Diploma in Information Technology (N54)

Beyond learning how to use AI technologies, you will gain skills to create and evaluate solutions generated by AI tools. Designed to enable you to effectively integrate AI-generated solutions, you'll build confidence to innovate with AI.

Plus, there will be platform for you to experiment with and apply GenAI approaches to push the boundaries of AI-driven systems!

Design your learning by choosing modules that best match your interests and strengths. Alongside core modules such as programming, our flexible curriculum structure allows you to specialise in at least one of these four areas:

• Artificial Intelligence Solutioning
• Immersive Media
• Product Management
• Software Engineering

Alternatively, opt for up to ten electives to broaden your skills. With our extensive range of electives, you can explore technologies like cloud computing, computer vision, DevOps, Immersive technologies, machine learning, natural language processing, and software architecture.

Get a competitive edge by pursuing a Second Major in Business! This dual qualification will unlock new opportunities for your career and further studies.

Fast-track your university journey with the NP-SMU University Pathway Programme and the Poly STUD Scholars Programme! These programmes let you take university modules during your diploma studies. For the SMU Pathway, you’ll gain advanced placement in their Information Systems and Computing Science programmes. Meanwhile, the SUTD programme allows you to explore humanities and science modules that count towards your degree at SUTD.

Build your digital portfolio with a capstone project to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Advance your career with additional professional certifications, such as Certified Scrum Master, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Salesforce ADX 201 Certification, UiPath Certified RPA Associate

Many modules are co-designed and co-delivered with our industry partners such as GovTech, IBM, AWS, NCS Group, and Dell Technologies, ensuring you are well-prepared for the industry.

You can experience innovative programmes that take you out of the classroom. Enrich your learning journey with industry visits, overseas exchange programmes to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Ho Chi Minh City, and get to pursue a one-year internship or tackle real-world problem statements with industry mentorships.

LEAD: Computing in Practice (4 Credit Units) 
This module provides a foundation understanding of how Legal Technology, Software Engineering, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity interrelate and contribute to digital transformation across industry. It aims to strengthen students' appreciation of the ethical, legal and professional dimensions of technology and its role in shaping responsible innovation.

Students will engage in thematic clusters that explore topics such a data analytics, cybersecurity awareness, digital governance and emerging technologies. Each cluster incorporates experiential learning through applied projects, industry talks and site visits that promote a practical understanding of computing in context. By the end of the module, students will have developed a holistic understanding of the ICT landscape and its applications in real-world practice. 

AI & Ethics (2 Credit Units) 
This module introduces students to the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the ethical challenges that arise in its design, development, and deployment. Students will explore how AI technologies impact individuals, organizations, and society at large.

Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, students will critically examine key ethical principles including fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and human well-being. The module emphasizes the importance of ethical reasoning and responsible innovation in ICT, preparing students to navigate complex moral dilemmas in real-world AI application development.

Programming Fundamentals (5 Credit Units) 
This module introduces the fundamentals of programming and how to develop programs using appropriate problem-solving techniques in a modular style. In this practice-oriented module, students are taught how to apply problem-solving skills using a top-down structured programming methodology and given ample practice in translating solutions into computer programs, followed by testing and debugging of the programs. Topics include data types, variables, expressions, statements, selection structures, loops, simple computation and algorithms, functions and the use of libraries. Students will also practise the use of pseudocode and flowcharts, leveraging Gen AI productivity tools, best practices of programming, debugging techniques, development of test cases, and suitable program documentation. In addition, they will study various areas where application software plays a prominent part in helping organisations to solve problems. Students will be given ample opportunity for independent and self-directed learning.

Computing Mathematics (4 Credit Units) 
This module introduces the basic concepts of relations and functions, matrices and methods of statistics and their applications relevant to IT professionals. 

The main emphasis in this module is to develop students’ ability in solving quantitative problems in computing mathematics, probability and statistics. Topics covered include fundamentals of statistics and probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions. 

