Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things)

Programme Overview

Academic Level

Bachelor's Degree,

Awarded by

University of London, UK

Programme type

Full-time, 3 years

Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates

Now till 20 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*

S$30,285 to S$47,855

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* All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials, SIM application fee, preparatory / bridging course fee, and other fees). Refer to GST Notes under Fees Tab for more information.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things), University of London

Outline & outcomes Intake Dates Curriculum Admission Criteria Fees & Financial Aid

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Programme Outline

Awarded by University of London, UK and Developed by federation member, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK.

Developing hardware systems that interact with the physical world

Physical computing involves the creation of hardware devices that can sense and act in the real world. Physical computing techniques underpin a wide range of contemporary technology trends such as the Internet of Things, the quantified self and smart homes. There are many applications of physical computing, for example in creative arts, museums, ubiquitous and embedded computing, scientific sensing, robotics, engineering control systems and robotics.

We want you to learn by doing – we’ve got a strong focus on the practical rather than the theoretical. The program is highly hands-on; you will be designing, developing and implementing software solutions since Day 1. Students will learn programming languages such as JavaScript, C++, Node.js and Python among many others.

SIM and the Goldsmiths Department of Computing have collaborated to offer computing programmes locally since 1993. The new programmes, which focus on AI, Web Services and other rapidly rising technologies, will propel �� to achieve its dreams of becoming a smart nation and intelligent island.

Selected local polytechnic diplomas and SIM IT graduates stand to gain exemptions for up to one year.
Transfer to the London campus at Goldsmiths after one or two years at SIM.

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Learning Outcomes

The classic stereotype of the nerdy, solo, and socially awkward computer scientist is officially a relic of the past. As the economy digitises, technologists are being integrated into the fabric of business. These days attending meetings, presenting at conferences, and sharing ideas with colleagues are as crucial a part of a developer’s work as writing code.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

Design devices that compute in real life settings
Learn how to connect these virtually to each other and globally via the internet
Apply your learned skills in the creative arts, smart homes, robotics, engineering control systems and many more computer related areas

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Further Studies & Career Prospects

Graduates may progress to postgraduate studies either locally or overseas.

The explosive and ever-growing use of technology in business and commerce means that there’s a whole range of different career possibilities for computing graduates. In terms of job opportunities and salaries, the IT sector is well ahead of most other industrial and commercial sectors.

With the BSc Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things), you will be able to apply for jobs in a rapidly growing and exciting area which is finding applications across different sectors. Typical job titles include:

Internet of Things (IoT) Engineer
Creative Technologist
Embedded Software Engineer

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Hear from our students

More than academics: A foreign student’s experience of studying at SIM

What is it like to study at SIM in �� as a foreign student? SIM-University of London (UOL)’s Business & Management graduate Lakshmi Shreya Atmakuru shares her experience.

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Why study at SIM x University of London

SIM is the leading private education institution in ��.

Excellent value, with opportunities for overseas study.

SIM has collaborated with the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths since 1993.

SIM IT diploma and selected local polytechnic graduates can get exemption up to one year.

Learn more about the University of London

Intake Dates

2025 Apr intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Apr 2025 to Mar 2028

APPLICATION PERIOD

Now till 20 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Early submission of eApplication is strongly recommended.

Minimum / Maximum Candidature Period
Minimum: 3 years (with relevant Recognition of Prior Learning, a minimum of 2 years is possible)
Maximum: 6 years

No refund or recourse should student fail to complete within the maximum period.

At SIM, students who are academically weak and find it difficult to progress or complete the programme within the minimum duration will receive counselling.

SIM reserves the right to recommend and withdraw a student who cannot cope with the demands of the programme, especially when the student’s pass has expired.

Curriculum

Structure

This programme will run over two semesters each year. Student can study up to four new modules in one semester; or two plus final project.

