Academic Matters

Each Academic Year typically starts in late August or early September and ends in August of the following year, and comprises three trimesters.

View the academic calender for undergraduate programmes.

View the academic calender for postgraduate programmes.

A programme component may either be a module or a competency unit that a learner undertakes to fulfil the requirements of a programme of study. A programme component may also refer to a micro-credential, which is an 18-credit coherent block of learning and may be competency-based or non-competency-based. Competency-based micro-credentials comprise competency units, while non-competency-based micro-credentials comprise modules.

A credit is a unit measure of a learner’s workload in each module or competency unit where one credit equates to 25 notional hours of contact time, projects, practical work, self-study, continual assessments (CA) and/or examination. For competency units, one credit can be associated with 6 to 8 hours of learning content. Learners undertaking competency units will need to accord additional practice time to demonstrate the required competencies through one or more assessments.

Generally, each module is given a code that identifies it with the programme. The following figure shows an example of a Module Code, and the table below it provides descriptions of the digit representing the level of module.

Competency units are coded in the form “ABCWXYZC”, where:

1. “ABC” is a 3-letter prefix that denotes the academic cluster;
2. “W” is a number indicating the competency level;
3. “XYZ” is the competency unit number, with the first digit "X" denoting the programme/discipline; and 
4. “C” denotes that this is a competency-based module.
    

The table below provides descriptions of the digits representing the competency level.

Certain modules or competency units may have specific pre-requisites, co-requisites and preclusions criteria. A pre-requisite refers to the base of knowledge on which the subject matter of a particular module will be built. Before taking a module or competency unit, learners should complete any pre-requisite module(s) or competency unit(s) listed. A co-requisite is a requirement where modules or competency units may be taken at the same time or completed before the start of the specified module or competency unit. Preclusions are modules or competency units that have similar emphases and should not be taken together under the same programme.

Learners who have queries concerning pre-requisites and/or co-requisites or wish to apply for a waiver from these requirements should consult their Programme Leaders and/or OU Degree Programme Directors before registering for the module or competency unit. 

Some programme components may be offered by SIT as credit-bearing standalone courses. These courses are suitable for learners who prefer an alternative learning pathway rather than enrolling in a full degree or graduate diploma programme at the onset of their studies. Credits obtained upon completion of such standalone courses may be recognised as fulfilling the requirements of a degree or a graduate diploma that a learner may later pursue, subject to certain conditions and the prevailing credit recognition policy. Learners interested in credit recognition may refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning section or contact their Programme Leaders for more information. 

The academic workload of a learner per trimester is determined based on the total credits of programme components in which the learner is enrolled for that trimester of study.

The maximum academic workload per trimester allowed is 30 credits. Learners who undertake competency-based micro-credentials may use this maximum workload of 30 credits per trimester as a guide when planning their academic progression in consultation with their Programme Leaders and/or OU Degree Programme Directors. For other learners, special approval by their respective Programme Leaders and/or OU Degree Programme Directors would be required if they wish to read or repeat modules or competency units beyond the maximum workload in any trimester.

The normal candidature of a degree programme or graduate diploma is the duration that learners are typically expected to take to complete that programme.

A programme’s maximum candidature is the maximum duration that learners are allowed to take to complete that programme. The maximum candidature is set as six trimesters (two years) in addition to the normal candidature for degree and graduate diploma programmes. 

Learners who take longer than the normal candidature period for their enrolled programmes should note that there may be implications on the tuition fees charged. Further details are available in the Academic Workload and Maximum Candidature page in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).  

Learners who are unable to complete their programme requirements by the end of their maximum candidatures will have their candidatures terminated. Learners who require an extension beyond their maximum candidature can appeal for a candidature extension. Each appeal for a candidature extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Additional trimesters taken by learners to repeat an assessment, re-attempt a competency and/or repeat a module/competency unit will also count towards the candidature period. The same will apply to make-up assessments. 

The normal and maximum candidatures for different programmes, unless otherwise specified, are summarised in the table below. 

This section is not applicable to learners enrolled in SIT-University of Glasgow Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nursing. 

Learners who have taken relevant modules within or outside of SIT’s degree programmes may seek credit recognition for those modules as partial fulfilment of the current programme’s requirements. 

Credit exemption may be granted for learners with recognised modules/courses completed before enrolment into the current programme. The application for credit exemption is opened once for all learners during matriculation. 

During their course of study at SIT, learners may apply for credit transfer. Learners taking industry certification-based modules and/or any other modules pre-approved for credit recognition by the respective Programme Leader and/or OU Degree Programme Director (e.g., modules taken while on a student exchange programme) should follow the instructions provided by their respective Academic Programme Administrator/Programme Leader and/or OU Degree Programme Director for the credit transfer application.

