Diploma in Design (N12)

Why DES?

• The only polytechnic diploma that gives you the chance to specialise in Architecture or Product Innovation 
• Design for good – master our unique human-centred design approach to create designs that impact lives 
• Gain real-world experience through exciting internships at innovative start-ups or leading multinationals, industry-sponsored projects, masterclasses, workshops, competitions, and hackathons 
• Fast track to a degree through the Poly SUTD Scholars Programme (PSPP) and graduate a year ahead ^NEW

About DES

Designers play a key role in addressing today’s challenges across architecture, products, experiences, and processes. In the Diploma in Design (DES) – the only diploma with specialisations in Architecture and Product Innovation – you will be equipped for creative careers in diverse sectors. 

Overview of Your DES Journey

Highlights

Inspiring Portfolio

SPECIALISED OVERSEAS IMMERSION PROGRAMME

28 DES students specialising in Architecture embarked on the first-ever Specialised Overseas Immersion Programme to Medan, Indonesia where they pitched design proposals to the popular Taman Simalem Resort!

For instance, third-year student Brandon Kuan’s resort concept promotes sustainable tourism by showcasing local culture and traditional businesses while allowing visitors to appreciate and engage with local communities.

CELEBRATING YOUNG DESIGNERS

Two of our School of Design & Environment students secured wins at the AYDA Awards in 2025 under the Interior Design Category. Edwin Choo clinched both Best Green Innovation and Bronze Awards while Vaness Tan secured Silver. The AYDA Awards is an international competition for young architectural and design students to showcase their talents.

ArchiFuture and AYDA Awards

Design graduate Syazwina Bte Rahman’s Architecture final year project was to reimagine the in-between spaces of HDB flats with seamless merge of old & new architecture through playing with elements of nature, connectivity and placemaking. Titled ‘Entwined’, her project won Gold (Interior Category) at the Asia Young Design Awards 2024 and ArchiFuture Design Challenge 2023 organised by SUTD.

Urban Promenade Award

“Living with the Rising Seas” Ideas Competition by PUB was launched for design ideas to protect the South-eastern coastline of Singapore in the face of rising sea levels while achieving liveability, flexibility, and sustainability. Our DES Team’s proposal Titled ‘REEFlection at Keppel Terminal’ (Team comprising of our Architecture students: Edwin Choo, Rajaveni and Nelson Renee) was the Winner for Typology A: Urban Promenade selected by a multi-disciplinary panel of judges comprising representatives from PUB, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), National Parks Board (NParks) and PUB’s consultant in 2023.

Further Studies

As a DES graduate, you can further your education in relevant degree courses at both local and overseas universities:

Singapore

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
  
  • Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
  • Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design

• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
  
  • Bachelor of Science (Architecture and Sustainable Design)
  • Bachelor of Science (Design and Artificial Intelligence)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Product Development)

• University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)
  
  • Bachelor of Arts (Biophilic Design)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Design Communication)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Design for Social Futures)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Design Practice)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Interior Design)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Product Design)

Australia

• Australian National University (ANU)
• RMIT University
• University of Canberra (UC)
• University of Melbourne (UniMelb)
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• Swinburne University of Technology

United Kingdom

• University of the Arts London (UAL)
• Royal College of Art (RCA)

Note:

1. Advanced standing for UAS – typically direct entry into Year 2 for students who demonstrated academic excellence, and after interview and selection into a cognate undergraduate programme of choice.
2. Graduates with the Architecture specialization may be granted up to two years advanced standing (depending on the university) for overseas Architectural degree courses but are required to complete a minimum of three (3) years full-time on campus architectural programme, which includes the final year of the first degree of Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) or its equivalent in order for the final degree of Bachelor/Master of Architecture to be recognised by the Board of Architect Singapore for registration. For more information: https://www.boa.gov.sg/register/polytechnics-with-waivers/.

Careers

With design-related career opportunities set to grow in the future, DES graduates can look forward to exciting roles in both design and non-design sectors.

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-D

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.

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/docs/ELR2B2.pdf.

For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.

Candidates with severe vision deficiency may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations.