Bachelor of Information Technology In partnership with : Part-time psb-academy.edu.sg
Contents 01 About PSB Academy 02 Our Support for Students 03 About The University of Newcastle, Australia 04 Message from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Singapore 05 Programme Structure / Testimonials 06 Bachelor of Information Technology 07 Modules Outline 08 Admission 09 General Information Trusted quality education since 1964. It s possible. 00
About PSB Academy Our Vision To be the premier tertiary education provider nurturing future talents with global orientation Our Mission Committed to providing accessible quality education that nurtures and shapes individuals to achieve their personal and professional best Our Values Forward thinking with innovation, embracing diversity and being responsive to changes Passion in delivering results to help our students attain their goals Excellence through our accessible quality education Nurture our students for success through commitment to holistic learning, community engagement and providing a platform for lifelong learning PSB Academy is one of the top private education institutions of choice in Singapore with 50 years of experience in providing high quality education to individuals. Our holistic approach to education sets us apart, giving our students the edge and helping them stay competitive in today s economy. We offer a comprehensive suite of full-time and part-time programmes to over 10,000 local and international students annually. The programmes range from certificates, diplomas, undergraduate to postgraduate degrees across multi-disciplines: Accounting & Finance, Business & Communications, Engineering & Technology, Life & Physical Sciences and English Language. The degree programmes are offered in conjunction with premier universities from Australia and the United Kingdom. Our academic staff of over 600 place emphasis on academic rigour and excellence, and aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills that are relevant to the industry. With our full-fledged campus, PSBAcademy@Delta, and city campus, PSBAcademy@Shenton, students can look forward to a nurturing and vibrant environment to pursue their desired programmes, enjoy campus recreational facilities and participate in an array of activities that will enhance their learning journey. At PSB Academy, it s possible. Certification and Registration 4-year EduTrust Certification and PEI Registration Awarded by the Council for Private Education (CPE), a statutory board of the Ministry of Education, Singapore. 1
Our Support for Students Campus Facilities PSBAcademy@Delta is our full-fledged campus, occupying an area of 300,000 square feet. It is conveniently located in the heart of Tiong Bahru, next to Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17). Our teaching facilities include lecture rooms fully equipped with LCD projectors, electronic visualisers and wireless audio systems. For a more hands-on learning environment for students, the campus is equipped with PC and Mac computer laboratories including other laboratories for engineering, sports, chemistry and life sciences. The library provides our students with comprehensive reading resources and is a place for self-study. Our fully air-conditioned Student Hub is an ideal location for project work and group discussions. We also have a cafeteria and a bookstore to cater to our students needs. For indoor sports enthusiasts, an indoor gym and multi-purpose hall are venues for exercise and activities; and outdoor sports lovers can make the most of the basketball and street soccer courts. Students can also stay connected on our WIFI-enabled campus. To extend the convenience to our students as our capacity grows, we also have a city campus, PSBAcademy@Shenton. It is located in the Central Business District and a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15). Students also get to enjoy the full facilities and student services at the main campus. 2
About The University of Newcastle, Australia Our Vision for 2015 The University of Newcastle, Australia aspires to be a global leader in each of its spheres of achievement. Through engagement with our partners, the University will deliver world-class innovation to support the development of strong regional communities. Ranked 9th in Australia (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2013-2014) Awarded rating of 5-Stars (QS Stars 2014) Ranked 28th in Top 100 under 50 (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014) Ranked 26th in Top 50 under 50 (QS World University Rankings 2013) Ranked equal 7th in Australia for well above world standard research in 22 broad categories (Excellence in Research for Australia, ERA 2012) Associate Member of the Group of Eight Deans of Engineering and Associates (Group of Eight Australia) An Education for the World of the Future The University of Newcastle, Australia has a proud history of achievement and we celebrate our successes as individuals and as an institution. Established in 1965 and in less than 50 years, we have achieved a long list of accolades and our world-class researchers are recognised for their contribution to many fields of inquiry. Our remarkable students continue to impress with stories of success both at home and on the world stage. The history of the University, as for all great universities, has been characterised by leaders who have been willing to transform fields of education and research. Since its foundation, the staff, students and leaders of the University have introduced unique ways of thinking and operating that have led to remarkable outcomes. The University has a student population of over 37,000. Over 85 undergraduate programmes are on offer and postgraduate study options are continually growing. Programmes are delivered via five Faculties Business and Law; Education and Arts; Engineering and Built Environment; Health; and Science and Information Technology. The University undertakes academic research that impacts the world, with strengths in energy and environment, and science and engineering. Graduates from The University of Newcastle, Australia are in high demand and can look forward to career opportunities from all over the world. The University offers a range of degree programmes in Singapore including Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, Business, Commerce, Communication and Information Technology. 3
