Why LDH?
- One-of-a-kind diploma that equips you with skills in landscape design, plant science and horticulture
- Experience immersive outdoor learning at places such as Singapore Botanic Gardens, Clementi Woods Park, Gardens by the Bay and nature reserves
- Learn industry-relevant skills and technologies through a curriculum jointly developed, delivered, and assessed with industry partners, including the National Parks Board
- Expand your career opportunities with a multidisciplinary foundation that opens doors to sustainability-related fields such as environmental science and landscape architecture
- Fast-track your university journey through the NP-NUS pathway programme
What is the Diploma in Landscape Design & Horticulture about?
If you love plants and enjoy creating green spaces, the Diploma in Landscape Design & Horticulture (LDH) gives you a strong foundation in plant science, horticulture and landscape design – skills that support Singapore’s development as a garden city.
Offered only at NP among the polytechnics, LDH trains you to care for trees and greenery, understand the science behind how plants grow, apply horticulture and design knowledge to create suitable landscapes, support urban ecology and contribute to conservation.
What learning experiences can you look forward to?
Train at the Greenhub in Clementi Woods Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens and other parks and gardens through NP’s partnership with the National Parks Board.
You will use smart sensors to optimise crop growth in our smart greenhouse and take part in conservation activities such as tree planting and removing invasive plants. You may also design therapeutic gardens and nature-inspired play areas, develop hydroponics and aquaponics systems, and study how different conditions affect crop growth.
How will you put your learning into practice?
In your final year, choose a capstone project in Plant Science & Horticulture or Landscape Design, then deepen your expertise through an internship in the same area. You could gain industry exposure with organisations such as Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Changi Airport, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin, and Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Aspiring arborist?
You will receive exemptions from selected prerequisites for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Preparatory Programme.
Can you get a head start in university?
Yes! Get a university head start through the NP-NUS Pathway, available to selected students. You can take university-level modules while studying at NP, which may count towards your degree later and help you fast-track your studies.
Further Studies
You can pursue a wide range of degree programmes at local universities, including Landscape Architecture and Architecture at NUS, and Environmental Earth Systems Science at NTU. You can also explore other fields such as business, science and the social sciences.
At overseas universities, you may enjoy module exemptions for related degrees in horticulture, plant science, botany, arboriculture, architecture and landscape architecture. These include:
Australia
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- University of New South Wales
New Zealand
- Lincoln University
United States
- University of Georgia
You can also enrol in relevant certification courses that are offered by the Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology to further develop your expertise in the landscape industry.
Emelia Quek
Class of 2022
Pursuing a degree in Environmental Earth Systems Science at NTU.
Khoo Zhi Luo
Class of 2023
Pursuing a Master of Architecture at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.
Industry Partners
Careers
Turn your passion for plants and outdoor spaces into a rewarding career. From integrated resorts and waterfront gardens to hotels and country clubs, LDH graduates can find opportunities across Singapore’s landscape industry as:
Landscape Design & Management
- Landscape Designer
- Landscape Project Coordinator
- Landscape Supervisor
- Landscaper
Horticulture & Urban Greening
- Arboriculture Supervisor
- Horticulturist
- Horticulture Product Specialist
- Park Officer
- Nursery Supervisor
- Turfgrass Specialist
- Urban Farmer
Plant Science & Research
- Lab Technologist
- Research Officer
Faatimah Haleemah
Class of 2015
Director, Horticulturist and Arborist at Universal Landscape & Construction Pte Ltd
Carissa Kwa
Class of 2016
Assistant Project Manager and certified arborist at Mao Sheng Quanji Construction Pte Ltd.
Siti Zaleha Abdullah
Class of 2016
Floral Specialist at Camphora Pte Ltd.
Tan Jing Xiang
Class of 2010
Recipient of the CapitaLand Scholarship. Pursuing a Master's in Architecture at NUS and co-founder of Wethefarm.
Impactful Internships
LDH gave me a strong foundation in both horticulture and design, allowing me to approach challenges with practical knowledge and creativity. During my internship at Gardens by the Bay, I put these skills into practice while deepening my understanding of plant care, landscape design and how people experience outdoor spaces.
During my internship at Singrass, I helped manage indoor farming systems at client sites and conducted research on growing crops in controlled environments. The experience allowed me to apply what I learnt in LDH while strengthening my skills in plant care, data analysis and problem-solving. Working in a fast-paced agritech start-up also taught me to be more independent and showed me how technology can support sustainable urban farming.
My internship at NParks’ Herbarium and Seed Bank gave me valuable hands-on experience working with seeds and plant specimens. It was rewarding to apply what I had learnt in class while building my knowledge, practical skills and confidence in both laboratory and office settings.
My internship at Changi Airport Group gave me first-hand insight into the landscape industry and how different companies and clients work together. It broadened my understanding of the industry and helped me develop the skills and confidence to navigate the working world.
Entry Requirements
AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-D
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.
| Subject | 'O' Level Grade |
|---|---|
| English Language | 1-7 |
| Additional Mathematics/Mathematics | 1-7 |
| Any one of the 2nd group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type | 1-6 |
Applicants must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type ( English Language, 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects) listed at www.np.edu.sg/ELR2B2.pdf.
For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.
What You Will Learn
LDH in 60 Seconds
Highlights
Turn Singapore’s Green Spaces into Your Classroom
Take your learning outdoors through hands-on experiences in community parks, gardens and nature reserves. Discover what it takes to care for Singapore’s greenery and ecosystems, and learn how our green spaces are planned, managed and conserved.
Outdoor learning and practical on tree inspection
Students learning the management of Singapore’s nature reserve at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Creating Indoor and Outdoor Landscape Design
LDH students get to put their creativity and skills to good use by designing and bringing eye-catching landscape displays to life in both outdoor and indoor settings.
Jayden Chia (first from bottom right) and Lai Shu Zhen (third from bottom right) worked with National Parks Board to create a dragon-like display at the Floral Garden at the revamped Japanese Garden.
Students' landscape design exhibit at the Singapore Garden Festival 2026, which received a Special Mention for Softscape.
Students presenting a design proposal during the Singapore Landscape Architect Challenge 2025. Their design received the “Best Site Analysis” award.