Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (International Trade)

Full-time

Program Overview

Developed and awarded by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.

The program aims to prepare students to critically assess the process of globalization operating in the world today. Critical social, economic, and environmental challenges are being faced by corporate or government policy makers and organizations.

You will:

  • Understand the growth of multinationals and foreign direct investments, international trade, the internationalization of capital and financial markets
  • Learn to handle the new international divisions of labor, and the rapid development of technology and innovation.
  • Expose yourself to a wide-range of perspectives on the global economy
  • Develop important skills in policy and data analysis at various geographic scales

More than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.


Course Start Date & End Date

2018 Fall (August) Intake: 27 August 2018 to 26 August 2021

2019 Spring (January) Intake: 28 January 2019 to 27 January 2022

 

Fee

Single Degree

S$34,668 - S$69,336 (60 - 120 credits)

Application Fee applies

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST

Scholarships & Awards

The SIM-UB scholarship allows deserving students at SIM to spend one semester at the UB’s New York campus. The merit-based award covers tuition fees, reimbursements for lodging, and a round trip air-ticket. The scholarship is offered twice per academic year for the Fall and Spring semester.

Application

2018 Fall (August) Intake

Closing Date:  18 June 2018
(Singapore Citizens, PRs and International Applicants)

2019 Spring (January) Intake

Application opens on 19 June 2018


Bachelor of Arts (International Trade) - Full-time

Expose yourself to globalization and trade

Learn the insights and skills in the art and process of global restructuring and new patterns of uneven development. 

The program is taught by engaged, committed faculty. Coursework includes hands-on experience, active class presentation and participation, projects and all the best practices of American college education. 


Further Education

Graduates have also gone on to graduate schools for further studies. 


Career Prospects

With this qualification, you have job opportunities in

  • Local investment and trade promotion agencies
  • Trade and location consulting firms
  • Governmental agencies
  • Brokerage firms
  • International banks
  • Transport carriers, and international trade management companies
  • International service providers (e.g. freight forwarders, customs)
  • Other professions 


Why Study at SIM-UB

Distinctive features of SIM-UB programs:

  • High quality and interactive American education
  • Students admitted are regular UB students (no distinction between Singapore and Buffalo)
  • Admission standards and academic expectations are the same as UB
  • Accreditation and recognition of UB degrees
  • Quality assurance mechanisms
  • Option to study one semester in Buffalo's home campus in US
  • Full-time Resident Director and Assistant Resident director
  • Full-time Academic Advisors
  • Full-time, regular UB faculty and visiting faculty teach in the program covering the full semester
  • Excellent value with lower tuition costs here than studying in the US
  • Successful graduates and extensive alumni network  



Other full-time UB programs offered at SIM:

Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Economics)
Bachelor of Arts (Communication and International Trade)
Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Sociology)
Bachelor of Arts (Economics)
Bachelor of Arts (Economics and International Trade)
Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Sociology)
Bachelor of Arts (International Trade and Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (International Trade and Sociology)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology)
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) and Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) and Bachelor of Arts (Economics)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) and Bachelor of Arts (International Trade)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) and Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) and Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)

Program Structure

Teaching Faculty

More than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.

Delivery Mode

Activities, consultations, discussions, exercises, lectures, online learning and presentations.
Each lesson consists of 1.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of consultation.

Academic Calendar

Full-time course is over 9 semesters (3 per year) and can be completed in 3 years.

Each semester is 12-15 weeks

Spring semester: Jan - Apr
Summer semester: May - Aug
Fall semester: Aug / Sep - Dec

For more details on semester start and end dates, please Click here for a copy of the tentative schedule

Candidature Period

Maximum allowed period to complete:

  • Single degree program – 6 years
  • Double major / double degree program – 8 years

If a student fails to complete the course within the candidature period, they will not be entitled to any recourse or refund.

Minimum Class Size

Minimum class size to commence: 25 students. Students will be informed at least one month prior to course commencement if class cannot commence due to low take up rate.

