FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: What is the maximum duration of the course for part-time students?
- Full-time: Normal candidature is 3 trimesters; maximum is 6 trimesters.
- Part-time: Normal candidature is 6 trimesters; maximum is 9 trimesters.
- Minimum: 2 trimesters (full-time), 3 trimesters (part-time), depending on credit transfer.
Q2: Can we take more than 2 AUs from the technical electives?
- Yes, students may take more than the minimum 2 AUs in the technical AI basket.
- You must complete at least 4 AUs from the Responsible AI basket.
- The remaining 14 AUs can be chosen from electives, including a 5 AU Capstone Project.
Q3: How many Academic Units (AUs) are required to complete the course?
- 30 AUs in total – 12 AUs from core, 4 AUs from Responsible AI, and 14 AUs from elective modules.
Q4: Saturday classes – are they compulsory for full-time or part-time students?
- Saturday classes are compulsory.
- If you register for 2 courses that run concurrently, you’ll attend both AM and PM on Saturdays.
- Scheduling depends on when courses are offered during the trimester.
Q5: Do students need to take the core modules first?
- Yes, students are expected to take core modules before electives.
- These core modules provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the electives.
Q6: Can I get SkillsFuture subsidy for this course?
- The Responsible AI modules are available as SkillsFuture-funded standalone courses within these two AI-related Certificates:
- Certificate in AI Ethics & Governance (AIEG)
- Certificate in Responsible Generative AI Governance (RGAIG)
- If you complete them first, you can credit transfer up to 9 AUs from the Graduate Certificate in Responsible AI Practices (RAIP), or based on a subset of courses with GPA ≥ 2.5.
- SkillsFuture subsidies apply only before you register for the MCAAI programme.
- Once enrolled in the master’s, you cannot claim subsidies retroactively.
Q7: Is MCAAI assessed through exams?
- No final exams. The programme uses 100% continuous assessment, which may include quizzes, assignments, projects, presentations, and typically a final test in week 6/13.
- Format will vary slightly depending on the instructor.
Q8: Will core modules be offered every trimester?
- Since every intake must begin with the core, these modules are offered each time a new cohort starts.
- It is very likely core modules will run every trimester.
Q9: What if I don’t have a company project for the capstone?
- Company-sponsored capstone project is an elective component of the MCAAI.
- The capstone is strictly designed as a company-sponsored project.
- If you do not have a company-sponsored project, you should take other elective modules to fulfill the AU requirement.
Q10: If I’ve already completed the AI Ethics and Governance courses, will I pay less?
- Yes. You only pay for the remaining AUs needed.
- Example: If you’ve transferred 9 AUs, you pay for the remaining 21 AUs.
Q11: What’s the difference between the Master of Computing in Applied AI (MCAAI) and the Master of Science in AI (MSAI)?
- MSAI is more technical and theory-heavy; intended for those with a Computer Science or STEM background.
- MCAAI is for domain experts looking to apply AI in their field (not build models from scratch).
- MSAI requires heavier math and may include model building; MCAAI uses pre-built models and focuses on application.
Q12: Is MCAAI open to international applicants?
- Yes. The programme is open to all applicants with a Bachelor’s degree.