Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations

The Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations (GC in CF) is an essential certification programme designed to meet the needs of working professionals who wish to transition into the computing field. This programme provides a systematic pathway for applicants with insufficient computing background to acquire core competencies in computing.

About the Programme

The Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations is a certification programme that offers a pathway for applicants to acquire fundamental computing skills. By completing this programme, candidates can prepare themselves for a career in computing or career advancement, even without pursuing a master's degree in computing. The programme is designed to provide a foundation in computing, and courses are taught at an accelerated pace by faculty members who are scholars, researchers, and thought leaders in their field of expertise.

Certificate for Enrolment

To enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations, candidates must complete three courses for each respective programme. The programme is divided into two parts: GC-CF I and GC-CF II. Candidates must complete GC-CF I before proceeding to GC-CF II.

• IT5001 Software Development Fundamentals
• IT5002 Computer Systems and Applications
• IT5003 Data Structures and Algorithms
• IT5004 Enterprise Systems Architecture Fundamentals
• IT5005 Artificial Intelligence
• IT5006 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
• IT5007 Software Engineering on Application Architecture
• IT5008 Database Design and Programming

Admission Requirements

The programme is open to those with a bachelor's degree. Candidates with other qualifications and related work experience may also apply for the programme. Each application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The minimum requirements do not guarantee admission.

Duration

Candidates who enrol in the certification programme must complete the programme within 36 months from the point of admission.

Workload

All candidates will be admitted to the graduate certificate programme on a part-time basis. The maximum and minimum number of courses a candidate can take per semester are three (12 units) and one (4 units) course(s), respectively.

Courses Offered and Schedule of Classes

All lectures, labs, tutorials, assessments, and examinations will be held on campus, and all students are required to attend in-person.

Award of Graduate Certificate

To be awarded the graduate certificate, the candidate must complete three courses (12 units) listed in the respective graduate certificate course listing and obtain at least a GPA of 2.5.

Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations I (GC-CF I)

Complete three courses listed here:

• IT5001 Software Development Fundamentals
• Choose any two of the following courses:
  • IT5002 Computer Systems and Applications
  • IT5004 Enterprise Systems Architecture Fundamentals
• Students must pass IT5001 to continue with the below CF I course.
  • IT5003 Data Structures and Algorithms

Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations II (GC-CF II)

Upon completion of GC-CF I, students may proceed to enrol for GC-CF II. Complete three courses listed here:

• Choose one (not taken in GC-CF I):
  • IT5002 Computer Systems and Applications
  • IT5003 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • IT5004 Enterprise Systems Architecture Fundamentals
• Choose at least two courses from:
  • IT5005 Artificial Intelligence
  • IT5006 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
  • IT5007 Software Engineering on Application Architecture
  • IT5008 Database Design and Programming

Course Details

For details of the courses and their requisites, please refer to the course catalogue.

Application Information

There are two application cycles in each academic year:

• January intake (AY2025/2026, Semester 2): Application period from 4 October to 3 November 2025, with the outcome announced by the end of November 2025.
• August intake (AY2025/2026, Semester 1): Application period from 6 May to 6 June 2025, with the outcome announced by the end of June 2025.

Programme Fees

The fee for the following courses is $5,014 each (inclusive of prevailing GST):

• IT5001 Software Development Fundamentals
• IT5002 Computer Systems and Applications
• IT5003 Data Structures and Algorithms
• IT5004 Enterprise Systems Architecture Fundamentals

The fee for the following courses is $6,322 each (inclusive of prevailing GST):

• IT5005 Artificial Intelligence
• IT5006 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
• IT5007 Software Engineering on Application Architecture
• IT5008 Database Design and Programming

All enrolled candidates will also be required to pay the Student Services Fee of $25.70 (inclusive of prevailing GST) per semester.

Funding and Subsidies

Eligible Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents enrolled may be given tuition fee subsidies by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). For details of the various schemes, please refer to the relevant guidelines.

Conclusion

The Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations is a certification programme designed to provide working professionals with the necessary skills to transition into the computing field. The programme offers a systematic pathway for applicants to acquire core competencies in computing, and courses are taught at an accelerated pace by faculty members who are scholars, researchers, and thought leaders in their field of expertise.