Classes

All class are conducted on SIM campus unless otherwise stated.
Classes are held in three-hour blocks between Monday and Friday, starting at 8.30am, 12pm, or 3.30pm. There are occasional classes on weeknights at 7pm and weekends.
Average teacher-student ratio: 1:80
Minimum class size to commence: 25 students

Academic Support

Local faculty support from SIM and online academic support from Goldsmiths, University of London.
View a list of lecturers (PDF 24.9 KB)
A blended learning approach is adopted. Besides learning via online resources, SIM prepares students for discussion, coursework or project work; face-to-face sessions emphasizing discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises. In class, the lecturer facilitates discussion and learning. As such, a large amount of time is spent on a mixture of:
- Lectures, Lab work, Computer simulation sessions, and Online learning through Coursera
Academic materials are drawn from:
- Coursera, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), SIMConnect portal, and University materials such as subject guides, past exam papers and exam commentaries, reading lists and handbooks on good study strategies

Learning with Coursera

The BSc Computer Science (CS) programme is fully developed and taught by the same faculty that teaches on-campus at University of London. The University of London leverages Coursera’s online education platform to deliver the programme curriculum, allowing our students to benefit from Coursera features such as interactive video transcription, in-course note taking, and seamless learning across multiple devices.

The supplementary readings, video lectures, assignments, and discussion forums are extensively discussed in class. Students also collaborate on group projects using Zoom and Slack. Students may access all course materials anywhere with the mobile app on Coursera, available on iOS and Android.

Using the mobile app, learners can: (1) Save a week’s worth of content for offline access with one click (2) Save and submit quizzes offline (3) View text transcripts of lecture videos (4) Take notes directly in the app (5) Set reminder alerts to help students progress.

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Assessment & Attendance

Modules: Each module, excluding the Final Project, is assessed either by coursework or a combination of coursework and a written examination.
- Each coursework element may consist of multiple items of assessment. The pass mark for any element of assessment is 40%.
- Students are required to have a portable computer for assessment.
Final Project: The summative assessment for the Final Project consists of both coursework and a written examination, weighted in the ratio 80:20. The written examination consists of questions relating to the project.

Attendance requirement:
- Local: 75%
- International (inclusive of Dependent Pass/Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

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Requirements to Graduate

The award of the BSc (Hons) degree requires successful completion of all modules and final project.

Grading Scheme:
- 70-100: First Class Honours
- 60-69: Second Upper Class Honours
- 50-59: Second Lower Class Honours
- 40-49: Third Class Honours
- 0-39: Fail
A student who does not qualify for honours may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Computing Studies as an exit award.
Graduates can attend the April SIM campus ceremony or the March University of London ceremony (UK).

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Modules

Learn the fundamentals: how computers work, how to programme, and more about the mathematics that underpins computer science.

CM1005 Introduction to programming I
CM1010 Introduction to programming II
CM1015 Computational mathematics*
CM1020 Discrete mathematics
CM1025 Fundamentals of computer science
CM1030 How computers work
CM1035 Algorithms and data structures I
CM1040 Web development

Deepen the programming skills to consider software projects and explore specialist topics such as Graphics Programming and Data Science.

CM2005 Object oriented programming
CM2010 Software design and development
CM2015 Programming with data
CM2025 Computer security
CM2030 Graphics programming
CM2035 Algorithms and data structures II
CM2040 Databases, networks and the web
CM2045 Professional practice for computer scientists

Study the elective modules that are geared towards Physical Computing and the Internet of Things and an elective from any other specialism.

FIVE specialist modules from the list:

CM3010 Databases and advanced data techniques
CM3035 Advanced web development
CM3040 Physical computing and internet of things*
CM3055 Interaction design
CM3065 Intelligent signal processing

AND choose ONE module from the following:

CM3005 Data science
CM3015 Machine learning and neural networks
CM3020 Artificial intelligence
CM3025 Virtual reality*
CM3030 Games development*
CM3045 3D graphics and animation*
CM3050 Mobile development*
CM3060 Natural language processing

PLUS a compulsory project:

CM3070 Final project

Hardware and Software requirements

Module	Requirements
CM1015 Computational Mathematics	A scientific calculator or equivalent
CM3050 Mobile Development	Access to an Android or Apple smart phone that can be connected to a computer using a USB cable
CM3030 Games Development	Students will need a computer that matches the specifications for Unity 3D ()
CM3045 3D Graphics and Animation	Students will need a computer that matches the specifications for Unity 3D ()
CM3025 Virtual Reality	Students will need a computer that matches the specifications for Unity 3D () VR Head Mounted Display with the ability to be used in developer mode. Any VR headset as long as it is compatible with Unity 3D.
CM3040 Physical Computing and the Internet of Things	An Arduino Starter kit or similar () Optional: A small kit to make electronics at home (tweezers, cutters, cutting mat, protective glasses) A multimeter

*Note: Students should ensure they have access to the listed hardware (i.e. an Arduino kit or similar) and have the ability to install the listed software on their computer before registering for these modules. Students are responsible for budgeting for the above requirements where relevant.