Modules

Prerequisite Modules

  • Any two Geography or Management modules

Required Modules 

  • ECO 181 Introduction to Macroeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECO 182 Introduction to Microeconomics (4 credits)
  • GEO 100 World Regions & Issues (3 credits)
  • GEO 103 Global Economic Geographies (3 credits)
  • GEO 120 Maps: Earth and Above (3 credits)
  • GEO 211 Univariate Statistics in Geography (4 credits)
  • GEO 330 Dynamics of International Business (3 credits)
  • GEO 333 International Trade (3 credits)
  • GEO 334 International Business Cultures (3 credits)
  • GEO 425 Industrial/ Business Geography (3 credits)
  • GEO 460 Geography of Development (3 credits)
  • MGQ 201 Introduction to Statistics for Analytics (4 credits)2
  • 3 300/400-level Geography Electives (9 credits)   

UB Curriculum (click here for details)

  • UB Seminar (3 credits)
  • Foundations (21 credits)
    -  Communication Literacy I (4 credits)
    -  Communication Literacy II (3 credits)
    -  Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (4 credits)
    -  Scientific Literacy and Inquiry     (7 credits)1
    -  Diversity Learning (3 credits)
  • Pathways (18 - 19 credits)
    -  Thematic Pathways (9 credits)
    -  Global Pathways (9 - 10 credits)
  • UBC 399 Capstone (1 credit)

Free Electives (from any major)
35 credits

Please click link below to retrieve the description of the modules.
Module Description

  1. These are online modules.  Local resource persons may conduct weekly sessions for selected module.
  2. These are digital access modules. “Digital Access” is the phrase used by UB School of Management to designate what is known generically as electronic platform (EP) module. EP module delivery refers to a technological platform through which existing lecture-based modules are distributed to a wider constituency of students. The actual delivery of the class is captured on digital video as it happens, and the resulting Window Media Player file is immediately posted to UBLearns. Students use the internet to access lectures and print module materials at times convenient to their individual schedules.

Note: The modules offered are subject to change.

 Credits Required for Major   49 
 Credits Required for UB Curriculum   36
 Credits Required for Free Electives   35
 TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 120

 

 

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be assessed based on all the qualifications they have submitted. Meeting the minimum requirement does not mean automatic admission.

Qualifications

  • Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level)
  • Polytechnic Diploma
  • SIM Diploma

The above qualifications may be considered for admission with advanced standing credits.  Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with at least 10 years primary and secondary education in Singapore in an English-medium government school, and completed their GCE 'O' level with a grade 'C' (6 or better) in the English Language, are exempted from the English Language proficiency requirement.
 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Most recent 3 years of high school grade of 'B' equivalent to IB score 4.5.  IB Diploma holders can expect up to 30 credit exemptions with a minimum of of 30 total scores.

Others 

  • SIM Management Foundation Studies (MFS) and its equivalent
  • Qualifications equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma Average grade of 'B' or better.

International Students

Click here for the admission criteria of international students.  


English Language Proficiency 

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

TestMinimum Score
Paper-based TOEFL550
Internet-based TOEFL79 (no section score below 15)
IELTS6.5 (no subsection score below 6.0)
PTE Academic55 (no subsection score below 50)
SAT I ERWS550
ACT (English AND Reading sections)20
International Baccalaureate (IB) - Diploma Higher Level English A1 or A24



Only scores from tests taken within 2 years prior to the time of enrollment are acceptable.

Course Fee

S$577.80 per credit (inclusive of prevailing GST).

Single Degree (Minimum 120 credits)

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$34,668 - S$63,558 (60 - 110 credits)
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$43,912.80 - S$57,780 (76 - 100 credits)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: S$52,002 - S$69,336 (90 - 120 credits)
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: S$46,224 - S$63,558 (80 - 110 credits)
  • Students with no credit exemption: S$69,336 (120 credits)

Double Major (Minimum 120 credits)

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$58,935.60 - S$77,425.20 (102 - 134 credits)
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$58,935.60 - S$77,425.20 (102 - 134 credits)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: S$58,9356 - S$77,425.20 (102 - 134 credits)
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: S$57,780 - S$77,425.20 (100 - 134 credits)
  • Students with no credit exemption: S$69,336 - S$77,425.20 (120 - 134 credits)

Double Degree (Minimum 150 credits) 

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$73,380.60 - S$91,870.20 (127 - 159 credits)
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: S$73,380.60 - S$91,870.20 (127 - 159 credits)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: S$73,380.60 - S$S$91,870.20 (127 - 159 credits)
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: S$75,114 - S$91,870.20 (130 - 159 credits)
  • Students with no credit exemption: S$86,670 - S$91,870.20 (150 - 159 credits)
      

Fees are charged based on the number of credits taken during the semester.

