Institute of Systems Science

2.1 Programme’s Commitment

The Institute of Systems Science is known for its broad-based advanced professional continuing education in Information Technology specialising in Software Technology and Engineering Practiceand provides industry with Strategic IT Management, e-Business and Knowledge Management expertise. It aims to deliver quality lifelong ICT learning to professionals and managers through a combination of e-Learning and classroom activities.

Its mission is to be a premier IT technology transfer institution that directly supports the national IT manpower development plan in establishing and maintaining a world class Information Communication Technology (ICT) capability in Singapore.

Established in 1981, ISS’s initial focus was on the development of a strong, cohesive, industry-oriented educational programme to help organisations accelerate their computerisation programmes.

ISS is ISO9001-certified for the provision of short courses, postgraduate programmes, consultancies and joint projects. This is further assurance of our commitment to quality and to the meeting of the stringent requirements of our customers.

Please visit the ISS website at: http://www.iss.nus.edu.sg for more details.

2.2 Key Contact Information

(For up-to-date information, please visit the Faculty’s website at: http://www.iss.nus.edu.sg)

2.3        Programmes Offered

The Programme offers the following graduate degrees by coursework:

• Master of Technology (Software Engineering) [M.Tech. (SE)]
• Master of Technology (Knowledge Engineering) [M.Tech. (KE)]
• Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis [G.Dip. (SA)]

2.4        Programme Requirements

2.4.1     Master of Technology

Course Objective
The Master of Technology is offered jointly by the Institute of Systems Science (ISS) the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (DECE) and the School of Computing (SOC) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This programme will lead to the award of a Masters degree by the National University of Singapore. It offers specialisation in either software engineering or knowledge engineering and is specifically designed to meet the needs of today's busy IT professionals and managers without disrupting their work and career. The curriculum emphasises understanding and exploitation of advanced technologies and management disciplines. It focuses on the practical application of innovative techniques and developing the IT professional's capability for innovation.

Admission Requirements
To gain admission to the programme, candidates will be required to meet the following criteria:
a. Possess an undergraduate degree, preferably in Science or Engineering and a grade point average of at least B.
b. Have at least 2 years relevant work experience. It should be noted that:
•   For the SE programme, the work experience must be as an IT professional, with preference given to those that have worked in software development and project management roles.
•   For the KE programme, IT professionals would make ideal candidates. In addition, those with work experience as domain experts, who work in an environment where they can apply KE technologies, will also be given full consideration.
c.   Have passed an entrance test administered by ISS or have achieved a satisfactory score in the GRE general test (applicable to full-time foreign candidates).
d.  Have received a favourable assessment at an admissions interview conducted by ISS.
e. Have a high proficiency in the English language (spoken and written).
f.   International applicants who graduated from universities where English is not the medium of instruction may be asked to take TOEFL/IELTS.

Candidates who possess the equivalent of an NUS/NTU honours degree, masters degree or Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering (or similar) and achieved a grade point average of at least B (or 60%) may be exempted from taking the entrance test.

Candidates with exceptional academic results, such as the equivalent of an NUS/NTU Upper 2nd Class or 1st Class honours degree or who have achieved a grade point average of A in their undergraduate degree, may be admitted with less than the required 2 years relevant work experience.

Period of Candidature
This masters programme extends over a minimum period of two and half years, and a maximum of five years of part-time study. The programme is also available on a full-time basis over a minimum period of one and half years.

Student Commitment
Candidates must successfully complete the following course components to be awarded the degree:
a.  Core courses. Each candidate is required to pass four compulsory core courses (all conducted by ISS) in their area of specialisation (either SE or KE).
b.  Basic electives. Each candidate is required to pass eight basic elective courses (all conducted by ISS). There is no restriction on the specialisation from which these electives can be selected e.g. SE candidates can take KE electives and vice versa.
c.   Advanced electives. Each candidate is required to pass three advanced elective courses, conducted by ISS, DECE or SOC. There is no restriction on the specialisation from which these electives can be selected, but candidates are typically limited to a maximum of one advanced elective conducted by ISS.
d.  Project. Each candidate is required to pass a team-based application development project in their area of specialisation (either SE or KE).

The Core and Basic Elective units require candidates to attend 20 full-day (Mon - Fri) classes (maximum of 5 full days per semester) and 60 Saturday classes (9:00am - 5:00pm).

In addition, the project will require approximately 40 days of the candidates’ own time.

For advanced elective units offered by DECE or SOC, candidates are required to attend 2-3 hours of lecture per week every semester. Each semester is about 12-13 weeks in duration (excluding exams).

Examinations
A candidate is evaluated through a combination of coursework, project work and examinations. Candidates are required to complete a three hour examination for each core or elective course. Candidates failing a core course will be asked to withdraw. Candidates must achieve a minimum average grade across all examinations to be awarded the degree. Candidates who do not fulfil the minimum requirements of the degree will be considered for the award of the postgraduate diploma in software or knowledge engineering.

Exemptions
Candidates may be granted exemptions for the examinations of up to four basic electives, provided they have at least the equivalent of an NUS/NTU upper 2nd Class honours degree, and have passed the same or similar subjects.

2.4.2     Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis

Course Objective
The Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis programme is designed for graduates who recognise the need to equip themselves with the latest IT knowledge and skills, and wish to advance their careers in their current field. It also provides an opportunity for non-IT graduates in crafting a new career path in the IT industry.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess the following pre-requisites:

• Bachelor degree from a recognised university
• Proficiency in the English Language (written and spoken)
• Some work experience preferred

All applicants are required to take an aptitude test. Shortlisted applicants will also need to attend an interview. Foreigners are welcome to apply.

Student Commitment
The programme is an eleven-month full-time course consisting of two semesters and an industry attachment. Classes will be held from Mondays to Fridays, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Examinations
To be awarded the graduate diploma, trainees must possess a satisfactory performance in continuous assessments, examinations, projects, industrial attachment and meet the minimum cumulative average point (CAP) set by NUS.

2.5        Financial Assistance and Awards

The Accenture Gold Medal and Book Prize is awarded to the best student successfully completing the Master of Technology (Software Engineering) course. The SPH Gold Medal & Book Prize is awarded to the best student successfully completing the Master of Technology (Knowledge Engineering) course.

The IBM Gold Medal & Prize is awarded to the best student in the Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis course. The ISS Prize is awarded to the student who is second in the examination. The Accenture Prize is awarded to the best internship team in the course.