OVERVIEW
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) programme is intentionally designed to cater to the requirements of working professionals and evolving needs of the industry. It empowers graduates with a robust foundation of computing expertise and capabilities to address contemporary computing demands.
Offered by NUS School of Computing (SoC) in partnership with NUS SCALE, the BIT programme features flexible workload arrangements. This affords learners the freedom to adapt their academic commitments to accommodate their personal and professional obligations.
The programme cultivates interdisciplinary learning by providing learners access to courses from two SoC departments: Computer Science and Information Systems & Analytics. This approach equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of information technology and data analytics from both technical and organisational perspectives. Learners will also gain valuable insights into the strategic role of information systems in leading organisational advancements.
Why this Programme?
- Acquire requisite knowledge and skills to flourish in the Information Technology (IT) industry even without a computing background.
- Capitalise on flexible options for a personalised academic journey with a significant array of elective options.
- Leverage exceptional education from a world-renowned computing school
- Deepen Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge with a Master of Computing for eligible graduates.
Career Prospects
Graduates of BIT can look forward to many job roles after graduation. Some of the roles that BIT graduates can take on are:
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Business Analyst
The above are at the associate (minimally) level or higher levels.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Application Period
An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term, which runs during the Semester 2 Vacation.
- Semester 1: Aug–Dec
- Semester 2: Jan–May
- Special Term: May–Jul
There is one application period for each AY of the BIT programme:
| Programme |
Intake |
Application Dates |
|
BIT
|
Semester 1
(Aug Intake) |
Nov of preceding year to Jan of intake year |
Note: The programme will commence only if the minimum intake size is met. An email notification will be sent at least three weeks before the programme start date in the event that a cancellation is necessary
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the NUS BIT programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:
| Academic |
At least one of the following:
- Polytechnic Diploma, or equivalent
- GCE A-Level Certificate / International Baccalaureate Diploma / NUS High School Diploma / Year 12 qualification, or equivalent
Note: Applicants with a 2.5 year part-time local diploma may apply upon successful completion of the diploma. Applicants must also complete Bridging Course(s) and secure a passing grade in NUS-administered Entrance Exam(s).
|
| Skill/Experience
|
At least one of the following:
- Two years of full-time work experience
- Currently engaged in full-time employment with at least one year of full-time work experience
- Fully discharged National Service (NS) liability with at least one year of full-time work experience
Note: Part-time employment will not be considered as full-time work experience. A part-time employee is one who works for less than 35 hours a week, under contract of service with an employer.
|
| Other
|
Be at least 21 years old
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the following documentation (where applicable):
- Post-diploma/post-degree academic qualifications, including Advanced and Specialist Diploma
- Availability of company sponsorship
- At least one (up to two) recommendation letter(s) and/or portfolio and/or personal statement
Applicants may be required to complete the Mathematics Bridging Course and/or the
Programming Bridging Course, as well as secure a passing grade in NUS-administered Entrance Exam and Assessment.
Alternatively, applicants may be required to undertake foundation courses stackable towards the BIT programme. Applicants must complete these courses within two years and maintain a good Grade Point Average (GPA). Such applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the Admission Committee.
|
MODE OF STUDY AND PROGRAMME CANDIDATURE
The NUS BIT programme is offered on a flexible workload arrangement where students have control over how fast they wish to complete their degree by choosing a suitable number of courses where practically possible. With such flexible arrangements, students can possibly complete the graduation requirements within three years with appropriate exemptions granted. The maximum candidature is five years.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The NUS BIT is a 120-Unit undergraduate degree programme comprising:
|
University-level Requirements for General Education
Students must complete 24 Units, comprising one General Education (GE) Course from each of the pillars in the following list.
|
View Courses
| GE Course Code Prefix |
Pillar |
Units |
| GEC+ |
Culture and Connections |
4 |
GESS+
|
Singapore Studies |
4 |
GEN+
|
Communities and Engagement |
4 |
GEX
|
Critique and Expressions |
4 |
GEI*
|
Digital Literacy |
4 |
GEA**
|
Data Literacy |
4 |
Notes:
+ Students admitted into the BIT programme will be granted exemptions for the GEC, GESS and GEN pillars.
* Students will read Data Structures and Algorithms, which is double-counted towards both Major requirements and the GEI pillar.
** Students will read Introduction to Business Analytics, which is double-counted towards both Major requirements and the GEA pillar.
|
Programme Requirements
Students must complete 80 Units of major requirements, comprising:
- Essential courses (60 Units), and
- Elective courses (20 Units)
|
View Courses
| Major Requirements—Essential Courses (60 Units)
|
| Computing Foundation (48 Units) |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| TCX1001 |
Introduction to Computing
|
4 |
| TCX1002 |
Introduction to Programming |
4 |
| TCX1003 |
Digital Ethics and Data Privacy
|
4 |
| TCX1004 |
Mathematical Techniques for Computing
|
4
|
| TCX2001 |
Data Structures and Algorithms*
|
4 |
| TCX2002 |
Introduction to Business Analytics**
|
4 |
| TCX2003 |
Database Systems and Management
|
4 |
| TCX2004 |
Introduction to Application Development
|
4 |
| TCX2005 |
Information Systems, Management and Organisations |
4 |
| TCX2006 |
Introduction to AI and Machine Learning |
4 |
| TCX3901 |
Industrial Practice
|
8 |
| Mathematics Foundation (12 Units) |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| TCX1101 |
Introductory Mathematics |
4 |
| TCX2101 |
Calculus and Linear Algebra for Computing |
4 |
TCX2102
|
Probability and Statistics |
4 |
|
Major Requirements – Elective Courses (20 Units, including at least three courses from a single focus area, to be selected from the list below)
Kindly note that not all elective courses may be offered in any given semester/year. An elective course will only be offered when enough students opt for that course in that particular period.