Reversal of exemption and/or credit transfer will not be permitted once the application is approved. 

Credit-bearing modules/courses with results awarded by SIT will be recognised with full grade and credit transfer if the modules are mapped towards the graduation requirements of the current programme. The grades and credits of the recognised modules/courses will be included in the CGPA computation of the current programme and there is no cap on the number of SIT credits that may be recognised, unless otherwise specified.

Credit-bearing modules/courses with results awarded by other institutions will be recognised with credit transfer but without grade transfer if the modules/courses are mapped towards the graduation requirements of the current SIT programme. The grades and credits of the recognised modules/courses will not be included in the CGPA computation of the current programme, and there is a 50% cap on the credits that may be recognised.

The table below summarises the treatments for module/course credits awarded by SIT, or by other institutions if SIT approves the credit transfer application.

Credits awarded within five years prior to enrolment into the current SIT programme will be considered for credit recognition to ensure currency of the subject matter within the programme. This 5-year limit is measured from the completion date of the module/course, or the programme in which the module/course is part of, whichever is the latest.  In addition, SIT will also adopt prevailing requirements imposed by the relevant accreditation bodies regarding the recognition period.

Notwithstanding the paragraph above, credits earned more than five years prior to enrolment into the current programme may be considered on a case by-case basis. This will depend on factors such as evidence to support that the learner’s prior experience and learning remain relevant and current in the context of the nature of the subject matter and industry. 

For non-competency-based programmes, the window period for learners to apply for transfer of credits will be published under the Announcements in the Student Intranet Homepage (SIT log-in credentials are required). Learners may submit their applications in IN4SIT during this window period. The IN4SIT Transfer of Credits Student User Guide is available in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required). 

Certain modules, such as the SIT University-level modules (i.e., modules indicated as “University” type in respective programme’s Curriculum Structure) and Capstone project for undergraduate programmes are generally not eligible for credit exemption, unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by the learner’s Programme Leader.

For Programmes Delivered via the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential Pathway

Learners who plan to enrol into a programme delivered via the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential pathway can seek recognition of prior learning for credit recognition at the following levels:

1. Micro-credential
2. Competency unit within a micro-credential
3. Component of Workforce Essentials

Credit recognition is granted only for verifiable learning. Credit recognition may also be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the content of study. The credit recognition will take into consideration the relevance of the module, number of hours undertaken by learner, learning outcomes, etc.

If a learner is unable to present verifiable evidence of their learning, the learner may be required to attempt an alternative test recommended by SIT. 

A learner may still be granted recognition of prior learning and subsequent credit recognition for competencies that cannot be directly mapped to the programme, if the competencies are assessed to be highly relevant to the learner’s degree by the Programme Leader.

Learners are encouraged to consult their respective Programme Leader before applying or if they have any queries about the recognition of prior learning.

Newly matriculated learners and existing learners from selected programmes will be enrolled for modules before the start of the first trimester, or the next trimester of study, respectively. 

Learners who are required to register for the next trimester’s modules must do so during the designated window period, typically between Week 11 and Week 13 of each trimester. Information and updates on module enrolment are published on Announcements in the Student Intranet Homepage (SIT log-in credentials are required) and made available via emails from the Registrar’s Office or respective programme administrators. Learners are advised to check their emails and announcements in the Student Intranet for regular updates during the module enrolment period.

Learners returning to studies for a Leave of Absence (LOA) are to approach their Academic Advisors/Mentors for guidance before proceeding with module enrolment.

Enrolment for SIT modules will be done through the Course Management menu in IN4SIT. The IN4SIT Module Registration Guide is available in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).

Further information will be made available in the Module Registration section in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required) and via emails from SIT Registrar’s Office or respective programme administrators. 

Module enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Certain programmes and modules allow a Wait List option. Learners may opt to be placed on a Wait List for a module that has reached its maximum enrolment capacity. Learners should contact the Academic Programmes Administration (APA) Division (email to AcademicProgrammesAdmin@SingaporeTech.edu.sg) to check if the module(s) that they wish to enrol for has/have a Wait List option. There is no guarantee that vacancies will be created for learners in the waitlist as it depends on the availability of venues and additional resources to conduct extra classes. 

Specific enrolment periods will be assigned to learners for the enrolment into the micro-credentials. This will happen before the start of the trimester.

Learners will be informed on the enrolment periods through their SIT emails from the Academic Programmes Administration (APA) and/or their respective programme administrators. Once enrolled into a micro-credential, learners will be pre-enrolled into the micro-credential’s relevant competency units.

