Contents

Background
The information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector continues to be a significant engine of growth and a key enabler to other sectors of the economy. However, recent trends indicate that simply being skilled in software development is no longer sufficient to thrive in this fast-paced industry. Consequently, while there exist opportunities for ICT professionals, a fundamental shift in required skill sets comprising both advanced IT skills and soft skills that are focused on management and user-centred design has occurred. Thus, programming skills alone are no longer sufficient. Instead, an ICT professional requires a mix of technical know-how and skills such as project management, information architecture, and human computer interaction. The MSc (Information Systems) programme at NTU is designed to address this training gap and educate ICT professionals to play a significant role in the new ICT environment in Singapore and abroad.

The Master of Science (Information Systems) Programme
The MSc (Information Systems) programme (MSIS) is a collaboration between the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) and the School of Computer Engineering (SCE).

The programme blends theory and practice and aims to equip students with advanced knowledge necessary for the design, development, maintenance, and management of information systems. Such training includes exposure to the latest technologies used in the development of information systems, as well as core skills required to cope with the rapidly changing nature of the field.

To this end, the MSIS programme is broad-based and covers a range of technical and soft skills that an Information Systems professional is expected to possess. Broadly, these are categorised as:

International students whose undergraduate education was not in the English medium and who are not able to attend an interview in Singapore are encouraged to take the IELTS or TOEFL test, and include a copy of the results in the application. Though an IELTS/TOEFL score is still optional for the 2009 admission, preference is given to applicants with IELTS score of 6.0 and above, or TOEFL of 570 and above.

Applications are to be submitted electronically only via the NTU Graduate Studies Office by February 25 for the August admission.

Recognition of the CITPM and COMIT Certifications
In collaboration with the Singapore Computer Society, students in the Master of Science (Information Systems) programme with either the Certified IT Project Management (CITPM) or Certification in Outsourcing Management for IT (COMIT) will be granted a waiver of one course, namely, CI6204 Software Project Management. Students will therefore only need to take three Foundation courses - requiring one less course to fulfill the requirements of the Master of Science (Information Systems) programme.

Tuition Fees
Every year, tuition fees are reviewed. As and when the fees are revised, the new fees will be applicable to all existing and new students. Fee information is available at the Graduate Studies Office website.

Programme Structure
Students of the MSc (Information Systems) programme are allowed to choose from the following two options of study:

• By Coursework and Dissertation
Carrying out a research project and writing a dissertation require a strong command of English, good grasp of the subject, self-discipline and time commitment. The coursework+dissertation option is recommended only for students with a high level of English proficiency and a cumulative grade point average of at least B+. Students taking the dissertation option make take a longer time to complete the programme.

In this option, students take four foundation courses, one Professional Seminar, four elective courses, and a project on which the student must submit a dissertation.

• By Coursework Only
In this option, students take four foundation courses, one Professional Seminar, five elective courses, and CI6299 Critical Inquiry in Information Systems.