Graduate Diploma in Physical Computing and the Internet of Things

University of London

Programme Overview

Academic Level
Academic Level

Postgraduate/Masters,

Awarded by
Awarded by

University of London, UK

Programme type
Programme type

Full-time, 1 year

Campus location
Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates
Application Dates

Now till 20 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Estimated Fees (incl. GST)
Estimated Fees

(incl. GST)*

S$14,770 to S$15,685

* 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.

Programme Outline

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

Application of internet of things to enhance processes

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. 

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 Singapore to achieve its dreams of becoming a smart nation and intelligent island.

learning-outcome

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:

  1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of physical computing and internet of things;

  2. Apply a critical understanding of essential concepts, principles and practices of physical computing and internet of things, and critically evaluate the results; 

  3. Demonstrate the ability to produce a substantial piece of work from problem inception to implementation and documentation. 

Further Studies & Career Prospects

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.

This programme was designed for students who would like to have a strong foundation in computer science.  And depending on the graduate diploma completed would like to have specialist knowledge in areas including: Artificial Intelligence, User Experience (UX), Virtual Reality, Games Development, Physical Computing and the Internet of Things and Web Development. Typical job titles include:

  • Internet of Things (IoT) Engineer
  • Creative Technologist
  • Embedded Software Engineer
Hear from our students
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Why study at SIM x University of London

uol-sim-leading-pvt-edu
SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.
uol-excellent-value
Excellent value with lower tuition costs in SIM.
uol-sim-has-collaborated
SIM has collaborated with the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths since 1993.
fast track education
For Bachelor's degree graduates who would like to have an additional qualification but do not want to commit to a full second degree.
Learn more about the University of London

Intake Dates

2025 Apr intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Apr 2025 to Mar 2026

APPLICATION PERIOD

Now till 20 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Early submission of eApplication is strongly recommended.

Minimum / Maximum Candidature Period
Minimum: 1 year 
Maximum: 5 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 a 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.

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%

Requirements to Graduate

  • The award of the Graduate Diploma 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 Graduate Certificate relating to the specialism of their Graduate Diploma as an exit award.
  • Graduates may participate in the presentation ceremony on SIM campus in April or the University of London (UK) in March.

Modules

Students are will be expected to enroll and complete the following in the course of their study:

  • Three core modules
  • Three compulsory modules
  • One Final Project

  • CM2040 Databases, networks and the web
  • CM3040 Physical computing and the internet of things*
  • CM3065 Intelligent signal processing

  • CM3010 Databases and advanced data techniques
  • CM3035 Advanced web development
  • CM3055 Interaction design

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 (https://unity3d.com)
CM3045 3D Graphics and Animation
  • Students will need a computer that matches the specifications for Unity 3D (https://unity3d.com)
CM3025 Virtual Reality
  • Students will need a computer that matches the specifications for Unity 3D (https://unity3d.com)
  • 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 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 module outlines (PDF 141 KB)

View a sample timetable (PDF 16.9 KB)

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Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

  • An acceptable Bachelor's degree;
  • An acceptable Master's degree (or any other appropriately accredited Level 7 award) provided this is at least 1 year full time in duration.
Plus:
  • GCSE Mathematics (Grade A - B) or equivalent

Equivalent International Qualifications

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

Other Requirements

English Language Requirements

  • Demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to the programmes.
UOL accepts a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. Those without evidence may be considered on a case-by-case basis by UOL.

Learn about other UK GCSE equivalents
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Fees & Financial Aid

All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials).

GST Notes:

  • Fees published are inclusive of current GST of 9%. The parts of fees not invoiced, not paid and where services are not rendered in year 2023 are subject to the new GST rates effective on 1 Jan 2024. Refer to IRAS website here for more details.
  • For invoice generated in 2023 for services to be rendered in 2024, if payment is collected by 2023, 8% GST will apply.
  • For invoice generated in 2023, if the payment is received in 2024 and service is rendered in 2024, 9% GST will apply. Credit note against original invoice and a new invoice bearing 9% GST will be issued.
  • For invoice generated in 2023 and service is rendered in 2023, if payment is collected in 2024 (i.e. late payment), 8% still applies.


View all payment modes

Programme Fees

Estimated Overall Programme Fees

Graduate Diploma
(6 modules + 1 Final Project for 1 year)

Semester 1: S$7,440
Semester 2: S$7,330

Total programme fee: S$14,770

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM

6 modules + 1 Final Project: S$7,848

Payable to University of London (UOL)

UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40
UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 6 modules + 1 Final Project): £3,958.88
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

Graduate Diploma
(6 modules + 1 Final Project for 1 year)

Semester 1: S$7,895
Semester 2: S$7,790

Total programme fee: S$15,685

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM

6 modules + 1 Final Project: S$8,763.60

Payable to University of London (UOL)

UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40
UOL Programme Fee (Band B country, 6 modules + 1 Final Project): £3,958.88
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.

Mandatory Fees

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)