Learners resuming their studies after LOA are strongly encouraged to approach their success coaches for guidance before enrolling into micro-credentials.

With the exception of Postgraduate by Research programmes, all learners are required to be enrolled for at least one module or competency unit in any study trimester. Learners who are not enrolled for any modules or competency units during a study trimester are required to apply for LOA within 2 weeks from the start of the trimester to retain their SIT learner status.

LOA taken will be counted towards the candidature period. Learners who fail to apply for LOA will be subject to administrative withdrawal.

Learners who do not have any modules to enrol in a study trimester will be placed on a special break term, which will be counted towards the candidature period.

For a trimester which is an academic break in their programme, learners may choose to either take a break or enrol for modules outside of their programme offered during the break. Learners who choose to take up modules during the break will proceed with module enrolment following the normal process.

Learners are to take full responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the modules, micro-credentials and/or competency units enrolled during the stipulated enrolment window period. Learners are required to check their timetables to ensure that details are in order. Should there be any discrepancy, learners should report to Academic Programmes Administration (APA) (email to AcademicProgrammesAdmin@SingaporeTech.edu.sg) immediately before the window period closes.

While striving to provide accurate and updated information, SIT reserves the right to amend the schedules and/or class venues, where applicable and necessary. Learners are expected to check their SIT emails regularly, as any updates will be made known to them via their SIT email accounts.

SIT does not condone the following acts and will not hesitate to take the necessary disciplinary actions against such conduct:

1. Learners who apply for modules or competency units they do not need and subsequently trade the allocation for personal gains.
2. Learners who use unauthorised technology to gain an advantage over other learners in securing enrolment.
3. Learners who do not follow the proper instructions and, regardless of their intentions, overload the enrolment system and cause major disruption to the enrolment exercise.

Learners’ performance in a module or competency unit is measured through continual assessments, such as assignments, quizzes and/or tests, and in some cases, a final assessment which may take the form of an examination at the end of the trimester.

All final assessments and examinations (if any) will take place in Week 14 of each trimester, unless otherwise specified. In some instances, the final assessment/examination may be scheduled in Week 7.

The timetable for final assessments/examinations that are scheduled during the recess week (Week 7) will be posted in IN4SIT (SIT log-in credentials are required), or made available via email to learners, by Week 4. For those scheduled in the Final Assessment Week (Week 14), the timetable will be posted in IN4SIT (SIT log-in credentials are required) or made available via email by Week 9 of the trimester. If final assessments are scheduled outside of either Week 7 or Week 14, the programme administrator will inform learners accordingly. It is important for learners to note their own final assessments/examinations schedule as no concession will be made for learners who did not attend an assessment if they overlooked the schedule.

Learners who are absent with valid reasons (e.g., submission of medical certificate or documentary proof) for their assessment/examination (including repeat assessment/examination, if relevant) will be allowed to take the make-up assessment/examination within the same trimester with approval from the respective Module Lead/Programme Leader/OU Degree Programme Director. Such learners who were unable to take the make-up assessment/examination within the same trimester will be allowed to take the make-up assessment/examination in the subsequent trimester as stipulated by the Module Lead/Programme Leader/OU Degree Programme Director. No administrative fee will be charged for make-up assessments/examinations. 

Further details, including the examination rules and regulations and to seek for due consideration in assessment grading in case of an unforeseen situation such as an illness or personal or family issues during an assessment, can be found under Examination Matters in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required). 

Learners are reminded that any act that compromises academic integrity is considered Academic Misconduct and will not be tolerated. Learners are therefore required to comply with SIT's Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required). 

Instances of academic misconduct may include, but are not limited to: 

1. Cheating in and/or violation of rules governing an examination, test, assessment, project and/or quiz;,
2. Having in possession any unauthorised materials or devices during an examination, test, assessment and/or quiz;
3. Using unauthorised devices, gadgets, materials or technology to complete an assessment or project;
4. Plagiarising the work of another person and presenting that “work” as one’s own (i.e. failing to give appropriate citation and/or acknowledgement; paraphrasing too close to the original source, including minor copying of material) and ghost-writing;
5. Colluding with other learners on an assessment which is meant to completed individually;
6. Impersonating another learner with the intent of providing academic advantage or disadvantage to that learner;
7. Fabricating, falsifying or making up data, information, or citations;
8. Any sabotaging act that prevents other learners from completing/submitting their work;
9. Giving or receiving unauthorised assistance in academic work or assignments to or from other students; and 
10. Providing false claims to lecturers/staff concerning a submitted work and/or submission of work. 

Further details and examples are provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required). 

Regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, learners are expected to seek clarification from their instructors on the appropriate ways to use such tools in their studies. Learners are cautioned against any misuse that may compromise academic integrity, particularly in the works submitted for grading purposes. 

Learners found guilty of committing an act of academic misconduct will be dealt with according to SIT’s Student Disciplinary Policy. The Student Disciplinary Policy is available in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required.). 

SIT adopts a 5-point Grade Point Average (GPA) letter-grading system for modules and competency units. Each letter grade is associated with a grade point as shown in the tables below. 

Modules taken from AY2021/22 onwards and Competency Units

Note: IC grade is applicable to competency units only. D+, D and F grades are applicable to modules only. Correspondingly in the descriptors, “learning outcomes” are relevant to modules while “competencies” are relevant to competency units.  

Modules up to AY2020/21

Some results may be awarded in the form of a non-letter grade or a grade with a notation. These non-letter grades and notations are shown in the table below.

Note: ¹Combined Results pass is only applicable to SIT-Massey University Bachelor of Food Technology and Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours. 

Programme components with F, Fail, IC, IC^, IP, ABS or W grade do not earn credits towards the graduation requirements. 

The passing grade for all letter-graded modules is D (grade point 1.00) unless otherwise specified. Exceptions may apply to selected modules under SIT-Overseas University (OU) joint programmes due to specific requirements of the programme. Additional information for learners of joint SIT-OU programmes can be found in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).  

To pass a competency unit, a minimum grade of C (grade point 2.00) is required.  

For research programmes, the minimum module grade which Industrial Master’s (IM) learners must obtain is B- (grade point 3.00). For Industrial Doctorate (ID) programmes, a minimum module grade of B (grade point 3.50) is required.

The graduation requirement for each programme is specified under each programme-specific information section.

Grade Point Average (GPA) represents the average grade of a group of letter-graded components attempted by a learner. Depending on the programme, a learner’s GPA may be computed based on the letter-graded components taken over a trimester (Trimester Grade Point Average), candidature (Cumulative Grade Point Average) or academic year (Year Grade Point Average). 

Trimester Grade Point Average (TGPA) represents the grade point average of all letter-graded programme components ^µ attempted by a learner in any trimester. The computation of TGPA is as follows: 

$$\frac{\sum _{X=1}^n\text{[Grade Point for Component X} \times \text{Credits for Component X]}}{\mathrm{Total\; Component\; Credits\; assigned\; in\; the\; trimester}}$$

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents the grade point average of all letter-graded programme components^µ attempted by a learner. The computation of CGPA is as follows: 

$$\frac{\sum _{X=1}^n\text{[Grade Point for Component X }\times \text{Credits for Component X]}}{\text{Total }{\mathrm{credits}}^{\mathrm{𝜎}}\text{ assigned to the Components}}$$

Year Grade Point Average (YGPA) represents the grade point average of all letter-graded programme components^µ (including failed modules or incomplete competency units) attempted by a learner in any academic year. The computation of YGPA is as follows: 

$$\frac{\sum _{X=1}^n\text{[Grade Point for Component X} \times \text{ Credits for Component X]}}{\text{Total }{\mathrm{credits}}^{\mathrm{𝜎}}\text{ assigned in the academic year}}$$

Notes:

^µ only letter-graded programme components will be included in the computation of all GPA. Components awarded with Pass/D^/Fail/IC^, as well as those with IP, EX, ABS, TC or W are not included in the computation of the TGPA, CGPA and YGPA. 

^𝜎 Refers to programme component credits of the best attempt credits, i.e., excludes programme component credits from repeat attempts.

A repeat grade will have its grade point capped, as summarised in the tables below: 

The grades for all attempts taken by learners and their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) received at the end of each trimester will be shown on their transcripts. Learners in a programme delivered via the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential pathway will receive a transcript showing all attempts of competency units and their CGPA for each completed micro-credential. 

The repeat grade obtained will be shown in parenthesis with a prefix ‘R’. For example, R(B) means that the learner attained a B grade from the repeat attempt and the grade point is to be capped accordingly. Only the best attempt grade of a module will be computed in CGPA and YGPA. Illustrations of the CGPA computation with a repeat attempt and grade point capping per programme are shown below.  

Repeat Assessment

For selected non-competency based modules, repeat assessment within the study trimester may be permitted for learners with approval from the Programme Leaders.

For competency units, learners will have three opportunities to demonstrate the required competencies in each competency unit. This may be done across two trimesters. If a learner has not demonstrated the required competencies in a competency unit within the first trimester and extends to the second trimester, the competency unit will be reflected with an “In Progress” (IP) grade for the first trimester. Learners who are unable to demonstrate the competency within the two trimesters will be awarded an “Incomplete” (IC) grade for the competency unit. The learner will have to repeat the affected competency unit in the trimester that the competency unit is next offered. More information regarding enrolment is available under the Module and Micro-credential Enrolment section. 

