Graduate Diplomas -
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Curriculum
Please click on the relevant specialisation below to view the range of courses taught by visiting professors and Faculty members in various semesters over the years, or are planned for future years.
Not all courses will be offered every year.
Corporate & Financial Services Law
- Advanced Contract Law
- Alternative Investments
- ASEAN Economic Community Law and Policy
- Banking Law
- Business & Finance for Lawyers
- Charity Law Today
- China and International Economic Law
- Chinese Commercial Law
- Chinese Contract Law
- Chinese Corporate and Securities Law
- Commercial Conflict of Laws
- Comparative Corporate Law
- Competition Law and Policy
- Construction Law
- Corporate Insolvency Law
- Credit & Security
- Digital Trade and the Digital Economy
- Domestic and International Sale of Goods
- European Company Law
- Financial Regulation and Central Banking
- International and Comparative Oil and Gas Law
- International Commercial Arbitration
- International Commercial Litigation
- International Contract Law: Principles and Practice
- International Investment Law
- International Investment Law and Arbitration
- International Projects Law and Practice
- Japanese Corporate Law and Governance
- Law and Practice of Investment Management
- Law and Practice of Investment Treaties
- Law of Insurance
- Law, Fintech and the Platform Economy
- Law, Institutions, and Business in Greater China
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Mergers and Acquisitions: A Practitioner's Perspective
- Monetary Law in Comparative Perspective
- Private International Law
- Regulation & Private Law in Banking & Financial Service
- Restitution of Unjust Enrichment
- Securities and Capital Markets Regulation
- Singapore Corporate Governance
- Tax Planning & Policy
- Tax Planning and Policy
- Taxation of Cross-Border Commercial Transactions I
- Taxation of Cross-Border Commercial Transactions II
- Trade Finance Law
- Wealth Management Law
- World Trade Law
Intellectual Property & Technology Law
- Advanced Copyright
- Biotechnology Law
- Challenges of Emerging Technologies to Financial Regulation
- Chinese Intellectual Property Law
- Comparative Trademark Law
- Copyright in the Internet Age
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Law
- Digital Trade and the Digital Economy
- Entertainment Law
- Ethical Digital Governance
- Fair Use in Theory and Practice
- Fashion Law
- Foundations of Intellectual Property Law
- Global Data Policy Law
- Law, FinTech and the Platform Economy
- Law of Intellectual Property
- Legal Data Science
- Intellectual Property Arbitration
- International Geographical Indicators Protection (IP)
- International Law of IP
- International Patent Law, Policy & Practice
- Legal Technology & Innovation
- Privacy & Data Protection Law
- Protection Overlaps in Intellectual Property Law
- Public & Private International Copyright Law
- Regulation of Digital Platforms
- Sports Law & Arbitration
- US Copyright: International and Comparative Perspectives
International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
- Advanced Issues in the Law & Practice of Int'l Arbitration
- Advanced Practicum in International Arbitration
- Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in China
- Comparative Evidence in International Arbitration
- Conflict of Laws in Int’l Commercial Arbitration
- Energy Arbitration
- Future of Int'l Commercial Arbitration in APAC Region
- Intellectual Property Arbitration
- International Arbitration & the New York Convention
- International Arbitration in Asian Centres
- International Commercial Arbitration
- International Contract Law: Principles and Practice
- International Dispute Settlement
- International Investment Law
- International Investment Law and Arbitration
- Law and Practice of Investment Treaties
- Mediation/Conciliation of Inter- & Investor-State Disputes
- SIAC and Institutional Arbitration
- Sports Law and Arbitration
- Strategies for Asian Disputes - A Comparative Analysis
- The Evolution of International Arbitration
- World Trade Law
Please check the respective Graduate Diploma Programme webpages for the updated courses being offered in the semester/upcoming semester.