Message from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Singapore The University of Newcastle brings the best in Australian Higher Education to Singapore This is the story of how The University of Newcastle, Australia has successfully brought the very best that it offers to Singapore, and steadily built a reputation for excellence in higher education in the region. The University now offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and boasts enrolment exceeding 1,500 students in Singapore. We are exceptionally delighted to count among our alumni, Colombo Plan Scholars Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore s Minister for National Development; Dr Cheong-Chua Koon Hean, CEO of the Housing Development Board; Dr Tan Chin Nam, Winner of the Australian High Commission Distinguished Alumni Award 2012 and Mr Peter Tay, former CEO of Singapore Food Industries Ltd. The University of Newcastle s achievements are remarkable. With Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen at its helm, in 2013, QS Ranking placed the University 26th in the world s top 50 universities under the age of 50. Times Higher Education ranked the University 40 in the world s top 100 universities under the age of 50. The University is also ranked a joint seventh and has the Engineering and Medical Faculties that are ranked as world-class by Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) in 2012 and achieved a 5 rating (well above world standard) for 22 fields of research. The University of Newcastle was one of the only two universities in Australia to achieve a rating of 5 in all the fields of applied mathematics, biochemistry and cell biology, civil engineering and mechanical engineering. The University s growing success in Singapore has been matched by its long-term commitment and local investment. In 2006, the University established a wholly-owned entity, UON Singapore Pte Ltd as a conduit for its Singapore activities. UON Singapore is led by a Pro Vice-Chancellor (Singapore) and employs full-time academic and professional staff. We are very positive of our programme offerings in Singapore, we look forward to you joining the programme and we will continue to bring the very best the University has to offer to Singapore. Professor Amir Mahmood Pro Vice-Chancellor (Singapore) The University of Newcastle Australia CEO of UON, Singapore Pte Ltd 4
Programme Structure / Testimonials Photo: The University of Newcastle, Australia Campus Assessment and Examination Assessments may include laboratory assignments, tests, projects and final examinations. Graduation Requirements Information on graduation requirements is available at: www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11497.html Completion Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded the Bachelor of Information Technology from The University of Newcastle, Australia. The degree awarded will be the same as that awarded to students on campus. Testimonials The patience, guidance and approachability of PSB Academy s lecturers allow myself as a working adult to better manage and juggle both work and studies. I have never regretted choosing PSB Academy as the environment, people and friends here broadened my social circle and knowledge. You should personally experience it to know it. Clarence Tan Bachelor of Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Australia (Source: 2014) I decided to go for PSB Academy because it is one of the top and largest private education institutions in Singapore. While studying, I felt that PSB Academy was great in providing high quality education as well as helping us develop our cognitive skills. Its student communities gave us opportunities to build relationships with students from many different countries through networking sessions, students events, career fairs, industry nights and others. Kevin Sopannata Bachelor of Information Technology The University of Newcastle, Australia (Source: 2013) 5
Bachelor of Information Technology (Major in Software Development & Applications) Programme Structure The Bachelor of Information Technology is designed for working adults, who demonstrate that they have already achieved the equivalent of the first two years of study. The programme of study is therefore designed as a 20-month part-time degree and comprises 10 modules. Module EBUS3050 INFT3050 INFT2040 INFT2800 INFT3007 INFT2050 The Digital Economy Web Programming Database Management Systems Information Systems Development The Information Resource Mobile Applications and the Cloud The Bachelor of Information Technology degree provides strong technical foundations blended with an understanding of people, organisations and complex systems. This programme makes extensive use of real-world problems to produce graduates who are technically competent, creative and able to adapt to the workplace. Students are exposed to the use of IT in various settings, concentrating on traditional business uses of IT Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, teamwork, and social and professional responsibility. Career opportunities include interactive web developers, analyst programmers, business analysts and project managers. It is expected that many graduates of this programme will go on to leadership roles in companies involved in the development or innovative application of information technologies. The final year of 8 modules of 10 units each in the Bachelor of Information Technology is offered to relevant IT Polytechnic Diploma graduates with two years of relevant work experience. Where necessary, graduates will articulate into the final year after doing two additional 