After the release of results, learners of undergraduate or specialist certificate programmes who have obtained an F or IP grade for any module/competency unit which is part of the programme requirements will be required to repeat the assessment, depending on the requirements of the failed/"in progress" module/competency unit and the decision of the Programme Leaders and/or OU Degree Programme Director, unless otherwise specified. Exceptions apply to selected SIT-Overseas University programmes due to specific requirements of the programme. Additional information for learners of these programmes  can be found in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).  

For postgraduate programmes, learners who have obtained the following grades may apply for repeat assessment for the affected modules. The application will be subjected to the respective Programme Leader’s approval. Alternatively, such learners may choose to repeat the affected modules (further details in the Repeat Module and Re-Attempt of a Competency Unit sub-section below).

If the learner fared poorly across multiple assessments, the learner may be asked to repeat the entire module/competency unit. 

An administrative fee of $81.75 (inclusive of 9% GST) per module is applicable for repeat assessments.

Learners who are unable to attain the minimum grade required to clear the module/competency unit and/or specific programme requirements following repeat assessment attempts will be required to repeat the module or re-attempt the competency unit on the Programme Leader’s discretion.

More information regarding enrolment is available under the Module and Micro-credential Enrolment section.

The grade point for a module/competency unit following a repeat assessment attempt administered after results release will be capped as specified under the SIT Grading System section.

Repeat Module or Re-attempt of a Competency Unit

Learners of undergraduate programmes who have obtained an F, D, D+ or IC grade for any module/competency unit programme requirements may choose to repeat/re-attempt the entire module/competency unit with approval from the respective Programme Leader and/or OU Degree Programme Director. If such module/competency unit is part of a micro-credential, the learner may register for the same micro-credential in the trimester it is next offered to repeat or re-attempt the affected module/competency unit. The grades and credits of the modules/competency units that learners had passed in that micro-credential will be carried over. 

For the postgraduate programmes, learners who obtained the grades listed in the table in the Repeat Assessment sub-section may choose to repeat the affected modules with approval from their Programme Leaders.

In the case of repeating/re-attempting a module or competency unit, learners will be billed according to the prevailing credit charging.

The grade point for the repeat module/competency unit will be capped as specified under the SIT Grading System section. 

Learners who require a temporary break from their programmes can apply for Leave of Absence (LOA), subject to the maximum candidature of their programme. With effect from Academic Year 2024/25, all LOAs (including those due to personal or medical reasons) will count towards the learners’ candidature period in a programme. LOAs due to medical reasons applied before 2 September 2024 will not count towards the candidature period.

Learners may apply for a maximum of three trimesters of absence in each LOA application. Applications must be made by the end of Week 2 of the affected trimester, otherwise tuition fees for the trimester will be charged. Applications received after Week 7 will only be processed after the release of results for that trimester. Further details on Academic Penalty and Fees for Undergraduate / Postgraduate Programmes are available in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).

First-year and re-admitted learners may not take Leave of Absence during their first trimester of study, unless they have an unforeseen medical reason.

Learners pursuing any degree via the Competency-Based Stackable Micro-Credential pathway, Graduate Certificate and Specialist Certificate programmes may email their LOA applications to the Registrar’s Office (email to Registrar@SingaporeTech.edu.sg) before the start of the first affected trimester.

For other learners, please refer to LOA application procedures and guidelines in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).

Learners who do not wish to continue their studies at SIT may submit an application to withdraw from their programme. Learners enrolled in a degree or graduate diploma programme may do so via IN4SIT (SIT log-in credentials are required). Learners enrolled in a degree programme delivered via the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential pathway or micro-credential may contact the Registrar’s Office (email to Registrar@SingaporeTech.edu.sg) by the end of Week 2 of the trimester, if they wish to withdraw from the  programme.

Applications must be made by the end of Week 2 of the affected trimester, otherwise trimester fees will be charged. Learners who apply for Programme Withdrawal from SIT after Friday of Week 13 will be subject to grading for enrolled modules/competency units. 

SIT reserves the right to administratively withdraw any learners from their programme if they are absent from classes without prior approval for an extended period and are uncontactable.

Additional information about withdrawal procedures and guidelines is available in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required).

The impact of withdrawals on trimester fees and module grading is available under the Module Registration section in the Student Intranet (SIT log-in credentials are required). Learners are advised to read this before applying for withdrawal.