View a sample timetable (PDF 16.9 KB)

Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

General Entrance Requirements (GER) are:

At least 17 years or older by 30 November in the year of registration with UOL
At least equivalent to B4 grade for Mathematics at GCE ‘O’ Level OR pass Numerical Maths module in the bridging programme at SIM
Provide proof of competence in English acceptable to the University, such as a pass (Grade C6 and above) in the GCE ‘O’ Level English Language Examination

PLUS one of the following:

Possess diploma awarded by SIM or a polytechnic in �� (or its equivalent) OR
Two approved GCE ‘A’ or H2 level subjects and three approved GCE ‘O’ level subjects (at not less than grade C) OR
Three approved GCE ‘A’ or H2 level subjects and one approved GCE ‘O’ level subject (at not less than grade C) OR
Three H2 passes provided that at least grades D,E,E OR
Two H2 and two H1 passes; all are in non-overlapping subjects, OR
Its equivalent

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Equivalent International Qualifications

For information on international qualifications, refer to SIM’s International Student Prospectus.

English Language Requirements

GCE ‘O’ level – C6 or better in English

Alternatively, candidates should have one of the following qualifications:

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, OR
Cambridge English Language 1119 (at grade 6 or better) conducted by University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate OR IGCSE English as a 2nd Language, passed at grade B or above, OR
IB Diploma – English at grade 4 or better

Candidates may also take a Test of Proficiency to meet the English Language course requirement, provided they have been awarded within the past three years.

TOEFL – a score of 580 (computerised – 237) plus TWE - 4.5, OR
Internet based TOEFL – a score of 87, at least 21 in both the reading and writing skills sub-tests, and at least 19 in both the speaking and listening skills sub-tests, OR
IELTS – overall score of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the recognition of previously acquired learning which may be awarded if you have previously studied a similar module in the same depth, and you achieved good marks in the corresponding examination.

The qualification must have been obtained within the five years preceding the application for RPL.

For this programme, RPL for 1 year (2 semesters) is granted automatically to students with approved IT qualifications or diplomas. Selected IT diploma graduates will only be exempted if they complete one or two mathematics and/or Algorithms modules in the bridging course at SIM.

View eligible exemptions (PDF 107 KB)

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Bridging Courses

All bridging courses are developed and awarded by the �� Institute of Management Pte Ltd, ��.

The Bridging Course for Economics, Mathematics and Accounting (EMA) programme at SIM is targeted at relevant diploma holders intending to study a UOL degree in an accelerated mode.

Admission Requirements:

Polytechnic Diploma graduates (or equivalent). Candidates must satisfy the UOL general entrance requirements and demonstrate competence in Mathematics at least equivalent to UK GCSE/GCE 'O' Level at Grade C or above.
Candidate must provide proof of competence in English acceptable to UOL such as a pass (Grade C6 and above) in the GCE 'O' Level English Language examinations or its equivalent.

Course Fees: S$850.20 per module, inclusive of 9% GST, payable at the start of each intake
Duration and intake: Full-time, 2 months commending in January and July

Jan 2025 – Mar 2025, inclusive of final examination
July 2025 – Aug 2025, inclusive of final examination

Class Duration: 3 hours per lesson for 10 sessions
Attendance requirement:

Local: 75%
International (inclusive of Dependent Pass/Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

Applications for EMA Bridging (Jan 2025 Intake) open now till 1 Dec 2024 (local) | 24 Nov 2024 (international)

Modules offered under this programme are: Algorithms, Numerical Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, Economics, Mathematics and Accounting. Applicants of the BSc Computer Science programme whose diplomas meet the requirement to enrol for the bridging course will be automatically invited to attend classes only for either Algorithms, Numerical Mathematics and/or Discrete Mathematics.