10-unit modules (INFT2040 Database Management Systems and INFT2800 Information Systems Development). This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) the professional association for Australia s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Students of this programme are members of the Student Chapter of the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) the largest IT professional body in Singapore. Our graduates are eligible to apply for full membership with ACS and SCS. INFT3100 INFT3920 INFT3970 INFT3960 Project Management Contemporary Issues in Information Technology IT Major Project Game Production Delivery of modules may not follow the sequence as shown and is subject to change. For module descriptions, please refer to the next page. Programme Delivery Students undertake 6 of the modules, which will be delivered in trimester mode, where two modules are taught concurrently over a period of 15 weeks. Each academic year is divided into 3 trimesters commencing in January, May and August. Sample Timetable across a Typical Year First Trimester January Months 1 4 Modules 1 & 2 Second Trimester May Months 5 8 Modules 3 & 4 Third Trimester August Months 9 12 Modules 5 & 6 Fourth Trimester January Months 13 16 Modules 7 & 8 Fifth Trimester May Months 17 20 Modules 9 & 10 Programme Intakes Intakes commence in January and August each year. 6
Modules Outline EBUS3050 The Digital Economy Information Technology is changing business fundamentally. This module overviews the nature of these changes in four distinct, but integrated parts Development of IT solutions during the 20th century; Contemporary ICT applications and practices; Future opportunities and implications relating to ICT; and ICT Infrastructure and governance in the contemporary organisation. INFT3050 Web Programming Introduces concepts and skills needed to develop and manage small to medium web facing server systems. Covers object oriented techniques, event- driven programming, development or effective user interfaces, database integration and server side scripting. INFT2040 Database Management Systems Provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the use of databases and database management systems in information technology applications. The logical design, physical design and implementation of relational databases are covered as well as some of the challenges and problems in the design and operation of enterprise level database systems. INFT2800 Information Systems Development Addresses the techniques and tools used to construct modern information systems, especially those relating to electronic businesses. It equips students with business analysis skills to facilitate communication with information systems professionals. INFT3920 Contemporary Issues in Information Technology This module investigates a number of contemporary issues in the rapidly changing information technology environment and considers social and ethical issues in information technology. It also investigates in depth a number of topical theoretical issues and practical information technology tools and broadens students perspective and skills. INFT3970 IT Major Project After an introductory session, students form groups, each of which works on a major IT project for the term. Projects will refine and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired by students in the BIT core modules and also in modules that have formed their major. Students are encouraged to find and develop real projects with industry partners. The written project reports and documentation are complemented with an oral presentation and regular project group meetings. INFT3960 Game Production Building on prior programming knowledge, students will use available game engine technology to construct the operating elements of a game design. This module examines the techniques used in bringing a game to the point of distribution and transforming a design into a reality. Students will also come to experience and understand the relevance of other implementation issues such as physics engines, rendering tools, audio components, and the integration of the output from the art production tools used to create the game objects, world elements and backgrounds. INFT3007 The Information Resource Investigates data representation and data retrieval, and update and archival mechanisms for a range of information types. Integration and connectivity issues associated with different information resource architectures are also explored. Concepts are illustrated using current Data Base Management System (DBMS) platforms. INFT2050 Mobile Applications and the Cloud This module builds on the basic programming skills of students to develop the knowledge and skills used in developing applications utilising touch interfaces, mobile platforms and event-driven programming. Distributed processing topologies are introduced. INFT3100 Project Management Professionals, whether they are working in the sciences, business, engineering, information technology, health or education, typically work in teams to complete projects. This module introduces and examines the technical and socio-cultural dimensions of Project Management. It will provide understanding and skills in project and team management and integrate these with the student s existing domain expertise. Students experience all aspects of the Project Life Cycle through the completion of integrated unifying exercises. 7
