Industrial Design

The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at the National University of Singapore is a comprehensive and innovative program dedicated to cultivating creative, skilled, and thoughtful designers equipped to meet the demands of the modern world. This multidisciplinary program combines principles of art, engineering, and business to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities in product design, user experience, and innovation. Throughout the course of study, students engage in hands-on projects, collaborative work, and industry partnerships that foster practical skills and real-world understanding. The curriculum emphasizes user-centered design, sustainability, technological integration, and aesthetic appeal, providing students with a holistic approach to designing functional and attractive products. Students will explore various aspects of the design process, including research, conceptualization, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. They will also develop proficiency in industry-standard software, design thinking methodologies, and communication skills necessary for effective teamwork and client interaction. The program features a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop original ideas and bring them to market. Furthermore, the curriculum benefits from the university’s strong ties with leading corporations and design studios, enabling students to participate in internships, live projects, and industry dialogues. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in product design, branding, service design, interface design, and other creative fields. They are also equipped with the entrepreneurial mindset to start their own design ventures or contribute to multidisciplinary teams solving complex global challenges. The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at NUS aims to foster not only technical competence but also ethical awareness, sustainability consciousness, and a lifelong passion for innovation, making its graduates highly competitive and inspiring leaders in the field of industrial design.

The B.A. (ID) (Hons) curriculum is divided into 3 main progressive levels, namely Design Fundamentals, Design Platforms and Final Year Thesis. Students learn fundamental design knowledge, skills and capabilities in the first 3 semesters (Design Fundamentals), put these into practice in the next 4 semesters through a series of conceptual and industry projects (Design Platforms), and finally demonstrate their proficiency with a thesis project in the final year (Final Year Thesis).

Design Fundamentals [Semesters 1—3]

In the first 2 semesters of Design Fundamentals, students acquire fundamental knowledge, skills and aptitudes in industrial design. This is achieved with a succession of small-scaled design exercises that focusing on specific areas of learning in detail. In the third semester of Design Fundamentals, Design for Context and Sustainability consolidates all the prior lessons from design fundamentals into one complete, coherent, industry-relevant project where students learn to manage and go through a comprehensive design process from research to execution, with sustainability factors incorporated as critical consideration.

Design Platforms [Semesters 3—7]

As part of our strategy to evolve constantly so A major component of the course is the Design Platforms. It allows students to tailor their individual course of learning by selecting and participating in 2 concurrent design studios from a range of 6 to 8 different design projects offered every semester – ranging from furniture design, healthcare design, consumer electronics design, transportation design, apps and interaction design, retail design, home appliance design, conceptual design, service design and more. The range of different topics reflect the ever-expanding role of an industrial designer; not only are students able to receive exposure to different areas of industrial design, they also get the opportunity to learn different approaches to designing from the individual studio leaders and industry collaborators. 

In addition, the vertical format of the design platforms encourages cross-learning of ideas, skills and methods while junior students work alongside and/or compete with senior students. Students in a lower year will take up the role of a junior designer, whilst senior students will have the opportunity to assume the role of a senior designer. This arrangement reflects the prevalent importance of group dynamics in industry practice, where design teams often comprise of junior designers, senior designers and sometimes a creative director. 

From 2005 till 2012, we have accepted a wide variety of industry-sponsored projects. 

Final Year Thesis [Semesters 7—8]

In the fourth year, students are required to research and investigate opportunities and develop a comprehensive design project. The major topics addressed in this level include research methodology, brief formulation, project planning techniques, information search and documentation, product analysis and evaluation, concept development and selection process for design development, design detailing and final market implementation. 

The final year thesis gives students the opportunity to self-initiate a project according to their area of interest, preparing the graduates for a career in design. The final project ensures that students are sufficiently competent in research as an integral part of the design process. At this final year level, students would learn to form and evaluate value judgments on design decisions that ensures design proposals meet with rationalized and functional criterion as well as less tangible qualities of the aesthetic. Successful graduates will demonstrate innovation and competency in industrial design.

• High School Graduation Certificate and transcript
• ACT with Writing / SAT and SAT Subject Tests
• Completion of online application
• Payment of Application Fee (S$20)
• Application Checklist
• National level High school examination results slip (if applicable)
• School examination results slip e.g. Year 11 High School transcripts/ SPM/ IGSCE/ Indian Standard 10
• University academic transcripts (only applicable to applicants applying for 3-year Law Programme)
• Additional results slip (if scores are indicated in application form) e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, SAT and SAT Subject Test scores, AP, ACT etc.
• Passport / Birth Certificate / Identification Card (clearly reflecting your Full Name and Date of Birth)
• Medical report(s) if you have or had any illnesses or disabilities (if applicable)
• Criminal record(s) (if applicable)

The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at the National University of Singapore offers a comprehensive financial aid and scholarship scheme to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for local students are subsidized by the government, making the programme more accessible. The current annual tuition fee for Singaporean students is approximately SGD 10,000, while international students pay around SGD 17,000 per year. Additional costs such as materials, software licenses, and workshop fees are typically borne by students, but there are various financial assistance options available to help offset these expenses.

The university provides a range of scholarships for both local and international students based on merit, need, or specific talents related to design and creativity. These scholarships may include partial or full tuition fee waivers, living stipends, or project funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, and selection is highly competitive, often requiring a strong academic record, a compelling portfolio, and sometimes an interview or additional assessments.

In addition to scholarships, the university offers student loans and financial aid programs administered through the NUS Office of Financial Aid. These programs are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that financial barriers do not hinder educational pursuits. Work-study opportunities and part-time jobs related to design projects are also available, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning supplementary income.

Furthermore, the university collaborates with industry partners and design firms to provide internships and sponsored projects, which can sometimes include stipends or allowances. Students are also encouraged to seek external funding through government grants, private scholarships, and sponsorships from organizations interested in fostering design innovation.

Overall, the financial support structure for NUS Industrial Design students is robust, aiming to provide equitable access to quality education and encourage talent development in the creative industries. Detailed information about eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines can be obtained from the NUS Financial Aid Office and the School of Design and Environment.

The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at the National University of Singapore is a comprehensive undergraduate programme that aims to cultivate innovative and competent designers capable of shaping the future of products, services, and environments. The programme combines principles of art, engineering, and business to prepare students for diverse roles within the design industry. Students will engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of industrial design, including product development, ergonomic considerations, sustainable design, and user-centered approaches. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills, enabling graduates to design meaningful and functional solutions for real-world challenges. In addition to core design courses, students are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, participate in industry projects, and gain exposure to the latest digital tools and manufacturing techniques. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and international exchanges, expanding students’ global perspective and professional network. Upon graduation, students are equipped to work in various sectors such as consumer electronics, furniture, transportation, and healthcare products. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and active industry partnerships support an engaging learning environment, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The duration of the programme is typically four years, and admission is competitive, requiring a strong portfolio and academic record. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at NUS aims to produce well-rounded designers who are ready to contribute to the evolving landscape of design and technology worldwide.