Information Systems

The Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems at the National University of Singapore is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the dynamic field of information technology and systems management. This programme provides a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the digital age. Students will engage in core areas such as systems analysis and design, database management, software development, enterprise architecture, and information security. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding organisational needs and translating them into effective technological solutions, fostering a strong sense of strategic thinking and problem-solving. As part of their learning journey, students have opportunities to participate in industry internships, collaborative projects with leading technology firms, and research initiatives that expose them to real-world scenarios. The programme also offers specializations in emerging areas including artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, and digital innovation, enabling students to tailor their education according to their interests and career aspirations. The curriculum is regularly updated to keep pace with technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring that graduates possess relevant, up-to-date expertise. Graduates of the Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems are highly sought after by multinational corporations, financial institutions, consulting firms, and government agencies, where their skills are utilized to optimise business operations, develop innovative digital solutions, and enhance organizational efficiency. With a strong foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of information systems, NUS graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in the latest technologies but also ethical and responsible practitioners committed to leveraging information systems for positive societal impact.

Coursework Requirements

All IS PhD candidates must complete the number of courses as indicated in the above structure.

All IS PhD candidates are required to complete six common core modules, spanning the different streams of IS research. This is compulsory for all students so as to increase their breadth of knowledge. These modules will cover the research methods, theories, and seminar on recent topics in all three IS research tracks: behavioral, technical, and economics.

Upon completion of the common core modules, students would be directed to a more structured set of modules in one of the three different tracks that they can choose from. Based on their choice of track, they will select four elective modules that ensure breadth and depth of knowledge in their area.

PhD Qualifying Examination (QE)

The QE is to be taken by all postgraduate students, and the PhD candidate must pass his/her QE 18 months after admission. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed. Candidates are allowed to take the QE earlier than the specified period. There is no exemption of the QE. The PhD QE will be offered twice a year, in January/August for IS candidates. The research scholarship will be terminated the moment a student fails the QE. He/She will complete the rest of the degree requirements as an MSc candidate.

The PhD Qualifying Examination for IS PhD students consists of the PhD QE I (PhD QE module) and PhD QE II (Graduate Research Paper (GRP)).

(i) QE Module (IS6000 Qualifying Examination in IS)

IS students are required to take the QE module (IS6000) which tests the integration of concepts from the common core modules that all students would have taken.

This module evaluates students on essential knowledge of IS research methodologies and application domains of management information systems. Students will be tested on their ability to integrate method (e.g., survey, experiment, qualitative, technical, or econometrics) and domain (e.g., knowledge management, electronic commerce) knowledge towards designing studies to investigate current phenomena in IS.

(ii) Graduate Research Paper (GRP)

Students are expected to work on the Graduate Research Paper (GRP) after selecting a faculty member as the PhD supervisor, and to participate in lab activities with the view of producing a quality research/survey paper by the third semester. The GRP can be a shorter, simpler academic paper, or a thorough literature review paper about a broad area that can be developed into the literature review section of the dissertation.

Students are expected to show competence in embarking on the PhD research. The GRP presentation will be evaluated by a panel not later than the end of the second year of study.

PhD Thesis Proposal / Doctoral Seminar

The Thesis Proposal is an important component of the PhD programme. It should highlight the significance of the research topic, its goal, the approach adopted, and work to be done. It should be precise and convincing to the examiners that the candidate is proposing a novel area of research and the goal is achievable.

PhD candidates are encouraged to attempt the Thesis Proposal earlier than the specified period, eg by their 5th semester. A PhD candidate must pass his/her thesis proposal at the end of Year 3. The proposal will be examined by two faculty members of SoC familiar with the area of research in the proposal. A maximum of two attempts are allowed.

The PhD candidature of a student will be terminated if s/he fails to pass the Thesis Proposal. Such student, subject to the approval of the School, may proceed to obtain an MSc degree by completing a dissertation and meeting all the requirements of an MSc degree.

The Thesis Proposal comprises of an open seminar presentation (doctoral seminar), followed by a close-door oral examination.

The presentation is a public talk open to both staff and students, and should take about 30 to 40 minutes. The seminar, which should include any research findings or work from published papers, will be graded on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.

A close-door oral examination will follow after the seminar presentation. The student is expected to answer satisfactorily any questions raised by the evaluators.