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

Health & Wellness^ (1 Credit Unit)
This module provides you with an opportunity to keep fit, be active, and stay physically and mentally healthy. It equips you with practical knowledge and skills to be responsible in maintaining your overall personal health through appropriate exercise, monitoring of health indicators and basic sports skill acquisition. It also seeks to improve your social and psychological well-being by fostering positive and respectful attitudes in all relationships. 

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)
Underpinned by the Design Thinking framework and powered by the LUMA System of Innovation, this module aims to build creative confidence in you. The module will sensitise you to the human-centred problem solving approach where you will explore new ideas and come up with up with innovations to tackle problems that are close to your heart. Students who successfully complete this module will be awarded a LUMA Foundation Badge by the LUMA Institute. This internationally recognized badge signifies competence in Human-Centred Design.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Programming Methodology (4 Credit Units)
This module builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Programming Fundamentals (PRGF). It aims to provide opportunities for the students to develop medium-scale applications based on a different programming paradigm from procedural programming that students learnt in PRGF, such as Object-Oriented (OO) Programming, to allow students gain exposure to different approaches and techniques in programming. The main concepts of the programming paradigm and the development of applications with it will be taught in this module. A high-level programming language suitable to demonstrate the programming approach will be used. The module may also cover the concept of Abstract Data Types (ADTs) and the implementation of selected ADTs. Use of advanced ADTs especially related to data structures, may be covered. The module may also highlight fundamental system design concepts and artifacts such as class diagrams, to reinforce the understanding of the programming paradigm and to also introduce software design concepts to students, to demonstrate the relationship between software design and development. Then, the module may introduce the use of Application Protocol Interface (API) when required

Front End Development (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop responsive user interfaces and build front-end applications using languages and tools such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and other modern front-end web frameworks. Students will learn how to consume and integrate third-party APIs in their applications. Students may also learn in practice how to clearly document and present the projects they have built, using up-to-date project/code management and source control tools like Git. User experience concepts in front-end applications will also be covered in the module. Official (Closed) – Sensitive Normal The focus of this module is to develop and strengthen skills in development of front-end applications with care for user experience.

Back End Development (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required in back-end development. It will also cover the integration of back-end system with databases, possibly external systems as well as consuming data from web application protocol interfaces (APIs). The module will first cover the infrastructure of a web application, often supported by a back-end system, before diving into details of the basic back-end component of a web application. Students will also be introduced to different possible implementations of back-end systems, such as microservices, focusing on different components of the system. Towards the end of the module, it may also introduce to the students how their knowledge in back-end development can be applied in applications with various front-end interfaces; this allows students to flexibly apply their back-end development concepts and skills learnt in developing back-end systems of various uses. Students will be exposed to usage of suitable languages, tools and frameworks that will enable them to learn back-end development in practice. They will also learn how to make use of source code version control systems such as GIT or CCA to develop their applications effectively and efficiently.

Databases and Data Modelling (4 Credit Units)
Today’s business organisations depend on information systems in virtually all aspects of their businesses. Corporate databases are set up to hold the voluminous business transactions generated by these information systems. This module introduces students to the underlying concepts of database systems and on how to model and design database systems that reflect business requirements. Students will be taught how to analyse data needs, model the relationships amongst the data entities, apply normalisation process to relations and create the physical database. Skills to be taught include data modelling technique, transformation of data model to relations, normalisation technique, SQL (structured query language) and NoSQL (Not only SQL)

Fundamentals for ICT Professionals (2 Credit Units)
This module provides a broad introduction to the field of ICT by exploring the roles, professional practice, ethical expectations and career development paths of IT professionals. Through a guided inculcation of interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong team bonding spirit, the module aims to deepen students committment to the sector that the course prepares them for. In addition, students will be required to begin charting their career path in the ICT industry by considering crucial aspects such as personal preferences and aptitude, job roles and responsibilities, skills needed and further education.

Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)^ (3 Credit Units)
The VOICE module aims to empower students to become thoughtful and confident communicators able to tailor a message to suit audience, purpose and context. Students will learn how to use storytelling structures and techniques, persuasive strategies and effective visuals to connect meaningfully with their audience. Through a personalised growth plan, the module encourages students to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their growth and development as communicators. The module employs engaging teaching strategies such as games, thinking routines, masterclasses and workshops, and a celebratory showcase festival at the end to make learning fun and exciting.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Refer to Electives Modules Synopsis

Agile Software Project I (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the various modules in the course, particularly Front-End Development, and Back-End Development, to culminate in a full-stack development project. The students also will have the chance to explore topics in IT and application domains that they have a personal interest. Students may choose to undertake a real-life IT project, a competition-based project or a research and development project. Through the project, students have opportunities to work in teams, work on real-world problems, and build up their personal portfolios in full-stack development. The chosen project should ideally include problem definition, requirements gathering, analysis and design, development and testing and the subsequent deliverable of artefacts that would be suitable for their personal portfolios.

ICT Career & Professional Preparation (3 Credit Units)
This module provides a stepping stone to the students in their IT career. Students are given an insight into the InfoComm industries and are kept updated with the latest skill sets required in their IT career path. They also have the opportunity to be exposed to various institutes of higher learning to further acquire their skill sets. Industry talks and seminars are organised to keep students up-to-date on emerging trends so as to build up their interpersonal, team and networking skills with the community and industry.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Refer to Electives Modules Synopsis

Agile Software Project II (6 Credit Units)
As a continuation of Agile Software Project I, this module provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the various modules in the course, particularly Front-End Development, Back-End Development and knowledge acquired from the electives, to culminate in a full-stack development project. The students also will have the chance to explore topics in IT and application domains that they have a personal interest. Students may choose to undertake a real-life IT project, a competition-based project or a research and development project. Through the project, students have opportunities to work in teams, work on real-world problems, and build up their personal portfolios in full-stack development. The chosen project should ideally include problem definition, requirements gathering, analysis and design, development and testing and the subsequent deliverable of artefacts that would be suitable for their personal portfolios. 

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)
This module will expose you to a wide range of global issues discussed in the context of Singapore as a nation state. You will be guided to critically examine current affairs from various perspectives and develop an appreciation of the dynamism behind current world problems and consider possible solutions. The intent of this module is to develop thinking students with well-considered perspectives who are able to articulate reasonable opinions, make thoughtful decisions and informed choices as active citizens in society.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Internship (20 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the various modules in the course to the development of an IT solution to solve a practical problem. Students may undertake a real-life IT project in an organisation that may include problem definition, requirements analysis, design, development and testing, delivery and presentation of the solution. Through the project, students will learn and appreciate the project planning and control issues relating to IT project development.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Internship II (16 Credit Units) 
- Offered to only those embarking on One-Year Internship. 

This module allows the student to extend their internship and undergo additional IT-related on-the-job training in a real-life working environment. In the process, the student will experience working as part of a team, and may be exposed to various aspects of project planning, development, testing and delivery. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of certain IT technologies, which may include (but are not limited to) cloud computing, advanced programming, mobile or web development, DevOps processes, data analytics, enterprise systems, Internet of Things, games design and development, information security or artificial intelligence. 

The following modules are offered to those not taking Internship at Level 3.2

• Refer to Electives Modules Synopsis

Project ID: Connecting the Dots ^ (4 Credit Units)
Project ID aims to prepare you for an increasingly globalized and interconnected world where problems are multi-faceted and require interdisciplinary research and collaboration to solve. Using a project-based learning approach, you will have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team with students from across the polytechnic to investigate and propose comprehensive recommendations for a pressing real-world problem affecting Singapore. You will be guided to step out of your disciplinary silos and effectively communicate and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds. The module seeks to develop independent learning skills and the ability to synthesize diverse strands of knowledge to solve a complex problem, while impressing on you the importance of being a responsible global citizen.

^ Critical Core modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Artificial Intelligence Solutioning Specialisation

- Cloud Computing

- Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing

- Emerging Technologies in IT

- Modern Artificial Intelligence

- Solution Design and Architecture

Immersive Media Specialisation

- Business Analysis and Product Management

- Experimental Design

- Immersive Technology Development

- Interactive 3D Experience

- User Experience Design and Prototyping

Product Management Specialisation

- Business Analysis and Product Management

- Customer Experience Management

- Emerging Technologies in IT

- Tech Business & Innovation Strategy

- User Experience Design and Prototyping

Software Engineering Specialisation

- Cloud Computing

- Customer Experience Management

- Data Structure & Algorithms

- Solution Design and Architecture

- DevSecOps

Elective Module Synopsis

Cloud Computing (4 Credit Units)
This module gives insight into the key concepts and technologies of cloud computing which include cloud characteristics, service models (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS), deployment models (Public cloud, Private cloud, Community cloud, and Hybrid cloud), and the features of cloud computing technologies. It also covers the cloud computing architecture, emerging trends and issues such as clouds for mobile applications, cloud portability and interoperability, scalability, manageability, and service delivery in terms of design and implementation issues. The module discusses the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, standards of cloud computing service delivery, and Service Level Agreement (SLAs) for cloud services. Hands-on activities are included to expose students to various cloud computing services offered by major cloud computing providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google App Engine (GAE), and Microsoft Windows Azure.

Data Structures and Algorithms (4 Credit Units)
This module focuses on coverage of fundamental data structures and algorithms and their implementations within the conceptual framework of abstract data types. The module also allows students to apply their implementations in developing related applications to solve real-world problems. The relationship between algorithms and programming will be emphasized, and an introduction will be given on basic performance measures and analysis about space and time complexity for software problems.

Customer Experience Management (4 Credit Units)
With SMAC (Social, Mobility, Analytics and Cloud) technologies resulting in a new competitive environment, the control has shifted from the seller to buyer. This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of Customer Experience Management (CXM) as a business strategy in this new environment. The buyer’s experience is not limited to a single transaction but includes the sum of all experiences across all touch points and channels between a buyer and a seller over the duration of their relationship. This strategy aims to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage to help sellers manage the buyer’s experience that is both collaborative and personalized.

Students will have an opportunity to have hands-on experience with customer management systems used by sellers that collect and create customer data, segment that data into manageable data sets, make sense of the data and make it available for timely delivery. This allows companies to deliver consistent customer experiences that delight customers or achieve other organizational goals.

Solution Design and Architecture (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces the core principles of solution design and architecture, e.g. Cloud Native Architecture. Cloud-native architecture and technologies are an approach to designing, constructing, and operating workloads in the cloud and taking full advantage of the cloud computing model. With an increasingly complex market conditions, this architectural style enables organizations to respond rapidly to increasing users demands. Many companies recognized their business values and have implemented cloud-native technologies.

Students learn through hands-on activities about microservice architecture, containers, DevOps, CI/CD, and other related technologies. This module also allows students to work in teams to experience developing a cloud-native project. The project is a testimony of the knowledge and concepts students learned in the module

DevSecOps (4 Credit Units)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to implement DevSecOps. The focus is to teach the set of software development practices that automates the processes between software development and IT operations. Building upon their knowledge of agile methodology and software development, students will be taught how to leverage the concepts of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) to deliver value more rapidly. The module will provide hands-on practice for students to experience the CI/CD pipeline with the use of popular open-source tools

Tech Business & Innovation Strategy (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the strategic mindset to drive business growth and innovation in the technology sector. Students will learn how to analyse market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities for digital products and services. They will explore frameworks for business model innovation, value proposition design, and go-to-market strategies tailored for technology-driven organisations. Through case studies and simulations, students will also develop an understanding of how emerging technologies and ecosystem partnerships can be leveraged to create sustainable competitive advantage and deliver impactful business outcomes.

User Experience Design and Prototyping (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the knowledge and abilities to create digital products that are focused on the user by integrating concepts from Agile, Design Thinking, and User Experience. Students will learn to observe user behaviour, apply research methods, and use an iterative design approach involving rapid prototyping and usability testing. By the end of the module, students will have created a UX portfolio that demonstrates their capability to create efficient and effective solutions.

