NUS School of Computing introduces enhanced Information Systems degree programme
Following a major revision, the revamped undergraduate degree programme prepares students for enriching careers in fast-growing FinTech and Enterprise IT sectors
The National University of Singapore's (NUS) School of Computing will be introducing an enhanced undergraduate degree programme in Information Systems in the new academic year starting in August 2017. The revamped Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems (IS) degree programme delivers a curriculum that trains students in development of technological solutions for large government and business organisations, and also offers new specialisations in the critical areas of FinTech and Digital Innovation. NUS Computing plans to admit up to 120 students per year for this four-year degree programme.
Digital business ecosystems and platforms are fast becoming the preferred business model for the digital economy. Examples of such ecosystems include Uber, Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook. In tandem with this trend is an explosive growth in digital technologies, which in turn fuels a very high global demand for technology professionals with expertise in designing and managing enterprise systems. In Singapore, hiring expectations for infocomm professionals also remain strong, with the demand expected to grow by about 53,000 (27.5%) by 2018[1].
Graduates from the revamped Bachelor of Computing in IS programme will be well-prepared to begin their careers in a wide variety of exciting roles such as enterprise architects, digital strategists, solution consultants, financial IT analysts, systems analysts, software developers, IT start-up entrepreneurs.
Since its inception in 1998, the Bachelor of Computing in IS programme has groomed many generations of outstanding IT professionals. Graduates from the IS programme are also highly sought after by employers. According to the latest Graduate Employment Survey 2015, IS graduates enjoyed a high employment rate of 97 per cent. Building on its strong track record, the School of Computing embarked on a review of its IS undergraduate degree programmes in December 2016. This is also the first major revamp of the IS degree programme in seven years.
"The IT industry landscape and manpower requirements have transformed tremendously over the last decade. Besides proficiency in IS development and IT management, today’s highly competitive business environment also demands innovation, design thinking, ecosystem development, platform architectural design, and IT governance - these are skills derived from expertise in information systems. In particular, future IT professionals should be well-versed in the key emergent frontiers such as Financial Technology (FinTech) and Internet of Things (IoT). It is therefore timely that we enhance the IS undergraduate degree programme so that our graduates continue to possess skills and competencies that are relevant to industry needs," said Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, Dean of NUS School of Computing.
Specialisations FinTech, Digital Innovation and E-commerce
Under the revamped IS programme, students will go through foundational training in their first two years to develop solid skills in systems and applications development for enterprise IT solutions, and expertise in enterprise and platform architectural design and development. New courses such as ‘Information Systems Leadership’ and ‘Enterprise Systems Architecture and Design’ will also prepare students for large enterprise-based IT environments that are found across IT platforms.
In their final two years, students will take advanced modules relating to FinTech, IT Solutioning, IT Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IT Security and Legal Aspects, and Digital Business. These may be taken in comprehensive sets leading to a specialisation in FinTech, Digital Innovation or E-commerce. Students will also engage in significant real-world projects through internships, which will provide invaluable industry exposure, enhance their education, and offer early career insights.
Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive (Development), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), said, “It is an opportune time for the enhancement of the NUS School of Computing’s Information Systems degree programme. I am glad to see that NUS has kept in lockstep with fast paced changes and actively updating their curriculum to meet the industry’s demands for emerging and specialized skillsets. Singapore will increasingly face demand for infocomm professionals and it is critical that we ensure that our education programmes are comprehensive and diverse to prepare the next generation of skilled infocomm professionals who upon entering the workforce, are ready to seize opportunities in our digital economy.”
For more information on the new Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems degree programme, visit: https://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/programmes/ug/is/curr/
[1] Source: Annual Survey on Infocomm Manpower for 2015 - http://bit.ly/2kptFV6