|
| Business Analytics Focus Area |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
TCX3211
|
Data Management and Visualisation
|
4 |
| TCX3212 |
Predictive Analytics
|
4 |
| TCX3213 |
Data Mining and Machine Learning in Business Analytics
|
4 |
| TCX3214 |
Text Mining and NLP in Business Analytics |
4 |
| TCX3215 |
Solutions Development for Business Analytics
|
4 |
| Software Engineering Focus Area |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| TCX3221 |
Software Engineering
|
4 |
| TCX3222 |
Systems Programming
|
4 |
| TCX3223 |
User Interface Development
|
4 |
| TCX3224 |
Managing Software Projects
|
4 |
| TCX3225 |
Software Design Requirements Analysis |
4 |
| Cybersecurity Focus Area |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| TCX3231 |
Information Security Management
|
4 |
| TCX3232 |
Network and Cloud Security
|
4 |
| TCX3235 |
Computer Security
|
4 |
Notes:
* Data Structures and Algorithms is double-counted towards both Major requirements and the GEI pillar.
** Introduction to Business Analytics is double-counted towards both Major requirements and the GEA pillar.
|
Unrestricted Elective Requirements
Students must complete 24 Units of courses. In general, applicants with diploma or higher qualifications will automatically be granted 20 Units of unrestricted elective requirements as Advanced Placement Credits (APCs).
|
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate with a BIT degree, students must meet the following requirements:
| Programme and/or Specialisation |
Complete a minimum of 120 Units.
A minimum 60% of Programme/Major/Second Major credits must be earned from NUS courses, which are defined as all courses taught, co-taught, supervised or co-supervised by one or more NUS faculty members. These would consist of graded courses with assigned grade points, or courses with an ‘S' or ‘CS' grade.
The other 40% of credits may be earned through credit transfers, advanced placement and exemptions, provided these credits are earned from courses deemed relevant to the particular Major/Programme. In addition to the 20 Units of unrestricted elective requirements granted to holders of diploma or higher qualifications, applicants with specific ICT-related diplomas accredited for admission may be granted further credits.
|
| Course and/or Specialist Certificate |
Level-1000 courses to be counted towards fulfilment of graduation requirements limited to 60 Units (excluding the 20 Units of unrestricted elective requirements as APCs)
|
| Grade Point Average (GPA) |
Minimum 2.0 (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 SCALE, the School of Computing, or the University |
FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.
| Tuition Fee |
Refer to the cohort-based tuition fee per Unit here.
Note: BIT fees are charged on a cohort-based system, where tuition fees are fixed throughout a student’s candidature, based on the prevailing fee for the intake in which the student was admitted. The fees are reviewed annually, with adjustments being made as and when necessary with each new cohort of students. This system, which has been in place at NUS since AY2008/09, allows each new cohort to anticipate the approximate total tuition fees they have to pay throughout their candidature
|
Financial Assistance
|
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) provides eligible Singaporeans and SPRs taking undergraduate degree or higher qualification programmes for the first time in local universities, even if on a part-time basis, with a substantial tuition fee subsidy.
Mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 and above may also receive greater structural support to pursue a substantive skills reboot and stay relevant in a changing economy through the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme.
For more about loans and other financial assistance, please refer to the NUS Office of Admissions.
|
| Application Fee |
S$50.00 (excluding GST) /
S$54.50 (including 9% GST)
- Non-refundable and non-transferable
- Limited to one application submission per intake, for up to a maximum of five programmes/courses per application
|
| Administrative Fee |
$255.06 (including 9% GST)
- Payable every regular semester
|
| Miscellaneous Student Fees |
As published by Office of the University Registrar.
- Payable every regular semester
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on the links below for more information:
Why BIT?
The BIT programme was developed in close consultation with key stakeholders—students, alumni, faculty members, and industry practitioners. It was designed specifically for working adults.
The programme caters to two groups of working adults. The first includes those within the ICT industry who want to upskill, upgrade, and gain new knowledge and skills. The second includes those who are looking at pivoting into an ICT career.
Key distinguishing factors are:
- Shortened duration to a NUS degree
- Flexible workload
- Recognition of prior learning
- Blended mode of learning
- Pathway to Master of Computing (MComp)
What is the BIT programme structure?
The NUS BIT programme is a 120-Unit non-honours Bachelor’s Degree programme comprising:
- University-level requirements for General Education (24 Units*)
- Programme requirements (80 Units*)
- Unrestricted elective courses (24 Units)
Classes are generally held during weekday evenings and/or on Saturdays.
Notes:
* 8 units are double counted towards both programme and General Education requirements.
** A typical course in the BIT programme constitutes 4 Units.
How long will it take to complete the BIT degree?
The BIT programme offers working adults a flexible workload arrangement where they have control over how fast they wish to complete their degree by choosing a suitable number of courses where practically possible. With such flexible arrangements, they can possibly complete the graduation requirements within three years. The maximum candidature is five years.
How much is the BIT tuition fee?
BIT is an MOE-subsidised degree for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Fee-related information will be made available on this web page once they are ready.
What are the job prospects for graduates of BIT compared to BTech Computing?
Graduates of BIT can look forward to many job roles after graduation. Some of the roles that BIT graduates can take on are:
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Business Analyst
The above are at the associate (minimally) level or higher levels.
What is the School/Faculty affiliation for BIT graduates?
Graduates of BTech Computing and BIT will be alumni of both SoC and SCALE. They continue to be part of the community of NUS graduates and enjoy access to the various programmes and services offered by NUS’s Office of Alumni Relations.
If I have more questions, who can I reach out to?