NUS introduces three new part-time degree programmes in Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering
Seven new stackable ICT-related certificate courses introduced concurrently
Singapore, 23 May 2017 – The National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched three new Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree programmes in Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, which will be offered on a part-time basis from August 2017 by the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE) in partnership with the School of Computing at NUS. Concurrently SCALE is also introducing seven new Undergraduate Certificate Courses in information and communication technology (ICT) areas.
The new programmes were introduced to meet the increasingly high demand for professionals in data analytics, information security and software engineering in Singapore. As Singapore moves towards its goal of becoming a Smart Nation, these sectors have been identified as important growth areas to enable a more productive and competitive information-driven economy.
SCALE’s founding Dean Professor Wei Kwok Kee said, “We are excited to be offering new opportunities for adult learners to build their expertise and skills in these in-demand areas of business analytics, cybersecurity and software engineering. The BTech programmes are designed to be highly relevant to industry, which will prepare students with the competencies to ride this new ICT wave and take their careers further.”
“As SCALE marks its first anniversary, we are pleased to expand our efforts in support of the national SkillsFuture movement, which will not only help individuals deepen their mastery and fulfil their career aspirations, but also help companies stay competitive and meet the national manpower needs,” Prof Wei added.
The new BTech programmes will be taught by academics from the School of Computing as well as industry professionals. Lessons will be delivered as a combination of online learning and face-to-face classes to cater to working adults who have to juggle work and study commitments.
SCALE is expected to take in about 160 students in total for the three programmes – there are up to 80 places available in BTech (Business Analytics), 40 places in BTech (Cybersecurity) and 40 places in BTech (Software Engineering).
Stackable and flexible courses for adult learners
These BTech programmes are designed to be stackable, which allows students to complete baskets of four to six modules and obtain certificates in specific sub-areas before obtaining the degree. Seven new Undergraduate Certificate Courses have been developed in conjunction with the three new BTech programmes, and these courses will be eligible for SkillsFuture Credit.
The new Undergraduate Certificate Courses are:
- Undergraduate Certificate in Foundations in Computing
- Undergraduate Certificate in Computing: Systems and Application Development
- Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
- Undergraduate Certificate in Software Engineering
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Analytics Foundations
- Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Analytics
- Undergraduate Certificate in Institutional Analytics
The curriculum also caters to students with or without a computing background or work experience in the IT industry – students could opt for the BTech programmes to help them make a career change from a non-IT sector, while flexibility within the curriculum will mean students who have relevant experience in the sector could graduate faster. Students typically spend about 4.5 years to complete a BTech degree programme on a part-time basis. More information about the BTech programmes and certificate courses are in the Annex.
These new programmes build upon SCALE’s existing BTech offerings in engineering, expanding from the current five specialisations – Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial & Management Engineering, and Civil Engineering – to eight in total. Currently, about 1,000 adult learners are pursuing the BTech programmes in the five Engineering specialisations. SCALE was established in 2016 as part of the University’s push towards lifelong learning, and the School offers a range of certificates and programmes to cater to the continuing learning needs of the workforce.
Registration for all three new BTech programmes, as well as the Undergraduate Certificate in Foundations in Computing, is open from today until 13 June 2017. A Programme Preview Session will also be held on 3 June 2017 at NUS University Town to answer questions from interested applicants. Please visit scale.nus.edu.sg for more information. The remaining six Undergraduate Certificate Courses will be progressively rolled out from August 2018.