Business Analysis and Product Management (4 Credit Units)
This module combines principles of business process analysis and software Product management to equip students with the skills to optimize business workflows and manage software products effectively. Students will learn to model and analyze business processes, identifying gaps and proposing IT solutions or workflow restructuring to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. They will also explore how emerging technologies like AI, big data, and IoT drive business process innovation. At the same time, the module covers software product management, emphasizing the unique aspects of software life cycles and equipping students with hands-on skills to manage products from conception to delivery. Case studies and practical projects will reinforce these concepts, ensuring students can translate business objectives into effective technology solutions. 

Emerging Technologies in IT (4 Credit Units)
The revolution in computing and communications has spurred the rapid advancement of IT in modern societies, and there is little to suggest that its proliferation will slow down in the near future. In the light of this trend, this module is designed to help students keep abreast of the latest IT developments to stay current and relevant in the fast-moving industry. To achieve this objective, the syllabus for this module will be guided by technology research and feedback from industry partners, and both seminar-style and hands-on workshop teaching approaches may be adopted depending on the nature of the topic covered. 

Students learn through hands-on activities about microservice architecture, containers, DevOps, CI/CD, and other related technologies. This module also allows students to work in teams to experience developing a cloud-native project. The project is a testimony of the knowledge and concepts students learned in the module.  

Modern Artificial Intelligence (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and an overview of how AI can be applied in industries and real-world problems in the modern world today. The module will discuss and analyze existing and possible future implementations of AI solutions across various industries, and explore opportunities available for AI application when considering human interaction with digital systems. The students may also learn the major building blocks and terminology in AI technology. At the end of the course, students will learn how to propose high-level solutions to different problems and industries using AI.

Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces 2 branches of Artificial Intelligence: Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP). It will cover the fundamentals of concepts and applications in computer vision which may include image processing methods such as low-level processing like edge detection, mid-level vision tasks such as image segmentation and clustering and high-level vision for example, object detection and recognition. The module may give an introduction on how neural network based deep learning methods can be applied to greatly improve the performance of visual recognition systems.

Through this module, students will learn the basic concepts of linguistics and semantics as well and then proceed to the fundamentals of NLP. Students will develop an understanding of structured representations of language, algorithms and techniques available for analyzing and processing speech and language. At the end of the module, students will be required to develop a project that applies their knowledge and skills in both computer vision and NLP.

Interactive 3D Experience (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to the foundational principles of interactive 3D experience design and development. Students will learn to construct and manipulate simple 3D objects, import and organise external 3D assets, and develop real-time interactive scenes. Emphasis is placed on interactivity authoring from a designer’s perspective across animation, visual effects, multimedia, and games. The module also covers digital storytelling, user experience design, and project management for interactive productions. Through hands-on practice with a real-time development environment, students will prototype immersive experiences that integrate design, motion, and interaction to convey engaging narratives and user-centric content.

Immersive Technology Development (4 Credit Units)
This module provides an overview of emerging technologies with emphasis in interactive and immersive technologies, and the impact they have on the users. It is designed to help students keep abreast of the latest immersive experiences or technology developments to stay current and relevant in the fast-moving industry. To achieve this objective, the syllabus for this module will be guided by technology research and feedback from industry partners, and both seminar-style and hands-on workshop teaching approaches may be adopted depending on the nature of the topic covered.

Experiential Design (4 Credit Units)
This module exposes and introduce students to designing media content and applications for various platforms. It covers the concept of designing extended reality (XR) products with heavy emphasis on the User Experience (UX) for the respective platforms. Students will be tested on their observational, research and problem-solving skills to seek out current/future technological advancements, and to come up with proposals and prototypes for actual implementation.

Internship II (16 Credit Units)
This module allows the student to extend their internship and undergo additional IT-related on-the-job training in a real-life working environment. In the process, the student will experience working as part of a team and may be exposed to various aspects of project planning, development, testing and delivery. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of certain IT technologies, which may include (but are not limited to) cloud computing, advanced programming, mobile or web development, DevOps processes, data analytics, enterprise systems, Internet of Things, games design and development, information security or artificial intelligence.


Common Elective Modules 

Capstone Project (8 Credit Units) 
In this module, students are required to complete a substantial project that is the culmination of their education in the School of InfoComm Technology. The project can be a real-world problem proposed by a client, or it can be proposed by the student in pursuit of their personal interests. 

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