Graduate Certificate in Design Discovery & Emerging Topics
As our world becomes more complex, so do the challenges designers face. The role of design is evolving, requiring fresh mindsets and strategies to address urgent, multifaceted issues from the climate crisis, to aging populations, social inequities, or technological advances.
This Graduate Certificate offers a deep dive into critical, emerging topics, coupled with practical design research and sense-making skills. By empowering designers with methods for rich discovery and providing space for open discussion and critical thinking the programme enables graduates to navigate complex systems, meet evolving human and business needs, and address environmental challenges.
Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Design Discovery & Emerging Topics is offered only in the August semester (Semester 1) and consist of 8 units of courses;
- ID5951 Emerging Topics in Design (4 units)
- ID5352 Design Research Methods (4 units)
Timetable
The Division of Industrial Design reserves the right to make changes to the schedule. In case of changes, all registered students will be informed accordingly, ahead of time.
Successful applicants will be taking the courses together with the current MDes cohort.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor degree holders in relevant disciplines or with relevant professional experiences.
Application
To apply, please go to the Online Application Portal (https://myapplications.nus.edu.sg) > Graduate Cert
Mandatory Application Materials
- Bachelor's Degree Scroll and Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Respond to the questions below (max 800 words):
- What draws you to NUS and the Graduate Certificate in Design Discovery & Emerging Topics?
How do you see this programme aligning with your professional aspirations and design practice?
- How do you hope to challenge yourself and grow during this programme?
Are there specific skills, perspectives, or methodologies you aim to develop?
- How do you see design evolving in response to urgent global challenges?
What role do you envision for yourself in this evolving landscape?
- Which emerging design challenges or opportunities are you most interested in exploring?
How do they relate to your current work or future ambitions?
- What draws you to NUS and the Graduate Certificate in Design Discovery & Emerging Topics?
- Respond to the questions below (max 800 words):
Application Deadline
- 1 May 2025 to 1 June 2025 (August 2025 intake)
Period of Normal Candidature
- 6 months
Award of Graduate Certificate
- Upon completion of 8 units with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.50 out of 5.00
Alternative Pathway:
Admission to Master of Design in Integrated Design
- Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate programme, graduates with GPA ≥ 3.00 may apply for a relevant MDes programme, subject to approval by the Division of Industrial Design.
- Submission of MDes programme application is required.
- Successfully completed courses with grade point ≥ 3.00 may be transferred, up to a maximum of 8 units.
- Units transfer within 5 years from award of Graduate Certificate.
Fee Structure
- Total Fee for Graduate Certificate in Design Discovery & Emerging Topics (inclusive of GST): S$12,644
- Fee Rebates, SkillsFuture Credits and SSG funding are not applicable.