Diploma in Design (N12)
Architecture Specialisation & Product Innovation Specialisation
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Alya Tay, a DesignSingapore Associate and recipient of the DesignSingapore Scholarship in 2023, designed Buddy Bot (left) to make working from home a fun experience, and Naavi (top and bottom right) to help children navigate places independently.
Alya is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in User Experience Design at the University of the Arts London.
Design graduate Yap Shu Min won the Gold Award in the Design category at the 2023 Assistive Rehabilitation Technologies Student Innovation Challenge for her innovative knee guard design, which uses electronic pulsations at specific acupuncture points for targeted pain relief. PAWA is the east-meeting-west is a smart knee guard that reduces knee aches targeted at the silver community. The design includes an app for guided therapy exercises and more.
Lim Cai Qian
Design graduate, Class of 2023
A recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Award and Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award, Cai Qian is pursuing a degree in Integrative Studies at SMU under the Global Impact Scholarship.
As a DES graduate, you can further your education in relevant degree courses at both local and overseas universities:
Singapore
Australia
United Kingdom
Note:
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.
Ng Chi Yuen
Class of 2024
The recipient of Lien Ying Chow Scholarship and Keppel Land Silver Medal is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, Design and Media degree at NTU
Ang Kai Jun
Class of 2023
The recipient of the DCA Architects Prize and Asia Young Designer Award 2022 for Best Green Innovation is pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Architecture (Honours) at NUS
Muhd Zikri bin Hajhari
Class of 2023
The recipient of the Keppel Land Silver Medal Award and Most Outstanding student in academic performance (Architecture) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Architecture and Sustainable Design) degree at SUTD under the Global Distinguished Scholarship
Ryan Quah
Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering (SDE)* graduate,
Class of 2017
Ryan graduated top of cohort with a Master of Architecture from NUS. He received several prestigious awards, including the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the Board of Architects Prize. Currently, he is an Architectural Associate with DP Architects.
*Renamed the Diploma in Design
Gavin Low
Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering (SDE)* graduate, Class of 2012
Gavin graduated top of his cohort with a Master of Architecture from NUS including the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and was a design manager at CapitaLand Vietnam. Currently, he is an Architectural Associate with Forum Architects.
*Renamed the Diploma in Design
Russell Chew
Product & Design (PDI)* Innovation graduate, Class of 2011
An industrial design graduate from NUS, Russell is currently the Design Lead at Monetary Authority of Singapore
*Renamed the Diploma in Design
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/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.
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.
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.