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Last Updated: 26 Jun 2025

Design

This diploma has 2 specialisations: Architecture and Product Innovation. Students will acquire a broad based knowledge of design before specialising. The emphasis will be on Studio Based Learning.

Course code : N12
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2025 JAE ELR2B2-D net aggregate: 3-13
Course duration : 3 years

Applicants with severe vision deficiency may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with this condition are advised to contact Ngee Ann Polytechnic for more information.

Course details

Field of study Media and Design
Track/Specialisation

This course offers the following tracks or specialisation:

  • Architecture
  • Product Innovation
Certification offered

Diploma in Design

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This course is under the Design, Engineering and Technology cluster

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any one of the following subjects

  • Design and Technology
  • Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Food Science
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-7
Additional Mathematics or Mathematics 1-7

Any one of the 2nd group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing/Computer Studies
  • Creative 3D Animation
  • Design & Technology
  • Design Studies
  • Food & Nutrition/Nutrition & Food Science
  • Electronics/Fundamentals of Electronics
  • Higher Art
  • Media Studies (English)
  • Media Studies (Chinese)
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6

Course modules

Year 1 - Design Playbook
  • DE Experience
  • History and Principles of Design
  • Design Foundation Studio
  • Fundamentals of Drawing
  • Computer Aided Design 1
  • Model Making
  • Design Studio 2 (UX and Spatial Design)
  • Computer Aided Design 2
  • Design Communication 1
  • Career and Professional Preparation 1
  • Health and Wellness
  • Innovation Made Possible
  • Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)
  • English Language Express (for selected students)
Year 2 - Design Immersion
  • Career and Professional Preparation 2
  • World Issues: A Singapore Perspective

Modules for Architecture specialisation

  • History and Theory of Architecture
  • Architectural Materials and Technology 1 and 2
  • Design Studio 3 (Community Design/Build)
  • Design Studio 4 (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly 1)
  • Building and Environmental Systems
  • Computer Aided Design 3
  • Computer Aided Design 4

Modules for Product Innovation specialisation

  • Design Studio 3 (Research)
  • Computer Aided Design 3
  • Data Analytics for Design
  • Design Communication 2
  • Design Studio 4 (Design Entrepreneurship)
  • Design Development
  • Entrepreneurship and Marketing
  • Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Year 3 - Design Beyond
  • Project ID: Connecting the Dots

Modules for Architecture specialisation

  • Design Studio 5 (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly 2)
  • Architectural Materials and Technology 3
  • Architectural Practice
  • Design Studio 6 (Place Making)
  • 3-month Internship

Modules for Product Innovation specialisation

  • Design Studio 5 (Innovation)
  • Technology for Design
  • User Interface and Digital Prototyping
  • 3-month Internship with Capstone Project or 6-month Internship

Internship

Internship duration 12 week for Architecture track, 12 or 22 weeks for Product Innovation track
Internship timeframe Year 3
Internship period Sept to Nov (Architecture track) and Sept to Nov or Sept to Feb (Product Innovation track)

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Architectural Executive (Architecture)
  • Architectural Associate (Architecture)
  • Interior Designer (Architecture)
  • Architectural Drafter (Architecture)
  • BIM Modeler (Architecture)
  • Technical Officer (Architecture)
  • Architectural Site Supervisor (Architecture)
  • Project Coordinator (Architecture)
  • Product/Industrial Designer (Product Innovation)
  • Furniture Designer (Product Innovation)
  • Visual communication Designer (Product Innovation)
  • Packaging Designer (Product Innovation)
  • UI/UX Designer (Product Innovation)
  • User Experience Designer (Product Innovation)
  • Service Designer (Product Innovation)
  • Design Entrepreneurs (Product Innovation)
  • Engineering/Innovation Designers (Product Innovation)
  • Design consultant
  • Retail Designer
  • Visual Merchandising Designer
  • Planning Executive
  • Technical Sales Executive
  • Exhibition Designer/Spatial designer

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.