diverse business domains, arming you with the essential toolkit required to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

• Experience subjects from different disciplines like accounting, business management, marketing, and other essential aspects to help you make a well-informed decision when choosing a diploma tailored to your passions and aspirations.

• Explore your strengths, interests, and passion through education and career guidance to equip you with self-awareness and a clear sense of direction before deciding on a diploma to pursue.

• Empower you with the unique opportunity to select from seven diploma courses offered by the School of Business, giving you the autonomy to tailor your academic journey according to your interests and professional goals. These diploma courses include:

Accountancy & Finance (T02)

Business (T10)

Culinary & Catering Management (T18)

Hospitality & Tourism Management (T08)

International Trade & Logistics (T07)

Law & Management (T09)

Marketing (T67)

*Notes:

1. CBP students who opt for the Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management will stream into the course in Year 1 Semester 2.

2. CBP students who opt for the other six courses will make their diploma selections at the end of Year 1 Semester 2, and progress to their selected diploma courses in Year 2.

3. Please see the sections on these diploma courses for more information.

CAREER EXPLORATION
Given the opportunity to explore a variety of business disciplines to discover your interests, strengths and passion before deciding on your diploma.

FLEXIBILITY
Personalise your learning by choosing from the most diverse range of elective subjects and diplomas offered by a polytechnic business school. Align your learning to your goals and aspirations.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Allows you to collaborate with different groups of students and lecturers to gain broad perspectives and insights. Other than guide your decision-making in diploma selection, an experiential learning journey will help to hone your problem-solving and communication skills.

What is CBP?

A Course of Possibilities

Empowering Youths to Choose

ONE Course | 7 Diplomas

Watch this to find out more.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject

Grade

English Language (EL1)*

1-6

Mathematics (E or A)

1-6

Any one of the subject in the 2^nd group of relevant subjects for ELR2B2-B Aggregate Type

Art
Business Studies
Combined Humanities
Economics
Geography
Higher Art
Higher Music
History
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese)
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil)
Humanities (Social Studies, History)
Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
Intro to Enterprise Development
Literature in English
Literature in Chinese
Literature in Malay
Literature in Tamil
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Music
Principles of Accounts

1-6

2024 Planned Intake

280

Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2024 JAE)

4 - 13

Students opting to be streamed to the Diploma in Law & Management must fulfil the minimum entry requirement of grade 1 to 4 for O-level English Language.

*Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/ Unified Examination Chinese (UEC) holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the relevant English Language subject (e.g. Bahasa Inggeris).

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

Coursework

You will attend various workshops such as Career Exploration workshop to discover about the different diplomas before deciding on one.

You can learn more about the different companies and industries by participating in learning journeys organised by the various diplomas such as this one where CBP students get to experience the Redmart HQ and its business operations beyond classroom learning.

students participating in outdoor learning experiences

Out-of-classroom experiential learning such as overseas study trips can help to broaden your perspectives and to further develop you socially, physically and holistically.

What You'll Learn

Year 1
TPFun

Build a good foundation in fundamental business subjects. The early exposure to TP Fundamental subjects and business subjects in the first semester will better guide you to the course you want to pursue.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
BAF1010	Business Accounting This module provides students with an understanding of core accounting principles from the preparation of accounting entries to the financial statements of businesses. In addition to gaining practical knowledge of accounting, students will also learn to perform financial ratio analysis to draw critical insights, assess business performance and make impactful recommendations to management for improvement.	4
BBS1001	Business Psychology & Management This subject introduces foundational management functions and how these practices are undergirded by psychology concepts and principles. It explores how fundamental psychology principles such as motivation, group dynamics, and leadership can provide insights into human behaviours and factors that should inform management practices relating to planning, organising, leading and controlling. It will highlight the importance of interpersonal and & teamwork skills in a business environment.	4
BBT1010	Business Technology & Analytics This subject provides an overview of how digitalisation and business technology impact the future of work and businesses. It also encompasses the utilisation of digital information and applications to facilitate decision making and problem solving through data analysis and visualisation.	4
BEC1007	Business Economics This subject covers the fundamental principles of economics for understanding how individuals and firms make decisions. It will focus on the various aspects of the product market: demand and supply, elasticity, market competition and product differentiation. It also includes an overview of macroeconomic indicators, the government’s macroeconomic objectives and policy tools.	4

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	BLO1001	Statistics for Business The subject provides the statistical tools for business decision making. Students will learn how to organise and analyse data, as well as interpret results for decision-making in the business context. These foundational statistical methods aim to equip students with the necessary skills to learn and perform data analytic in a data-driven society.	4
	BMK1005	Marketing Fundamentals Generating revenue and leads for opportunity is the lifeblood and core critical function for all businesses. This subject covers the basic concepts and practices of the modern marketing process by leveraging on the understanding of consumer behaviour, market segmentation, target marketing, positioning and marketing mix.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
BAF1013	Finance & Accounting for Decision Making This is an introductory subject in finance and management accounting. This subject introduces key finance and accounting concepts required by students to make sound business decisions. Students will also learn fundamental management accounting concepts in business planning, decision-making and cost control. Upon completion, students will become more effective decision makers and make informed business decisions.	4
BCM1017	Visual Communication This subject provides an introduction to the theories and practice of design graphics and photography. It will cover key areas such as principles of design, composition techniques, and camera controls.	4
BEC1008	Global Economics The subject introduces the entity of a national economy and the structure which it exists in relationship with other economies on a global scale examining economic management by the government as it navigates macro and global economic issues such as cashless society, cryptocurrency and global sustainability. The subject focuses on using case studies and current events to enable learners to experience the complexity of macro and global economic systems from the perspectives of economic management and firms.	4
BHT1010	Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism This subject provides an overview of the multi-faceted hospitality and tourism industry and their key sectors. It introduces common terminologies used and covers the various theories on travel and tourism. It also highlights the interplay between demand and supply forces of the two industries and explores the major issues faced by them. It lays the foundation for future applications where decisions can be made about the hospitality and tourism industry.	4
BHT1024	Tourism Geography This subject provides insights into the interconnectedness of places, people and landscapes of which tourism is a facet due to the social, cultural and economic activities present at tourist destinations. Topics covered include a spectrum of different types of special interest tourism and niche experiences such as ecotourism and wellness tourism.	4
BLM1007	Business Law This subject provides you with a working knowledge of the general principles of law that are important to business. Topics covered include contract, negligence, sale of goods, intellectual property and e-commerce.	4
BLM1008	Legal Systems The subject will provide an overview of the legal system of Singapore and its various aspects, in particular, the 3 arms of government, being the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive.	4
BLM1009	Legal Methods The subject covers strategies, techniques and skills involved in legal work. These include the understanding of the sources of law, classifying the various types of law, legal research, reading the law and interpreting statutes with a keen sense of attention to detail.	4
BLO1007	Supply Chain Management & Technology The subject provides an overview of the relationship between supply chain management and logistics management, and their impact on the success of organisations. It focuses on how the major functional components interact with one another to meet customers’ requirements and on the application of technology, a key driver of business operations in the supply chain.	4

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-Century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
GTP1201	Career Readiness This subject focuses on personal management skills. It develops an understanding of one’s career interests, values, personality and skills for career success. It covers the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace and achieve professional goals. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning methods, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.	1
GTP1301	Current Issues & Critical Thinking This subject covers current issues, including diverse local and global concerns, that will impact lives and may have critical implications for Singapore. There will be opportunities to build competence through self-directed learning, communicate and collaborate in active discussions and objectively analyse issues using digital and information literacy skills and critical thinking scaffolds.	3
GTP1101	Leadership Fundamentals This subject focuses on self-leadership based on the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Increasing awareness of self and others will lay the foundations for personal and relationship effectiveness. Consequential thinking, clear articulation of personal values and visions, emphatic listening, and collaboration in serving others are some of the essential skills covered in this leadership journey. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.	2
BIN1001	Innovation & Entrepreneurship The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond. Learners will first be introduced to the Design Thinking framework and learn how to develop problem statements and ideate solutions. Learners will then discover the tools for prototyping and innovation at TP’s Makerspace+ facility. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through stages in the LEAN Startup framework, idea crystallisation, prototype building, customer testing and validation, refinement of business model canvas, and crowdfunding/crowdsourcing.	2
BTX1001	Effective Communication This subject introduces the fundamentals of effective communication. It also covers how to communicate with and convince an audience through writing and speaking tasks. The skills in this subject will include the application of strategies for communication, appropriate vocabulary, language features, visual aids, tone and style. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework will also be applied when planning and engaging in written and verbal communication. There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.	3
LSW1002	Sports & Wellness This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-in time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreation setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.	2

Graduation Requirements

Please refer to the respective diploma websites:

Career Prospects

Depending on which diploma course you choose to specialise in after your first semester, you will find excellent job prospects in areas such as

Banking and Finance
International Business and Entrepreneurship
Travel and Tourism

Digital Business Innovation
Digital and Social Media Marketing
Culinary and Pastry Arts

Human Resource Management
E-commerce

Course Review

Temasek Polytechnic alumnus Azman Bin Zainal

I really enjoy being part of the Common Business Programme (CBP). It gives me the chance to explore different possibilities across the various business diplomas, which has helped me understand my options better. The lecturers are fun and engaging, making the experience enjoyable and motivating. In secondary school, I wasn't sure about which direction to take, and CBP provides a solution to that uncertainty, allowing me to explore business without the pressure of choosing a specific diploma right away.

Azman Bin Zainal
Common Business Programme, Class of 2024

Temasek Polytechnic alumna Erika and Gugan

"I love CBP because it not only acts as a one year buffer for me to truly think about what diploma I want, but it also allows me to take part in events that provide me with valuable insights into different diplomas. Now I know which diploma I want to go to yay!!!!!!"

Erika Neo Ryi Chyi
Common Business Programme, Class of 2024

"I love CBP because of the wide range of diploma choices available"

Gugan S/O Kalaichelvan
Common Business Programme, Class of 2024

Temasek Polytechnic alumnus Chua Rui Han.

Initially, I intended to pursue a Diploma in Business, but I ended up enrolling in my second choice instead. Looking back, I realize this has turned out to be a better path for me. Over time, I discovered new interests that I may want to pursue instead of a business diploma. When it came to selecting elective modules, I had the flexibility to choose two electives. This freedom allowed me to select modules that not only supported my GPA but also helped me explore different areas of interest. It also gave me the chance to experiment with both exam-based and group project modules to see which suits me best. Overall, I’m grateful to have chosen CBP, as it has provided me with a broader range of experiences and opportunities for growth.

Chua Rui Han
Common Business Programme, Class of 2024

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable.

ADMITTED IN	SINGAPOREANS (Aged below 40 in the year 2024)	SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTS	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2024	S$3,087.65	S$6,317.65	S$12,143.25
2023	S$3,076.95	S$6,306.95	S$12,142.75

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1: 15 April 2024 – 13 October 2024
Semester 2: 14 October 2024 – 20 April 2025

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

Payment Method

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section.

Go to Fees & Financial Matters

Contact

bushotline@tp.edu.sg
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/bus
School of Business
Temasek Polytechnic
Central Block 26
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529797

CHECK OUT OTHER COURSES

VIEW THE FULL COURSE LISTING