PhD Defense

The PhD Defense will be pre-scheduled when the candidate submits his/her thesis. It will comprise of an open seminar presentation, followed by a close-door oral examination.

Seminar presentation should take about 30 to 40 minutes. This will be a public talk open to both staff and students. After the presentation, a 10-minute Q&A session will be available for the public.

A close-door oral examination will follow after the seminar presentation. The student is expected to answer satisfactorily any questions raised on the subject matter pertaining to her/his research thesis and related subjects.

This oral examination will be conducted by a 3-member panel that is chaired by the Head or nominee.

• The normal minimum entry qualifications for admission to the programme by research are a good relevant bachelor's degree/master's degree. Candidates applying for Research Scholarships must have obtained a bachelor's degree with at least a 2nd Class Upper Honours, or its equivalent in Computing or related discipline. Candidates should have the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
• GRE/ GMAT/ TOEFL/ IELTS 
• International applicants* are to submit GRE/ GMAT/ TOEFL/ IELTS test scores as evidence which demonstrates their academic language ability and readiness for graduate study. Candidates may be required to sit for other tests as prescribed by the School.
• Candidates who have graduated from Indian universities may submit GATE scores instead.
• Candidates should have a minimum GRE score of 320 (verbal & quantitative) and 3.5 (analytical), or a GMAT score of 650 and above. The minimum TOEFL scores for Internet Based Test (IBT) is 90; or IELTS score of 6.0. GRE and TOEFL scores will be valid for 5 years and 2 years respectively.
• The University will conduct overseas interviews for foreign students who have applied for the Research Scholarships. These interviews will be held in mid-March (for the August intake) and mid-August (for January intake). Applicants will be notified of the date, time and venue of the interviews in advance. Applicants should inform the University of any change in their postal addresses.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The National University of Singapore offers various financial assistance options to support students enrolled in their Information Systems degree programmes. Undergraduate students can apply for bursaries, scholarships, and loans aimed at reducing the financial burden of higher education. The university's NUS Student Financial Assistance Scheme (SFAS) provides both bursaries and interest-free loans to eligible students based on demonstrated financial need. Applicants must submit a detailed financial need assessment and demonstrate academic merit. Additionally, scholarships are offered through the NUS Scholarships Office, which awards merit-based and need-based scholarships to outstanding students. These scholarships can provide full or partial tuition fee coverage, stipends, and other allowances. For international students, there are specific scholarship opportunities such as the NUS International Student Scholarship, which recognizes academic excellence and potential contribution to the university community.

Apart from institutional financial aid, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government grants and private sponsorships, which may support tuition fees, living expenses, or research activities. The Singapore government provides a range of loans and grants, such as the Tuition Fee Loan Scheme (TFL) and the Study Loan Scheme (SLS), which offer affordable borrowing options with flexible repayment terms. These government schemes are designed to assist local students, but some may also be available to international students under specific conditions. The university also promotes work-study options, allowing students to undertake part-time employment within the campus or with affiliated organizations to earn supplementary income while studying.

Students are advised to regularly check the official NUS Financial Aid Office website and the university's dedicated student finance pages for updated information on available assistance programmes, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Financial planning and early application are strongly recommended to maximize access to available funding. The university remains committed to ensuring that capable students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their educational aspirations in the field of Information Systems without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems at the National University of Singapore is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the field of information systems and computer science. This programme emphasizes a broad-based education, combining theoretical principles with real-world application, thereby preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in technology-driven industries. The curriculum covers core areas such as software development, systems analysis and design, databases, data analytics, cybersecurity, and project management. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction, or Software Engineering, enabling them to tailor their education towards specific interests and career goals. The programme often integrates industry internships, collaborative projects with local and international businesses, and opportunities for research, fostering experiential learning that bridges academic concepts with practical applications. The university's strong partnerships with leading tech companies and industry leaders provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities for students. Moreover, students are encouraged to develop soft skills including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, essential for effective leadership and collaboration in modern workplaces. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in software development, systems consulting, data analysis, IT project management, or pursue graduate studies. The degree also emphasizes the importance of ethics and responsible computing, preparing students to contribute positively to society while navigating the complexities of the digital age. The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members who are recognized experts in their fields, and the university’s state-of-the-art facilities support innovative teaching and learning. Overall, the Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems aims to produce versatile, innovative, and socially responsible IT professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the technology sector worldwide.