MSc (Applied Data Science)

NUS Stackable Graduate Degree Programme

OVERVIEW

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science (Applied Data Science), also referred to as MSc (ADS), is designed for working professionals seeking to build or deepen capabilities in data analytics and applied data science. It offers an innovative, stackable credential pathway leading to a full NUS Master's degree.

Learners can accumulate credits through stackable certificate programmes, beginning with two Executive Certificates, followed by two Graduate Certificates and the Graduate Diploma in Applied Data Science. These earned credits can be stacked towards the MSc (ADS).

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 an 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 MSc (ADS) 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.

Why This Programme?

  • Build up skills and qualifications progressively through flexible stackable certificate programmes, which allow learners to learn at their own pace and terminate at various exit points or continue toward a full master’s degree.
  • Gain workplace-relevant expertise for data-centric roles through programmes developed in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Sharpen data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to stay current with evolving digital-age workplace demands.

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 MSc (ADS) programme.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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

Academic

NUS Graduate Diploma in Applied Data Science with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0; the first course in the stackable certificate programmes must have been taken no more than 10 years before the date of application to join the MSc (ADS) 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 MSc (ADS) is a 40-Unit stackable Master’s Degree programme comprising:

*Overlap of 4 Units

ADS5401 Capstone Workplace Project in Applied Data Science (16 units)

The initial phase of the course involves learners deepening their understanding of their workplace research project through self-directed study, in consultation with their domain-expert supervisors. Following this, learners engage in a rigorous data-driven research process, executing eight steps of analysis and decision-making: formulation of problem/research questions, gathering of workplace data, data cleaning and exploration, modelling, model interpretation and evaluation, making recommendations, determining the value/benefit of the project and finally, implementation of the solution.

The eight-step process culminates in a comprehensive report and a presentation to stakeholders, demonstrating the learner's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

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 MSc (ADS) programme, students must meet the following requirements:

Programme and/or Specialisation

Read and pass a total of 40 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); and
  • ADS5401 Capstone Workplace Project (16 Units).

*Overlap of 4 Units
Grade Point Average (GPA) 

Minimum 3.0 (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 AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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

Tuition

S$19,200.00 (excluding GST) /
S$20,928.00 (including 9% GST) 
Financial Assistance

Students in this programme may be eligible to receive funding support from some of the following scholarship and financial assistance schemes*:

* Subject to terms and conditions. Kindly refer to respective bodies offering the scholarship or financial assistance scheme for more information. NUS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information provided here.
Application

S$150.00 (excluding GST) /
S$163.50 (including 9% GST)

  • Non-refundable and non-transferable
Acceptance

S$5,000.00 (excluding GST) /
S$5,450.00 (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

Programme at a Glance*

Upcoming Event(s):

Watch this space for updates!
For enquiries, contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the links below for more information:

Is work experience required for admission into the programme?

While work experience is not mandatory, it is strongly preferred as the programme places strong emphasis on real-world data challenges and workplace contexts.

Applicants with relevant professional experience are better able to appreciate the practical application of concepts taught in class, draw on concrete examples from their organisations, contribute meaningfully to class discussions, and apply analytical techniques to authentic business or operational scenarios.

The diversity of professional experiences that individuals in the cohort bring to the learning space will also enrich peer learning, case analyses and collaborative projects.

How many students are admitted into the programme each year?

Admission into the programme is competitive and based on merit, so the number of students per cohort is not fixed. We assess each application holistically, taking into consideration a range of factors, not just academic qualifications but also a relevant background, nationality and so on.

What career support services can NUS offer to graduates of the programme who would like to switch careers?

The NUS Centre for Future-Ready Graduates offers career resources that can be accessed by graduating students. The Centre aims to enhance students’ employability and ensure that they are career-ready upon graduation. Some of the support initiatives include career-readiness programmes, campus recruitment talks, career fairs and even one-on-one coaching with a certified career advisor.

Find out more here: http://nus.edu.sg/CFG/students.

 

For more Frequently Asked Questions, click here.


For enquiries, contact us.

We will guide you through the next steps of your transformative journey.

 
30 March 2026