(A) About the Course - BCA Academy

FAQ – MSc in Sustainable Building Design(Updated as at 19 Apr 2013)considered for the award of a Post-Graduate Diplomain Sustainable Building Design.9 When is the Graduation? The University of Nottingham will conduct the Graduationceremony in Singapore in February, tentatively.10 Can I enroll in individual No. The enrolment is for the full MSc course only.module?11 Can GMM or GMPgraduates be exempted fromcertain modules of MSc?No. The GMM and GMP courses are not university-levelcourses per se. Hence, the University of Nottingham will notbe able to exempt these groups of participants for the MSccourse.(B) Admission / Application Procedure1 What are the admissioncriteria? A general degree from built environment relatedcourse – this include Engineering, Architecture,Building Science, Property & Asset Management, RealEstate, Facilities Management, Building Management Relevant degree holder with no working experiencecan also apply For those whose undergraduate degree is not obtainedfrom an English conducted course, they will berequired to submit 1 of the following English languagequalification:o TOEFL (paper based): 550 with at least 4.0 inTWEo TOEFL (internet based): 213 with at least 4.0 inTWEo IELTS 6.0 with at least Band 5 in all elements Application is subject to the university’s finalapproval.2 What are the supporting Application form for the programme can bedocuments needed fordownloaded from www.bcaa.edu.sg/MScSBD.aspxapplication? Application form must be submitted by hard copy,together with all supporting documents and a nonrefundablefee of S$60 (before GST), to EnrolmentOffice, BCA Academy, 200 Braddell Road, Singapore579700 by 30 April 2013 during Monday to FridayFAQ_UoN_MScSBD_2013_r1Page 2 of 8

FAQ – MSc in Sustainable Building Design(Updated as at 19 Apr 2013)2 What are the job prospectsfor fresh graduates withlimited or no workingexperience?(For fresh/young gradsjoining the course)3 How will this MSc degreevalue add to existing industrypractitioners’ career?(For those who have beenworking in the industry forenergy utilisation etc.3. The course’s inter-disciplinary approach to latestsustainable technologies will help students betterprepared for the new growth sector of oureconomy.4. Graduates would be able to command good careerprospects, as it’s a first-of-its kind with the focuson sustainable building design. The course coversglobal perspective in sustainable building designrelating to tropical & temperate climatic conditions.Hence, your skills and knowledge will be an asset toyour career development. You are in a forefrontposition for jobs, especially those involving overseasjob assignments (e.g., in Middle East, eco-city projectsin China etc).5. All modules are taught by faculty from theUniversity (from their UK campus). There is strongemphasis on developing cross-disciplinary skills,analysis and decision-making skills. Students will beexposed to computer modeling & simulationtechniques, renewal energy design, solar passivedesign, high impact energy efficient systems &integrated environmental design.6. Every student will be assigned a personal & academictutor. (100% attention from the faculty!)The course covers a global perspective in SustainableBuilding Design relating to tropical and temperate climaticconditions. Hence, you will be equipped with relevantknowledge and skills to take up jobs from local/internationalfirms and participate in overseas projects such as in theMiddle East / Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Current industry practitioners will also benefit greatly fromthe course. You can become specialists offering nicheservices in building energy optimization, renewable energydesign, solar passive design, or offering computer modelingand simulation services to help clients achieve higher BCAFAQ_UoN_MScSBD_2013_r1Page 4 of 8

FAQ – MSc in Sustainable Building Design(Updated as at 19 Apr 2013)3 The course requires workingpeople like me to take timeoff/annual leave to attend theclasses during weekdays. Itis quite a challenge as wemay be traveling/busy. Howmany days of leave would Ineed to set aside for thecourse?4 What if I missed the classdue to traveling, MC etc? Isthere a make-up session? It is anticipated that you will need to set aside 8 daysoff/annual leave for the weekdays training over a 2-year period.Workings below For 15 credit module, 1 day leave/module x 6 modules= 6 weekdays for classes. For 30 credit module, 1 weekday/session x 2 sessions= 2 weekdays for classes Total = 8 weekdays leave over 2 years (which is not alot for academic study). There is no make-up session per se. However, the University is exploring the possibility ofoffering online video lesson where students couldcatch up on the missed lesson. As much as possible,we strongly suggest you not to miss any lesson as youwould miss the opportunity to interact directly with theuniversity faculty – nothing can replace the face-toface/ 2-way interaction with the university lecturer. Also, students must meet at least 75% classattendance.5 How are students assessed? The assessments are usually in the form of projects orassignments. There is no examination as the course focuses on theapplication of the design concepts/tools. The lecturers will inform the students during classcommencement the format of assessment.6 What is the minimumpassing mark?Minimum pass mark is 50% for each module.(E) Scholarship & Sponsorship / Payment1 Is there Scholarship &Sponsorship?Scholarship and Sponsorship are available for SingaporeCitizens and Singapore Permanent Residents who are in thebuilt environment industry. The amount of sponsorship forSingapore Citizens will be 60% of the programme fee,FAQ_UoN_MScSBD_2013_r1Page 6 of 8

FAQ – MSc in Sustainable Building Design(Updated as at 19 Apr 2013)S$12,220 (incl. GST) after subsidy and for SingaporePermanent Residents will be 50% of the programme fee,S$14,820 (incl. GST) after subsidy. There are limitedplacement for the scholarship and sponsorship, onlyshortlisted applicants will be granted.Note: Conditions Tied to Sponsorship/ Scholarshipa) Candidate can be either company-sponsored or selfsponsored;b) Candidate should be working in the built environmentindustry;c) Candidate must achieve at least 75% class attendancefor each module; and successfully attain the MScdegree;d) Candidate must serve a Minimum Service Period(MSP) of 2 years in the built environment industry afterthe successful completion of the MSc programme;e) Candidate must participate in all surveys during thestudy of the MSc Programme and MSP.2 How is the paymentschedule? How do I pay?1. The course fee is S$26,000 (before GST) per student.2. Candidates are required to pay the fee in 3installments to BCA Academy before commencementof the class.3. At time of application, you must also submit relevantsupporting documents including academic transcripts,degree, coloured photo & non-refundable applicationfee of S$60 (before GST).For candidate who does not qualify for Programme Fee Subsidyo 1 st installment of S$9,000 (exclusive of GST) to bepaid to BCA Academy by 15 August 2013;o 2 nd installment of S$9,000 (exclusive of GST) shallbe paid to BCA Academy by 31 May 2014; ando 3 rd installment of S$8,000 (exclusive of GST) to bepaid to BCA Academy by 31 Jan 2015.FAQ_UoN_MScSBD_2013_r1Page 7 of 8

FAQ – MSc in Sustainable Building Design(Updated as at 19 Apr 2013)3 Is there any 0% installmentplan?We do not offer 0% installment plan. The programme fee ispaid over 3 installments.FAQ_UoN_MScSBD_2013_r1Page 8 of 8