Q1: What is the difference between the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes and the flagship Master of Defence Technology and Systems (MDTS) Programme?
NUS TDSI’s Graduate Certificate Programmes caters an alternative pathway for continuing professional education. Participants have the flexibility to enrol into the required modular courses that make up the respective Graduate Certificates depending on their needs and have the option to stack their Graduate Certificates into a Master’s qualification. Students who are enrolled into the flagship MDTS Programme will follow its matriculation process and academic timetable.
Q2: What is the candidature period of the Graduate Certificate Programmes?
The maximum candidature period to complete and attain a Graduate Certificate is 36 months. Each Graduate Certificate cannot be taken concurrently with other NUS Graduate Certificate or Master Programmes.
Q3: What is the validity of the Graduate Certificate stackable towards a NUS Master of Science (MSc) in Defence Technology and Systems (DTS) qualification
The validity of the Graduate Certificate to matriculate into MSc (DTS) qualification is 10 years. TDSI’s flagship MDTS Programme is a 18-month dual-master degree programme, which includes a 12-month overseas specialisation phase and Integration Project.
Q4: When does the 10-year validity period for a stackable Graduate Certificate Programme apply to matriculate to the MDTS Programme?
The 10-year validity will start from the completion of the first Graduate Certificate.
Q5: What is the class timetable for the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Participants will be provided with the academic resources to check class timetables for respective courses upon confirmation of enrolment into the Graduate Certificate Programmes. MDTS courses are conducted on weekdays from 9am to 5pm. There is no weekend lesson.
Q6: How do I pay to register for the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Interested participants must seek company sponsorship before enrolling for NUS TDSI’s Graduate Certificate Programmes. TDSI will invoice the participant’s organisation for the registered modular course(s).
Q7: I am an international student residing overseas. Can I apply for a Student’s Pass to study the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Only international students successfully admitted to the flagship full-time MDTS Programme will be eligible for application and issuance of Student’s Pass, subject to Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s approval.
Q8: Is there any order when taking the modular courses within each Graduate Certificate Programme?
There is no particular order in which the modular courses are to be completed. The courses listed within each Graduate Certificate Programme must be completed in order to attain the qualification.
Q9: If I have taken some modular courses or completed the Graduate Certificate Programmes via the stackable pathway, and decided to enrol for the MDTS Programme, would the assessment results be counted towards the Grade Point Average (GPA)?
Participants who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate Programme in Digital Technologies or Graduate Certificate Programme in Systems Engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.00 may be considered for admission to the MDTS programme. The assessment results of the Graduate Certificates cannot be counted towards the GPA for the MDTS programme.
Q10: Am I able to transfer learning credits from other training providers within or outside of NUS to NUS-TDSI stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Participants are not able to transfer learning credits from training providers external of NUS to NUS TDSI stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes. Learning credits accorded by other NUS faculty/department are subject to TDSI’s review and assessment for eligibility of credit transfer to NUS TDSI stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes.
Q11: What happens if I do not pass the assessment for the modular course(s)?
Participants may repeat a failed course (F grade) within the allowable maximum candidature period. Tuition fees per course will be charged accordingly.
Q12: I have no intention to stack up to a Master’s qualification, hence am I allowed to register only for the modular courses or the Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Yes! Participants are provided with the flexibility to study the modular courses and/or the Graduate Certificate Programmes to be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills for lifelong learning.
Q13: Am I able to get a refund (full or partial) if I am unable to attend or complete the modular courses or the Graduate Certificate Programme(s) that I have been enrolled?
There is no refund for enrolled courses or the Graduate Certificate Programme(s). If you have a valid reason (e.g. medical leave/certificate), please inform the course admin to check on available options for replacement lesson attendance.
Q14: In the event if NUS TDSI needs to postpone or reschedule any of the modular courses, what are the available options to me?
NUS TDSI is committed to conduct lessons for the modular courses with a minimum class size. In the event if there is a need to postpone or reschedule the modular courses, participants will be informed accordingly.
Q15: Is there any form of certification after completing a modular course or a Graduate Certificate Programme?
Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion for a modular course if he/she meets the minimum attendance rate of 70% for the course and has passed the course assessment. Participants who are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate Programmes and able to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be deemed to have successfully completed it and will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in the studied domain.
Q16: I am enquiring on the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes for company staff training. Where can I get more information?
Please contact the following for your enquiries:
Q17: How do I register for the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes?
Interested participants may register for the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes online at TDSI website.
Q18: What are the admission requirements to enrol for the Graduate Certificate Programmes?
To be eligible for the stackable Graduate Certificate Programmes, students should meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor of Engineering (with honours), Bachelor of Science in Physics or Mathematics (with honours), or an equivalent qualification
- At least 3 years of relevant working experience
- Full sponsorship by the candidate’s employer
Participants who are interested to register for modular course(s) for continuing education can still apply if do not meet the above-mentioned requirements.
