Graduate Certificate in Applied GIS
NUS has adopted three new academic terminologies since 1 August 2023:
“Module” has been renamed “Course”, “Modular Credit (MC)” has been renamed “Unit”, and “Cumulative Average Point (CAP)” has been renamed “Grade Point Average (GPA)”. The definitions of a Module/Course and MC/Unit remain the same, and there has been no change to the computation of the CAP/GPA.
Over the years, geospatial information and technology are increasingly recognized as an enabler for making decisions, optimizing processes, and generating services for customers, translating to a strong demand for GIS professionals.
The Department of Geography has put together the Graduate Certificate in Applied GIS programme, which seeks to promote continuing education and lifelong learning in the field of GIS and its versatile interdisciplinary applications. The programme is suitable to applicants who already have a Bachelor’s degree, which can be undertaken full-time and part-time. Such an arrangement enables qualified candidates from various walks of life to enrol in the programme and gain targeted training in the use and application of GIS, which is becoming a wide-spread analytical tool across the private and public sectors. It is proposed that full-time candidates can complete the courses in at least one semester. Part-time students can arrange to pursue graduate study while remaining employed in their professions.
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate coursework programme should have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case by case basis, subject to approval by the Faculty/School.
The majority of candidates will likely be able to complete the programme in 2 semesters if they read it full-time. Those pursuing it part-time are likely to complete the programme in 4 to 6 semesters.
The maximum candidature periods are as follows:
- Full-Time: 24 Months
- Part-Time: 36 Months
Core Courses
*GE5223 (Introduction to Applied GIS) – 4 Units
GE5219 (Spatial Programming) – 4 Units
GE5226 (GIS Applications) – 4 Units
GE6211 (Spatial Data Handling) – 4 Units
*Candidates from the following background may sit for a proficiency test to waive GE5223:
- Former NUS students who have taken GE2215 Introduction to GIS and GE3238 GIS Design and Practices, and obtained at least B for both courses; or
- Non-NUS graduates who have taken GIS courses equivalent to GE2215 and GE3238, and obtained at least B or equivalent for both courses; or
- Applicants who do not have prior academic training in GIS but have 2 years of working experience in GIS-related industries; or
- Applicants who have obtained the NUS Professional Certificate (PC) in Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Elective Courses
GE5227 (Internet GIS) – 4 Units
GE5228 (Spatial Big Data and Analytics) – 4 Units
To obtain a Graduate Certificate in Applied Geographic Information Systems:
- Candidates are required to complete 12 Units for award of certificate (all courses at Level 5000 and above).
- Candidates must complete at least 2 core courses under the MSc in Applied GIS Programme to obtain the Graduate Certificate.
- Candidates must obtain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.50
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Applied GIS are to take note of the following in order to earn an MSc in Applied GIS degree:
- Candidates need to read additional courses under the MSc programme and obtain a minimum of 40 units. Units obtained in the Graduate Certificate can be counted.
- The grades and course units that candidates earned in the Graduate Certificate may be transferred to the MSc coursework programme subject to approval by the faculty. Each course to be transferred should have been read and completed within the last 10 years. The application for such transfers may be rejected if it is deemed that the contents of the course(s) in question are no longer relevant or not of comparable content and level. Candidates are advised to apply for the transfers within the first month of candidature.
- The average GPA of all courses allowed for grade and Units transfer to the MSc programme must be at least 3.00.
The tuition fee is SGD$5,160 (including GST) per course for AY2025-26. The total tuition fee for the entire Graduate Certificate Programme (12 Units) is SGD$15,480 (including GST).
In addition, candidates are also required to pay other miscellaneous student fees as decided by the University.
*GST is charged at a prevailing rate of 9% from year 2024.
The online application for AY2026-27 opens on 4th May 2026.
- Intake: Semester 1 starting 10th August 2026
Application period: 4th May - 5th June 2026 (TBC)
Outcome: 26th June 2026
Enquiries
For any enquiries, please contact the Graduate Administrator.
Graduate Administrator
Department of Geography
National University of Singapore
1 Arts Link, AS2, Singapore 117570