CDE GRADUATE COURSEWORK PROGRAMMES

August 2025 intake is open. Apply before 28 Febuary 2025.

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OVERVIEW

Coursework-based programmes are designed for university graduates who wish to advance their knowledge and careers in their chosen field of specializations. Both part-time and full-time options are available, with a vibrant mix of working professionals and fresh graduates in the student body.

Get paid to do what you love! NUS provides various scholarships to outstanding applicants of all nationalities, 10 of which are available to CDE students. Receive monthly stipends of up to S$4,500 without any bond requirements.

  • President’s Graduate Fellowships
  • Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
  • NUSRI-affiliated PhD Programme (NUS Suzhou Research Institute)
  • NUS Research Scholarship
  • Commonwealth Scholarship
  • AI Singapore Scholarship
  • A*STAR Graduate Scholarship
  • NUS Chongqing Research Institute Scholarship
  • NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (GRTII)-Affiliated PhD Programme

For scholarship opportunities, click here. For other financial assistance, click here.

GRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMMES IN CDE

Master of
Landscape Architecture

Training students to become professional landscape architects at Asia’s premier College of Design and Engineering to shape liveable, sustainable, and resilient environments.

Full Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science in
Integrated Sustainable Design

Teaching students to frame sustainability as systemic challenges at the building and urban scales, and seek solutions from Asiacentric perspectives

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of
Urban Planning

Giving students the opportunity to leverage the experiences of Singapore and cities in the region as “laboratories”of planning thought and practice

Full Time: 12–24 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science in
Biomedical Engineering

Nurturing students to analyse and address challenges from engineering and biomedical perspectives

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science in
Building Performance and Sustainability

Multidisciplinary learning for working professionals interested in issues impacting sustainability

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science In
Project Management

Offering a Project Finance Specialisation to teach students how to manage complex infrastructure projects

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science in
Biomedical Engineering

Nurturing students to analyse and address challenges from engineering and biomedical perspectives

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science in
Building Performance and Sustainability

Multidisciplinary learning for working professionals interested in issues impacting sustainability

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

Master of Science In
Project Management

Offering a Project Finance Specialisation to teach students how to manage complex infrastructure projects

Full Time: 12–24 Months
Part Time: 24-48 Months
https://youtu.be/PuUoB76wUh8

As the largest college in NUS, CDE has 10 departments offering a wide range of PhD opportunities. PhD students can rest assured that CDE’s faculty members are at the top of their game, with regular recognitions and making constant contributions to our modern society.

Diverse Research Areas and Advanced Infrastructure

Renowned and Dedicated Faculty

Join a world-class research community guided by renowned experts and innovators, as you engage in cutting-edge research, from blue-sky projects to industry-driven collaborations. Discover groundbreaking opportunities and work alongside rising scientists recognised by prestigious awards.​

Ample Opportunities and Boundless Possibilities

Overseas Attachment

Experience 3-6 months of research attachment at top-ranked universities or internships with global tech giants, expanding your international exposure.

International Conferences

Build long-term connections with leading researchers and industry experts by attending prestigious international conferences.

Publish in Leading Journals

Publish your research in internationally recognised academic journals, gaining recognition and contributing to the advancement of your field.

CDE graduate students who published papers in top journals as first authors

Xinyu Wang


Co-First Author
PhD student (MSE)

Haoming Liang


Second Author,
PhD student (ChBE)

Dat Nguyen


First Author
PhD student (ECE)

Ying Jie Quek


First Author,
PhD student (BME)

WHY CDE

Globally Recognised University and Departments

Confidently propel your research journey with Asia’s top university and internationally recognised programmes.

QS World University Rankings 2024

QS World University Rankings by subject 2024

NUS

0st

In Asia
NUS

0th

Globally

QS World University Rankings by subject 2024

NUS

0st

In Asia
NUS

0th

Globally

#0

Architecture
/Built Environment

#0

Electrical & Electronic
Engineering

#0

Chemical
Engineering

#0

Materials
Science

#0

Civil & Structural
Engineering

#0

Mechanical, Aeronautical &
Manufacturing Engineering

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The essential differences between EngD and PhD can be summarized as:

  • EngD research has a much deeper industrial focus
    Projects are usually initiated by the company. The student is typically a full-time salaried employee of the company, which provides co-supervision, thereby ensuring a continuing engagement in the technical research throughout the EngD candidature.
  • Mandates substantial technology management coursework
    At least half the courses to be read by an EngD student must be in technology management, in order to prepare the student for a career in technology innovation and enterprise, as opposed to academic research.

All students who have successfully completed their requirements under this programme will be awarded the Doctor of Engineering.

Other essential differences between EngD and PhD can be found here.

No. Candidates applying for EngD/PhD programmes or University's Scholarships (NUS Research Scholarships or President Graduate Fellowships) are expected to have a bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Honours or its equivalent. For more information on admission requirements, click here.

While having research experience is a bonus, it is not a requirement. We suggest that you share with your potential advisor on why you chose a research area, then support it with relevant experience and knowledge to help him/her better decide on proceeding with you application.

You may find further inspiration from this pannel discussion section. (1:12 - 4:05) 

  • Shortlisted applicants, especially those who have applied for the research scholarship, may be required to attend two rounds of interviews after the online submission is completed.
  • The first will be conducted by the thesis advisor, and the second round will be with the respective departments.
  • The usual periods for such interviews/tests are from mid-January to May for the August intake and in September for the January intake.

A full-time PhD programme typically takes about 4 years, while a full-time master’s programme takes about 2 years.

It depends on your choice of programme. Overall, PhD graduates from CDE are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry research, and technology innovation, with opportunities to collaborate with global companies and government agencies and lead impactful projects in diverse fields.

Admission Information

Application Period

Browse the different closing dates for international and local candidates. Learn more.

Admission Requirements

Key requirements you should know to facilitate a smooth application. Learn more.

Tuition Fees

View tuition fees HERE, or scroll down to see scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Course Essentials

How to transfer course credits and other details about the courses in a programme. Learn more.

Programme Structure

Understand the milestones for your upcoming PhD or Master’s journey. Learn more.

Apply Now

Click HERE to access the online application portal.

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The research-based programmes at CDE offer specialised training through independent study, investigation and experimental work. Students complete the programme by submitting a thesis based on their research. These programmes provide excellent opportunities to engage in a dynamic, research-focused environment within any of our departments.

If you are currently an undergraduate student and wish to get an early glimpse of our world-class research and PhD education, we welcome you to apply for the NUS Young Fellowship Program, a one-week fellowship opportunity! Join us and experience NUS firsthand!

The 2025 NUS Young Fellowship Program will be announced around Jan 2025. Leave your email here to receive information about this programme and other future CDE graduate activities.

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scholarship opportunities, and upcoming events.

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Office of Graduate Programmes (OGP)

NUS College of Design and Engineering
Blk EA #06-16
9 Engineering Drive 1
Singapore 117575