A semester-long course is typically a 36-hour, 5-Unit course taught once a week over the course of 12 weeks from August to November (Semester One) and from January to April (Semester Two). In addition, some courses may have a sit-down proctored exam sometime after the 13th week. The time and date of the exam will be made known at the time of course selection.
An intensive course is a 27-hour, 4-Unit course taught intensively over 3 weeks and is generally scheduled as follows:
| Day | Time |
| Monday | 6:30pm - 9:30pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30pm - 9:30pm |
| Friday | 2:30pm - 5:30pm |
The following are the periods when intensive courses are conducted in the Faculty:
| Semester | Weeks (Phase One) | Weeks (Phase Two) |
| Semester One | Week 1 to 3 (August) | Week 4 to 6 (September) |
| Semester Two | Week 1 to 3 (January) | Week 4 to 6 (February) |
Each intensive graduate course of 27 hours of coursework typically carries 4 Units. A semester-long graduate course of 36 hours typically carries 5 Units. A 72-hour long graduate course carries 8 Units.
Units are earned when a student passes a course. No units will be accorded if a student fails the course.
Unlike the Graduate Certificate programmes, Graduate Diploma students would have to participate in the Course Registration exercise to select their course(s).
While participation in CourseReg Round 1 offers some priority in course selection, the actual course allocation is subject to the registration quotas of the chosen course(s).
Full details on the Course Registration procedure and schedule can be found at: https://www.nus.edu.sg/coursereg/
Course Assessments
Depending on the courses selected, the examination and assessment of student performances in the respective diploma programmes may be conducted through various modes of assessment such as class participation, written assignments, research papers, projects, take-home examinations and final proctored examinations. Some courses may have an examination after the 13th week. Students are encouraged to review the examination and assessment details for each course before opting for it.
Please refer to the list of elective courses for details on modes of assessments from July (Semester One) and November (Semester Two).
The schedule and timetable for the Take-Home Examinations, proctored Final Examinations and submission of Directed Research Papers may be found here.
Yes, but in accordance with the University’s guidelines for final examinations. Please refer to the University’s Guidelines on Special Consideration here.
Please also refer to the NUS Accessibility Support website for more information.
Yes, but in accordance with the University’s guidelines. Please refer to the University’s Guidelines for Review of Examination Results here.
No, you will not. Further, you will not be allowed to defer your attendance and complete the course the following year without paying the requisite course fee and other student fees in subsequent semesters.
No exemptions are available. Students who have completed similar courses for their past degree and Graduate Certificate (IPTL/CFSL/IADR) requirements will be precluded from applying for those courses. Students should check the preclusions indicated in the course description before applying to register for the courses.
Students who fail a course may, at the discretion of the Board of Examiners, be given two options. First, they may be allowed to take a Supplementary Examination or sit for a Viva (oral) Examination within two months of the release of the course results. The transcript will indicate both the Fail grade of the course taken at the Main Examination and the grade received for the course taken at the Supplementary Examination.
Second, a student may elect to do an additional semester to make up the academic units required and carry forward the failed subject(s) to the additional semester, provided the maximum period of candidature is not exceeded. In such a case, the failing grade(s) will be reflected on the transcript for that semester. However, when the student either repeats the subjects or takes new subjects (with full course fees payable) in the additional semester, the subsequent grades received will be reflected in the transcript accordingly.
Grading
NUS Law grades according to a curve. The grade curve used at NUS Law as a guide for classes of reasonable size (20 or more) is as follows:
| A+, A, A- | B+, B | B-, C+, C | D+, D, F |
| 20-25% | 35-40% | 35-40% | 0-5% |
The average grade in a class of reasonable size will typically be around a “B” grade. This should be contrasted with the situation in many law schools (particularly in the US) where the average grade tends to be around a “B+” or even higher.
Note: this statement applies only to NUS Law and should not be interpreted as a statement of NUS grading policy generally.
