Program Overview

Master of Science (MSc) in Robotics

The Master of Science (MSc) in Robotics programme equips students with the fundamentals of robotics, providing them with the depth and breadth necessary to succeed in the future robotics sector, in the Industry 4.0 landscape and beyond. The field of robotics is vast and finds applications in diverse range of industrial sectors. However, there are three fundamental pillars on which any robotics system is built on. These are:

• Sensing/perception: systems and techniques that allow a robot to perceive and comprehend its surroundings.
• Reasoning/cognition: systems that provide the robots with the ability to plan their actions, as well as anticipate and learn from the outcome of their actions.
• Actuation/action: systems and components of the robot that make it move and manipulate external objects.

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on a set of core courses that build up the fundamentals of these pillars in the students. The students are then given the option to select specific areas of robotics from a number of electives courses, going in depth into horizontal robotic technologies or vertical robot applications. A candidate is expected to pass at least 11 courses (a total of 40 Units) and achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 5) in order to graduate. A course in the programme typically carries 4 Units unless otherwise stated. Student may take relevant courses outside the basket of elective courses (up to 8 Units), subject to department approval. Note that some departments may charge additional fee for their programme courses. Not all listed graduate courses will be offered in every semester or academic year as it is subject to programme curriculum changes, and schedules of teaching staff. Candidates should note this in planning their study programme. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the pre-requisite requirements (if any) for the courses concerned.

Degree Requirements

A student is to:

• For cohorts AY2024/2025 and earlier: complete all the core courses listed (16 units) and choose any 6 courses from the elective course list
• For cohorts AY2025/2026 onwards: complete all the core courses listed (8 units) and choose 8 courses (7 courses if including ME5400) from the elective course list
• achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 5) to graduate, and
• fulfil required e-courses as and when imposed at University level. The student will be required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each semester and is subject to the general MSc programme rules on continuation/graduation/dismissal of candidature. A student is expected to graduate after obtaining 40 Units and achieved a GPA of ≥ 3.00 within the maximum candidature. Upon successful completion of the degree requirement, student will be awarded the degree in Master of Science (Robotics). The maximum period of candidature is two (2) years for Full-Time and four (4) years for Part-Time students.

Project and Internship Courses

• Students will have the opportunity to undertake an optional industrial internship via the course ME5888R Robotics Internship during the special terms or regular semester. This enables students to learn from both the university and industry to enhance employability.
• Student is allowed to take a maximum of 8 Units on industrial internship and/or project course, e.g. cannot take ME5888R if taken ME5400 (8 units); student can take ME5400A (4 units) + ME5888R (4 units).
• Duration of the ME5400 / ME5400A / ME5400B project courses can be extended to the special terms (from Semester 2) but cannot be taken in the special terms alone.

Class Timetable

Courses are usually taught on weekday evenings from 6-9 pm. Exams may be held during working hours on weekdays.

Admissions

Admission Criteria

• Eligibility: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science with at least NUS Second Class honours or equivalent from a renowned University
• Applicants without an honours degree will be considered under “Discretionary Intake”, subject to the scores during the course of study, proof of strong technical background and having at least 2 years of working experience (preferably in mechanical engineering and/or Robotic Engineering sectors).
• English Requirement: TOEFL (Internet-based test): 85 and above, or IELTS (Academic): 6.0 and above

Admission Intake

There are two (2) intakes per Academic Year. Candidates will be admitted at the beginning of each semester of the academic year, in either August or January, depending on the application submitted.

Tuition Fees

The full tuition fee for the programme is shown in the tables below.

• Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and International Students (NUS Alumni ONLY) (from AY2024/2025 intake onwards) will enjoy a 40% fee rebate.
• The payment schedule (nett of ‘fee rebate’), due on the first week of every semester, is as follows:
  • For students admitted in Academic Years AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026, AY2026/2027
    • Full Time
      • Singapore Citizen: $35,970.00
      • Singapore Permanent Resident: $35,970.00
      • International Student (NUS Alumni ONLY): $35,970.00
      • International Student: $59,950.00
    • Part Time
      • Singapore Citizen: $35,970.00
      • Singapore Permanent Resident: $35,970.00
      • International Student (NUS Alumni ONLY): $35,970.00
      • International Student: $59,950.00
  • For students admitted in Academic Year (AY) 2023/2024
    • Full Time
      • Singapore Citizen: $47,730.00
      • Singapore Permanent Resident: $49,221.88
      • International Student (NUS Alumni ONLY): $50,713.75
      • International Student: $59,665.00
    • Part Time
      • Singapore Citizen: $47,835.00
      • Singapore Permanent Resident: $49,330.31
      • International Student (NUS Alumni ONLY): $50,825.63
      • International Student: $59,797.50
• The fees listed are in Singapore Dollars (S$) and inclusive of 8% of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2023 and inclusive of 9% of GST from 2024 onwards.
• A non-refundable application fee of S$100 (exclusive of GST) must accompany the online application.
• Acceptance fee of S$5,000 (exclusive of GST), which will be credited towards the programme fees, is payable upon acceptance into the programme. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Payment of fees will be on an instalment basis, paid over 2 semesters for full-time students and 4 semesters for part-time students. Full fee must be paid before a student can graduate from the programme.
• Students need to separately pay for the Miscellaneous Student Fee (MSF) directly to the University on a semester basis. If a student has fully paid for his/her tuition fee but has yet to graduate, he/she will still need to pay for MSF for the extended semester(s).
• Programme fees do not include the cost of recommended textbooks and readings.
• The cost of travel, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses are not included and are to be borne by the student.
• Tuition fees are reviewed yearly and thus subject to revisions.