Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (N81)

Why AAA?

• Build in-demand AI skills with a strong foundation in data engineering and machine learning.
• Choose from two specialisations: Data Engineering or Generative AI
• Earn professional certifications from industry leaders such as Alteryx, Google, IBM, Nvidia and Singapore Computer Society
• Broaden your opportunities with a Second Major in Business or get a head start on university through pathways to SMU and SUTD, with opportunities to earn credits towards your degree
• Enjoy exemptions of up to 75 curriculum hours with a pass in GCE O-Level Computing

What is the Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics about?

Go beyond using AI – learn to build it. With the Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (AAA), develop the skills to analyse data, build AI applications and solve real-world challenges.

Build a strong foundation in programming, statistics, data analytics and visualisation, using industry platforms such as Salesforce, Power BI, SAP and Alteryx. You will also have opportunities to explore emerging technologies such as Agentic AI and intelligent workflow orchestration, and learn how to develop AI applications that connect data, systems and processes.

What can you specialise in?

From your second year, choose one of two specialisations:

• Data Engineering
  Build the systems that power data-driven apps and AI. You’ll learn to create and manage data pipelines, connect data from different sources and turn raw information into formats that businesses can use. This specialisation is co-developed with industry partners including Alteryx, Denodo and Snowflake.
  
  
• Generative AI
  Go beyond using generative AI – learn how it works and build your own applications. Explore deep learning, diffusion models and large language models through projects and lab sessions. You’ll learn to build, evaluate and deploy generative AI applications for uses such as text and image generation.

Want to combine tech skills with business know-how? Selected students can also pursue a Second Major in Business, opening up even more options for further studies and future careers.

How will you gain real-world exposure?

Step into the world of work through the one-year Industry Kickstart Programme. Tackle industry-driven data science projects, explore emerging tech trends and apply machine learning techniques to real-world data workflows.

Learn beyond the classroom through internships, workshops, field trips, industry mentorship, and collaborations with partners such as OCBC and Indorse. Ready to put your skills to the test? Take on national-level competitions such as the PolyFinTech100 Hackathon, National Olympiad in AI.

How will you get a head start at university?

Take selected university modules while studying at NP and earn recognised exemptions or credits. Through the NP-SMU Pathway, you can receive credit exemptions for degree programmes in Information Systems, Computer Science and Software Engineering. The Poly-SUTD Scholars Programme also lets you complete humanities and science modules that count towards your degree.

What industry certifications can you earn?

Graduate with more than a diploma. Earn industry certifications that strengthen your resume and show employers what you can do. Certifications offered include:

• Alteryx Core Designer
• Associate Certificate in AI Ethics & Governance by Singapore Computer Society
• Nvidia’s Building RAG Agents with LLMs
• Salesforce’s Lightning Experience Reports & Dashboards Specialist Superbadge

How will taking Computing for GCE O-Levels help you?

If you passed GCE O-Level Computing, you will automatically be exempted from Programming Fundamentals – giving you more time to take on projects and competitions or earn certifications.

Further Studies

Further your studies in related degree programmes at local and overseas universities, with opportunities for advanced standing. You can also deepen your expertise through analytics-related specialist and advanced diploma programmes offered by local polytechnics.

Careers

As AI and data transform the way organisations operate and make decisions, graduates with skills in analytics, data engineering and machine learning will be well placed for roles such as:

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer
• Associate Business Analyst
• Associate Data Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-C

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-C Aggregate Type (English Language, 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects) listed at 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.