• Structure of Programme
• Duration of Programme
• Coursework Requirements
• Language of Instruction
• PhD Qualifying Examination (QE)
• QE modules
• PhD Thesis Proposal /Doctoral Seminar
• PhD Defence

All graduate research students are admitted directly into a full-time common graduate programme that leads to either:

PhD, if the candidate passes the Qualifying Examination (QE); or

MSc, if the candidate fails the Qualifying Examination but is allowed to complete as an MSc candidate.

Following is a recommended structure for the PhD programme:

All candidates are required to complete four postgraduates modules, pass the QE modules in their first year of study. At the end of the first year of study, candidates will be required to sit for the Qualifying Examination (QE), which will be held at the end of the school semester.

The student is expected to work on the graduate research paper (GRP) with a faculty member immediately after the first semester's exam, and to participate in lab activities with the view of producing a quality paper that can eventually lead to at least a rank 2 and above publication/journal by the third semester.

The student is expected to show competence in embarking on the PhD research. The GRP presentation will be evaluated by a panel at the end of the 3rd semester.

In Year 2, candidates are required to complete four more postgraduate modules. By end of Year 3, candidates are expected to complete their thesis proposal.

Those who pass the thesis proposal will proceed to the final phase of research. PhD students are normally expected to finish their PhD candidature within 4 years.

The following maximum candidature periods are inclusive of periods of approved study leave:

- Master's: 36 months
- PhD: 60 months

PhD candidates must complete at least 8 courses with at least 6 courses at level 5000 and above, and at most 2 courses at level 4000.

The language of instruction for the graduate courses is English.

The QE module is meant to assess the breadth of knowledge of the candidates in the area of computer science or information systems (as the case may be). CS students are required to take CS5201 Foundation in Theoretical Computer Science and CS5202 Foundation in Computer Systems. IS students are required to take CS5203 Foundation in IS Research Methodologies and CS5204 Foundation in Management of Information Systems. There is no exemption of QE modules.

The QE is to be taken by all postgraduate students who have completed two semesters of coursework. Candidates are allowed to take the QE earlier than the specified period. The PhD QE will be offered twice a year, at the end of each semester. Student must pass his/her QE within 18 months after admission and a maximum of two attempts are allowed. The research scholarship will be terminated the moment a student fails the QE. He/She will complete the rest of the degree requirements as a MSc candidate.

Computer Science (CS)

CS5201 Foundation in Theoretical Computer Science
This module test the students on basic concepts in theoretical computer science. In particular, the students will be tested on the following areas.
A. Data Structures and Algorithms
B. Theory of Computation
C. Principles of Programming Languages
D. Logic and Formal Systems

CS5202 Foundation in Computer Systems
This module test the students on basic concepts in computer systems. In particular, the students will be tested on the following topics.
A. Operating Systems
B. Computer Networks
C. Database Management Systems
D. Computer Architecture

Information Systems (IS)

CS5203 Foundation in IS Research Methodologies
This module test students on essential knowledge of IS research methodologies. Students will be tested on their understanding in topics such as research design, sampling, measurement, data collection methodology (case study, survey, experimentation, etc.), theoretical and empirical analysis, and basic statistical methods.

CS5204 Foundation in Management of Information Systems
This module test students on essential knowledge in the management of information systems. Students will be tested on classical MIS issues such as the contribution of IS to decision making, IS diffusion and implementation, IS strategy, and IS and business processes.

The thesis proposal is an important component of the PhD programme. It should highlight the significance of the research topic, its goal, the approach adopted, and work to be done. It should be precise and convincing to the examiners that the candidate is proposing a novel area of research and the goal is achievable.

PhD candidates are encouraged to attempt the Thesis Proposal earlier than the specified period, eg by their 5th semester. A PhD candidate must pass his/her thesis proposal at the end of Year 3. The thesis proposal will be examined by two faculty members of SoC familiar with the area of research in the proposal. A maximum of two attempts are allowed.

The PhD candidature of a student will be terminated if s/he fails to pass the thesis proposal. Such student, subject to the approval of the School, may proceed to obtain an MSc degree by completing a dissertation and meeting all the requirements of an MSc degree.

The Thesis Proposal comprise an open seminar presentation (doctoral seminar), followed by a close-door oral examination.

The seminar presentation should take about 30 minutes. It will be announced as a public talk open to both staff and students. The seminar, which should include any research findings or work from published papers, will be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.

A close-door oral examination will follow after the seminar presentation. The student is expected to answer satisfactorily any questions raised by the evaluators.

The PhD Defence will be scheduled about four to six weeks after all examiners' report have been received. It will comprise of an open seminar presentation, followed by a close-door oral examination.