Diploma in Environmental Science & Sustainability (N74)

Why ESS?

• Build a rewarding career in environmental sustainability, and contribute to Singapore's green goals in areas such as water management and resource conservation
• Benefit from an industry-backed curriculum co-developed with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, and supported by NP’s award-winning Centre for Environmental Sustainability
• Fast-track your university journey through pathway programmes with NUS and NTU
• Gain valuable industry experience through a one-year internship with PUB
• Enjoy attractive scholarships, including the bond-free PUB Diploma Scholarship, NEA-Industry Scholarship and the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship

What is the Diploma in Environmental Science & Sustainability about?

The Diploma in Environmental Science & Sustainability (ESS) is for you if you want to fight climate change and build a more sustainable future. ESS equips you with the scientific, engineering and digital skills to turn sustainability goals into real-world solutions – from managing water and resources to reducing pollution and waste, and supporting a circular economy.

You will also learn to harness emerging technologies such as data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and machine learning to to develop smarter, more sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

How will you put your learning into practice?

See sustainability in action through field trips and learning journeys to places such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, NEWater plants and the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. Apply your skills in hands-on projects using IoT sensors and drones for environmental monitoring.

In your final year, you may opt for a one-year internship for deeper industry exposure with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. Alternatively, tackle a real-world environmental challenge through a capstone project, followed by a six-month internship with partners such as Sembcorp, Xylem Water Solutions, Marchwood Laboratory Services and NP's Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CfES).

What other opportunities does the course offer?

Build your skills and strengthen your portfolio through competitions and programmes such as WorldSkills, the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge and the NEA YES Leaders Programme.

You can also enhance your career prospects with additional certifications in bizSAFE Level 2, noise monitoring and noise control, equipping you with credentials relevant to safety, environmental and sustainability roles.

Can you get a head start in university?

Yes! Get a university head start through the NP-NUS or NP-NTU 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.

What scholarships are available?

You may be eligible for a bond-free PUB scholarship, which includes an internship placement and the opportunity to vie for the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship. The NEA-Industry Scholarship also offers a $15,000 annual study award and employment with a sponsoring company.

Further Studies

ESS graduates can pursue various degree programmes at local universities at NUS, NTU and SIT.

Graduates may even gain final-year entry to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Sustainability, Environmental Science or Chemistry at the University of Plymouth, UK.

You may also receive module exemptions for related degrees at overseas universities, including:

Careers

You will be prepared for careers in multinational corporations, government agencies, university laboratories and research institutes, including:

Engineering & Water Technology

• Assistant Engineer
• Assistant Process Engineer
• Water Treatment Specialist

Environmental Management & Sustainability

• Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Officer
• Sustainability Officer

Laboratory & Research

• Lab Analyst / Officer
• Research Engineer

With the relevant additional certifications, you may also qualify for roles such as Noise Monitoring Officer or Noise Control Officer.

Industry Partners

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 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.