Graduation Requirements
Upon successful enrolment in the Graduate Diploma (IPTL/CFSL/IADR) Programme, the credits earned from the corresponding Graduate Certificate will be transferred to the new programme. Candidates must pass all courses and successfully obtain an additional 12 to 14 Units (generally 3 courses) within the maximum period of 24 months of their candidature in order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma.
Withdrawing from a Course
You may apply to withdraw from a regular course within the first 2 weeks of the Semester or from an intensive course within the first week of class without penalty. When dropping a course, students should be mindful of the “W” and “F” grades that will be indicated on the transcript based on the periods indicated below:
| Grading | Occurring within: | |
| Semester One | Semester Two | |
| Registered students may check their course allocation at the Education Record System. |
||
| Semester-long Courses | ||
| “W” Grade | 26 Aug 2024 – 29 Sep 2024 | 27 Jan 2025 – 2 Mar 2025 |
| “F” Grade | From 30 Sep 2024 | From 3 Mar 2025 |
| Phase I Intensive Courses | ||
| “W” Grade | 19 Aug 2024 – 25 Aug 2024 | 20 Jan 2025 – 26 Jan 2025 |
| “F” Grade | From 26 Aug 2024 | From 27 Jan 2025 |
| Phase II Intensive Courses | ||
| “W” Grade | 9 Sep 2024 – 15 Sep 2024 | 10 Feb 2025 – 16 Feb 2025 |
| “F” Grade | From 20 Sep 2024 | From 17 Feb 2025 |
| Recess Week Super-Intensive Courses | ||
| “W” Grade | by the end of the 1st lesson | by the end of the 1st lesson |
| “F” Grade | From 30 Sep 2024 | From 3 Mar 2025 |
Students are strongly advised to read the course descriptions carefully before selecting their courses.
If you withdraw within the “No Penalty” period, your course fees (less miscellaneous fees) will be refunded and credited to your EduRec Student Account. You would be able to use the credits to pay for your next course. There is no fee refund for withdrawals after the respective “W” grade deadlines.
Yes. You may submit an appeal to enrol in your chosen course via the CourseReg System, subject to the availability of course spaces and withdrawal timelines.
Admission
Candidates must have obtained the Graduate Certificate (IPTL/CFSL/IADR) with an overall average of a C+ grade to apply.
Direct admission into the Graduate Diploma programme is not available. Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Certificate programme first before applying.
There is only 1 intake a year.
The application period is to be confirmed.
Please refer to the respective Graduate Diploma Programme webpages for the application instructions and link to the application portal.
You should receive an offer email within a month of the application deadline.
Some of the courses listed are new courses and their information would only be available closer to commencement of the Course Registration Exercise. Graduate Diploma students must participate in CourseReg Round 1 to enjoy course selection priority.
Courses for the following semester will only be available for selection in the next CourseReg Exercise in July. Returning Graduate Diploma students will be able to select their courses when the next CourseReg Exercise opens.
No. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority will only issue a Student’s Pass if an applicant has been accepted to pursue a full-time study in Singapore. Our Graduate Diploma programmes are part-time programmes intended for working adults already residing in Singapore.
Fees, Subsidies & Payments
The following are fees payable (including 9% GST) for a 4-Unit or 5-Unit course for the respective category of students:
| Course Fee | |
| Non-Citizens | Singapore Citizens & PRs [Includes 35% Fee Subsidy] |
| S$5,886.00 | S$3,825.90 |
Depending on the nationality of the applicant and the courses selected , the total programme fee for 3 courses (assuming the student passes all 3 courses and obtains the required Units for graduation) are as follows:
| Programme Fee | |
| Non-Citizens | Singapore Citizens & PRs [Includes 35% Fee Subsidy] |
| S$17,658.00 | S$11,477.70 |
A Miscellaneous Student Fee of $120.00 is also paybale each semester.
No. Successful applicants will receive an offer email within a month after the application deadline. Instructions on payment will only follow after applicants have accepted the offers and completed the registration processes.