Note: Advanced standing and transfer credits granted are subjected to final approval by UB. UB reserves the right to change credit articulations at any time.

The fees do not include textbooks.

First semester course fees are payable prior to commencement of semester. Subsequent semester course fees are billed after the commencement of semester. Each semester typically has 4-5 modules (12 to 15 credits).

Application Fee applies

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST

Scholarships & Awards

The SIM-UB scholarship allows deserving students at SIM to spend one semester at the UB’s New York campus. The merit-based award covers tuition fees, reimbursements for lodging, and a round trip air-ticket. The scholarship is offered twice per academic year for the Fall and Spring semester.

Exemption Eligibility

Students with Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level) and Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for admission with advanced standing credits.
 

No. of credits expected to do in UB

Single Degree (Minimum 120 credits) 

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 60 - 110 credits
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 76 - 100 credits
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: 90 - 120 credits
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 80 - 110 credits
  • Students with no credit exemption: 120 credits 

Double Major (Minimum 120 credits) 

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 102 - 134 credits
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 102 - 134 credits
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: 102 - 134 credits
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 100 - 134 credits
  • Students with no credit exemption: 120 - 134 credits

Double Degree (Minimum 150 credits)   

  • Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 127 - 159 credits
  • SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 127 - 159 credits
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders: 127 - 159 credits
  • A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 130 - 159 credits
  • Students with no credit exemption: 150 - 159 credits

 
Note: Advanced standing and transfer credits granted are subjected to final approval by UB.  UB reserves the right to change credit articulations at any time.

Course Fees and Semester Guideline based on number of credits to complete

(One academic year = 3 semesters)

  • 60    credits = S$34,668 (approximately   5 semesters)
  • 80    credits = S$46,224 (approximately   7 semesters)
  • 100  credits = S$57,780 (approximately   8 semesters)
  • 120  credits = S$69,336 (approximately   9 semesters)
  • 150  credits = S$86,670 (approximately 12 semesters)

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST

Academic Profiles

To ensure parity in standards, rigours of the programme, integrity of the UB degree, and to comply with US accreditation requirements, more than 50% of the modules are taught by UB faculty and the remaining modules are taught by qualified local faculty who must be approved by UB. 

Average teacher-student ratio = 1:43.

Lecturers and their Teaching Modules

 

 

Assessments & Exams

The normal module load for students is 12 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Students may register for modules and make changes to their class schedule. Students who choose to drop or resign from any modules, are on official leave of absence or have to repeat any failed modules, may take more than three years to complete their studies.

Continuous assessment comprises tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, presentations, participations and activities which are scheduled throughout the semester.

The final examination is held during the two weeks after the semester ends.

Students are allowed to progress through each semester till they satisfactorily complete the conferral requirements.  


Attendance Requirements

Local students – Minimum attendance requirement as stipulated by UB or 75%, whichever is higher.

International students - Minimum attendance requirement is 90% as mandated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).   


Award & Graduation

Completion of min. of 120 credits with a min. overall and UB GPA of 2.0 to be awarded the degree.

With the credit exemptions, students may be able to complete the course of study in less than 3 years.

Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts (International Trade) degree by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.  


Latin Honors

Students earning baccalaureate degrees are eligible to receive Latin Honors based on their UB cumulative GPA on the following scale:

Average (based on 4.0 = A)

  • 3.20 cum laude (Distinction)
  • 3.50 magna cum laude (High Distinction)
  • 3.75 summa cum laude (Highest Distinction)

To qualify for Latin Honors, students must present a minimum of 60 credits of UB undergraduate coursework, at least 54 of which must be graded credits (i.e. not satisfactory or unsatisfactory - grades of 'S' or 'U')  

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