OVERVIEW

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Diploma (Applied Data Science), also referred to as GDADS, is designed for working professionals seeking to build or deepen capabilities in data analytics and applied data science. It forms part of an innovative, stackable credential pathway that begins with two Executive Certificates, followed by two Graduate Certificates, with the Graduate Diploma being a key academic milestone within the broader Master’s degree pathway.

This modular approach allows individuals to advance at their own pace while meeting their academic and professional development goals. It ensures accessibility, career relevance and alignment with industry needs, making data science education more adaptable to evolving workforce demands.

The flexibility of the stackable design enables learners to exit at various recognised points or continue toward the full Master’s degree, making NUS data science education accessible, relevant and responsive to workplace needs.

Some courses offered under the stackable certificate programmes may be contextualised to specific industries, tailored for professionals currently working in those sectors as well as individuals aspiring to join them. The curriculum incorporates rigorous training in data science, featuring applied scenarios that address practical, real-world challenges within the relevant industry.

Currently, the workplace-centric stackable Grad Dip programme is offered through a Business-to-Business model with contextualisation to industry partners' needs. Apart from the Maritime industry, the programme is also suitable for administrative and executive professionals in the Education sector. The programme is also exploring the development of additional industry pathways and welcomes collaboration with relevant organisations and associations to address their data science talent development needs.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Application Period
An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term (which occurs during the Semester 2 Vacation, and is divided into two parts of six weeks duration each):

Semester 1: Aug–Dec
Semester 2: Jan–May
Special Term (Part 1): May–Jun
Special Term (Part 2): Jun–Jul

Applicants who meet the admission requirements will receive emails informing them of the application periods during which they may apply for the GDADS programme.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the NUS GDADS programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following prerequisites:

Academic	NUS Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Data Science II with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5; the first course in the stackable certificate programmes must have been taken no more than 8 years before the date of application to join the GDADS programme
Skill/Experience	Not applicable
English Language	Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction are not completely in English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 85 (Internet-based), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 6.0 Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
Other	Not applicable

Note: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application information and all supporting documents are truthful and correct. NUS reserves the right to verify information provided as part of an application. False or misleading information in an application (including but not limited to test scores, resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc.) is grounds for admission rejection, revocation and/or dismissal from the University.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The NUS GDADS is a 24-Unit stackable Graduate Diploma programme comprising:

Stackable Certificate Programmes:

Executive Certificate in Foundation in Data Analytics (4 Units),
Executive Certificate in Intermediate Applied Data Science (4 Units)*,
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Data Science I (8 Units)*, and
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Data Science II (8 Units); and

ADS5305 Case Studies in Applied Data Science in Practice (4 Units).

*Overlap of 4 Units

ADS5305 Case Studies in Applied Data Science in Practice (4 Units)

In the modern workplace, data scientists must extend their expertise beyond technical model development to encompass comprehensive project management skills. This course, tailored for the Applied Data Science programme, emphasises the holistic aspects of data science roles. Learners will engage in an in-depth exploration of the data science lifecycle within a collaborative project setting.

The curriculum focuses on strategic communication with stakeholders, understanding data infrastructure in conjunction with engineers, and effectively managing projects to deliver targeted, practical outcomes to end-users. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, clear communication and the practical implementation of data-driven solutions in a corporate environment.

Note: For more information about the courses listed above (as well as other courses offered in the current academic year), please visit NUSMODS.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To graduate from the GDADS programme, students must meet the following requirements:

Programme and/or Specialisation

Read and pass a total of 24 Units, comprising:

Stackable Certificate Programmes:

Executive Certificate in Foundation in Data Analytics (4 Units),
Executive Certificate in Intermediate Applied Data Science (4 Units)*,
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Data Science I (8 Units)*, and
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Data Science II (8 Units); and

ADS5305 Case Studies in Applied Data Science in Practice (4 Units).

*Overlap of 4 Units

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Minimum 2.5 (out of maximum 5.0)

Please see also the University’s minimum standards for Continuation and Graduation Requirements; specific programmes may implement stricter or additional requirements.

Other

Any other additional requirements that may be prescribed by the Programme Management Committee for stackable Master’s programmes, or by the University

FEES

The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.

Tuition	S$4,800.00 (excluding GST) / S$5,232.00 (including 9% GST)
Application	S$75.00 (excluding GST) / S$81.75 (including 9% GST) Non-refundable and non-transferable
Acceptance	S$4,800.00 (excluding GST) / S$5,232.00 (including 9% GST) Payable upon acceptance of offer Non-refundable and non-transferable Will be credited towards tuition fees
Miscellaneous Student Fees	As published by Office of the University Registrar Payable every regular semester