Payment may be made by cheque, credit card, internet banking, PayNow or GIRO. Once enrolled in the programme, students will be billed for the course(s) and the student services fees. Payment is due before the start of each Semester.
Most of the listed courses are eligible for a SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) claim. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credit from the government to offset part of the course fee. Applicants who wish to use the SkillsFuture Credit should refer to https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/credit for more details or login to the SkillsFuture Portal to check their SFC balance.
Programme
Yes. The Graduate Diplomas are conducted on a part-time basis and legal professionals have the flexibility to read a minimum of one 3-week intensive course or one regular 12-week course at 4, 5 or 8 Units per semester.
24 months. This means that the graduate diploma programmes must be completed within 2 years.
It is typically limited to 50 students which will include LLB, LLM, JD, Exchange and other graduate students.
No. Courses are usually conducted in seminar-style.
All courses are taught in-person at the NUS (Bukit Timah Campus) for AY2024/2025.
As part of the University’s Crisis Preparedness Exercise, course instructors have the option to teach using online platforms for some classes even during normal circumstances. Students are advised to read the course descriptions before selecting a course and to login to NUS Canvas (an integrated online learning portal) for class announcements at least 3 days before each lesson.
If you need at least 1 semester’s worth of time to attend to your work or personal matters, you may apply for a Semester Leave of Absence (LOA) to cover your absence for one semester or more.
In accordance with NUS administrative policies for Leave of Absence, no leave will be granted during official University examination periods (including Reading week).
Please note that students will be liable for all fees payable if the leave application is submitted after the first 2 instructional weeks of term.
Please submit your application, with supporting documents through the Education Records System (EduRec).
You will be notified by email once your leave application has been processed.
If an application for a semester LOA is approved, the student's GDCFSL candidature will have the approved leave period excluded from their maximum period of candidature. This means that their candidature’s end date will be extended accordingly.
Learning Resources
Yes. The materials will be disseminated via NUS Canvas – an online learning managment platform.
Students will be required to access NUS Canvas to download course notes and readings. Depending on the courses selected, students may be required to make presentations, upload assignments or sit for e-assessments using a personal laptop.
Yes, all part-time students enrolled in the programme will be provided with full borrowing rights and access to all NUS Libraries at the Bukit Timah and Kent Ridge Campuses. They will also be able to access the digital library databases subscribed by the NUS Libraries. To support student learning and research, digital legal research resources such as LawNet, WestLaw, Lexis Advance Singapore and HeinOnline will be made available.
You may consult our Librarians at the C J Koh Law Library if you have any further queries about the research resources available to our graduate students.
Yes, all part-time students enrolled in the programme will be provided with an NUS email account and access to the IT Resources required for their learning needs. Details on the available software, services and IT support can be found in the NUS IT website: https://nusit.nus.edu.sg/
SILE-CPD Points
The Graduate Diploma Programmes are eligible for Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) Public CPD Points. Students who wish to obtain Public CPD points should refer to the SILE guidelines at: http://www.sileCPDcentre.sg and maintain an attendance record form for their course lecturer to sign off after each lesson.
Please email NUS Law Academy (nuslawacademy@nus.edu.sg) at least 1 week before your course start date to request for a customised attendance sheet. You will need to provide your AAS/FL Number and Course Title for this purpose.
Support & Assistance
Our Graduate Diploma Programmes are not meant to allow adult learners to raise issues not directly relevant to the course material or hypothetical case studies used in teaching. Course instructors are entitled to decline to offer consultations or take specific questions on matters that are not relevant to the course syllabus or pedagogical objectives. In particular, participation in these Graduate Diploma Programmes is not a legitimate means to develop competing or in-house training programmes on the same subject matter. This may amount to a breach of copyright or plagiarism and may be dealt with accordingly.
Yes, part-time students are eligible to use the general and mental health services provided by the University Health Centre at the Kent Ridge Campus. Details on the services are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc.
Yes, there will be an online orientation briefing arranged on a weekday evening or a Saturday morning prior to the start of the Semester.