Admission Entry Requirement The minimum admission requirements for consideration are: Diploma in Information Technology from a local polytechnic; or PSB Academy Diploma in InfoComm Technology and/or Higher Diploma in Information Technology; or Advanced Diploma in Information Technology from other private institutions, plus a relevant Diploma in IT. Qualifications other than those stated above may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Note that all qualifications must be completed within 8 years prior to commencement in order to be considered. Applicants with qualifications that are over 8 years old or without the required average grades may also apply but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the University. An applicant who wishes to enrol and does not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University s English proficiency requirement. Details of this policy can be found at www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000104.html. Exemption Applicants with a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience who provide evidence (eg. letter from employer and a detailed resume outlining work experience) may be exempted from INFT2800 Information Systems Development (if they can show expertise in C# programming and Object Oriented Systems Design) and/or INFT2040 Database Management Systems (if they can show expertise in relational database design and management). Application Procedure Completed application form(s) should be submitted to PSB Academy accompanied by: A non-refundable and non-transferable application fee of S$100.00 (inclusive of 7% GST) to be made payable to PSB ACADEMY PTE LTD by cheque or cashier s order Certified true copies of academic transcripts and certificates A certified copy of passport or NRIC and birth certificate All completed applications may be submitted either via post or in person at our main campus: PSB Academy Pte Ltd 355 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee Singapore 169567 Please note that an incomplete application will delay the processing duration. Programmme Fees* Bachelor of Information Technology Total Programme Fee (10 modules) Total Programme Fee (8 modules) Per Module Fee S$16,157.00 S$12,925.60 S$1,615.70 *Programme fees are inclusive of 7% GST and payable by instalments. The first instalment is payable upon acceptance. Subsequent instalments are payable before the start of every trimester. The programme fees do not include the cost of textbooks and may be subject to change annually. Other Fees Apart from the programme fees, all students are also required to pay the following: Application Fee Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) Fees Medical Insurance Fee Textbooks and other materials S$100 (Singaporean/PR applicants) Varies with programme S$80 per calendar year Varies with programme 8
General Information Private Education Act Under the EduTrust Certification Scheme, we have adopted the Fee Protection Scheme with CPE-appointed service providers and provide medical insurance coverage for hospitalisation and related medical treatment for the entire programme duration. Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) PSB Academy has put in place an insurance arrangement to ensure that fees paid by students to the school are insured by a CPE-appointed service provider. This insurance protection serves to protect the students fees in the event a private education institution (PEI) is unable to continue operations due to insolvency, and/or regulatory closure. Furthermore, the FPS protects the student if the PEI fails to pay penalties or return fees to the student arising from judgements made against it by the Singapore courts. The FPS is compulsory for all local and international students taking programmes in PEIs seeking EduTrust certification. FPS is applicable to all programmes with a programme duration of more than one month or 50 hours. Students enrolled in the programmes will be required to pay fees for FPS which varies depending on the insured programme fees. Withdrawal and Refund Policy Written Notice Received by PSB Academy ( Maximum refund ) More than 28 days* before the programme commencement date Before, but not more than 28 days* before the programme commencement date After, but not more than 14 days* after the programme commencement date More than 14 days* after the programme commencement date Percentage of Programme Fees Refunded 90% of programme fee 70% of programme fee 50% of programme fee No refund *Inclusive of Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Please note that application fees are not refundable. For information on programme withdrawal, transfer and fee refund policies, please refer to your student contract or visit psb-academy.edu.sg/refund-policy Medical Insurance PSB Academy provides group hospital and surgical insurance to all its full-time students (except those specifically allowed to opt out under EduTrust Certification guidelines). This insurance is an expense reimbursement plan with an annual limit of up to S$20,000 per year that helps to reduce the financial burden of the insured student in the event that he/she needs to be hospitalised in a government or restructured hospital. Fees payable for the entire duration of the programme are indicated in the fees schedule of the student contract. Singaporeans/PRs, non-student s Pass international students and students with corporate or sponsorship agreements signed between the sponsor and the PEI who are already covered by their own medical insurance plan (annual limit not less than S$20,000) may be exempted from the plan provided by PSB Academy. Those undertaking full-time programmes must produce their medical insurance policy for verification should they want to opt out. You must opt out by declaring in the PEI-Student contract or as an addendum to the same contract. For more information, please refer to psb-academy.edu.sg/prospects-general-info 9
PSB Academy Pte Ltd Main Campus PSBAcademy@Delta 355 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee Singapore 169567 (Next to Tiong Bahru MRT Station, EW17) Tel: (65) 6517 2525 For Diploma & Undergraduate Programmes City Campus PSBAcademy@Shenton 7 Shenton Way Level 2, Singapore Conference Hall (Nearest to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, EW15) Tel: (65) 6325 5235 For Postgraduate Programmes General Enquiries Tel: (65) 6885 1000 psb-academy.edu.sg /psbacademy All information is accurate at the time of print in May 2014. PSB Academy and The University of Newcastle, Australia reserve the right to change the information at any time without prior notice.