The table below describes the three modules and the corresponding RPL in the Computer Science programme:

Bridging modules	RPL from UOL courses in	What you will study
Numerical Mathematics	CM1015 Computational Mathematics	Number bases, conversion and operations Sequences and series, recursion, arithmetic and geometric sequences Modular arithmetic, congruent integers Angles, triangles and trigonometric relations Functions, cartesian coordinates, graphs, kinematics Trigonometric functions Exponential and logarithmic functions Limits and differentiation Algebra, vector and matrices Combinatorics and probability
Discrete Mathematics	CM1020 Discrete Mathematics	Sets Boolean Algebra Propositional Logic Predicate Logic Functions Recursion and Mathematical Induction Relations Graphs Trees Counting
Algorithms	CM1035 Algorithms and Data Structures I	Problems, algorithms and flowcharts Pseudocode Vectors, stacks and queues Data structures and searching Sorting data I What makes a good algorithm? Searching data II Recursion Sorting data III Computational complexity

The average teacher-student ratio is 1:55 for full-time Bridging EMA, and 1:47 for part-time Bridging EMA.

Download a sample timetable (PDF 134 KB)
View a list of lecturers’ teaching modules (PDF 79.1 KB)

Certification
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful passing of the Bridging (EMA) programme. There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the course within the specified duration.

Notes:

Min 25pax to start the course. The student shall be informed within one month before programme commencement.
All bridging courses are 100% written exams that set and mark by SIM lecturers. 
Students must pass with at least a C grade (40%) in all bridging examinations to qualify for RPL.
Fees do not include textbooks and application fee.

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Fees & Financial Aid

All fees listed are inclusive of 9% GST. Fees do not include textbooks, hardware and software requirements for selected modules as listed under Modules. These estimated fees are based on:

SIM Programme Fees - Payable at the start of each semester and is calculated on a per module basis.
UOL Programme Fees - Payable in £ per semester and is calculated on a per module basis.
Exam Admin Fee - Payable in S$ per semester to the Examinations Authority and is calculated on a per module basis, for the courses which have exams. For physical examinations, the Exams Authority will also collect an admin fee (per paper). This admin fee is waived in the event exams are held online.

View all payment modes

Programme Fees

Estimated Overall Programme Fees

Standard Entry BSc (22 modules + 1 Final Project for 3 years)	Year 1: S$14,770 Year 2: S$14,990 Year 3: S$15,350 Total programme fee: S$45,110
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from Year 1 (14 modules + 1 Final Project for 2 years)	Year 2: S$14,935 Year 3: S$15,350 Total programme fee: S$30,285

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	22 modules + 1 Final Project: S$23,544 14 modules + 1 Final Project: S$15,696
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 22 modules + 1 Final Project): £12,480.37 UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 14 modules + 1 Final Project): £8,521.49 Inspera Assessment Fee (Per paper): £12 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

Estimated Overall Programme Fees

Standard Entry BSc (22 modules + 1 Final Project for 3 years)	Year 1: S$15,685 Year 2: S$15,910 Year 3: S$16,260 Total programme fee: S$47,855
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from Year 1 (14 modules + 1 Final Project for 2 years)	Year 2: S$15,850 Year 3: S$16,260 Total programme fee: S$32,110

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	22 modules + 1 Final Project: S$26,290.80 14 modules + 1 Final Project: S$17,527.20
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 22 modules + 1 Final Project): £12,480.37 UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 14 modules + 1 Final Project): £8,521.49 Inspera Assessment Fee (Per paper): £12 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

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All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.

Student Development Fee

Applicable to all students embarking on a full-time Diploma or Undergraduate programme at SIM. This fee goes towards activities that will help in students’ personal growth and equip them with functional skills that enhance their employability.

Payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$512.30

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fee's first instalment.

S$436.00

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants: S$109.00

International applicants: S$545.00 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application)

Scholarships & Bursaries

SIM GE Bursary

The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. It offers monetary assistance of up to $2,000 and is tenable for one year of study.

Learn more

SIM GE Bursary

SIM GE Scholarship

The SIM GE Scholarship is given to students with exemplary academic results or achievements in sports and arts. It is applicable to �� citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Learn more

SIM GE Scholarship

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