Creativity has always been a powerful driving force for social progress.
Now, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is once again leading the way with a new interdisciplinary programme that brings together architecture, interaction design, graphic design and curation.
This innovative move will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the future creative industry and lead the new trend of industry development.
NUS's largest school, the School of Design and Engineering, has always been at the forefront of the times and actively responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
今年，该学院再次突破传统，推出了一门极具前瞻性的跨学科专业——整合设计硕士（Masters of Design in Integrated Design）。
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Professional philosophy
In today's era of information explosion, people's demand for diversity and personalization is growing.
The four seemingly independent fields of architecture, interaction, graphic, and curatorial are in fact closely related in many ways.
This new programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) sees this connection, aiming to nurture creative talent who can transcend traditional boundaries.
The birth of this new major is the result of the School of Design and Engineering's keen insight and active response to future design trends.
It encourages students to think outside the traditional framework and face design diversity and cross-border cooperation with a more open and inclusive attitude.
It is believed that in the near future, these graduates with integrated design thinking will inject a new vitality into the industry and lead the design field to a better future.
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Master of Integrated Design
（Masters of Design in Integrated Design）
Course mode
The project is a hybrid model that combines theoretical learning and practical Xi.
Half of the time will be spent in the industrial design department, working closely with world-class design educators to delve into the essence of design.
The other half will be spent in the studios of the school's corporate partners, where they will really apply what they have learned to real-world projects.
Core Curriculum
- Integrated Design Studio: focuses on the methods and practices of integrated design, and cultivates students' overall design thinking.
- Design Research Methods: Learn how Xi conduct effective market research and user insight to provide a strong basis for design.
- Emerging Themes in Design: Keeping up with the trends of the times and exploring the cutting-edge topics of the current design field.
- Design Strategy and Leadership: It not only focuses on design skills, but also emphasizes the cultivation of strategic thinking and leadership.
- Collaborative Design: Strengthen teamwork and learn how Xi can leverage individual strengths in multidisciplinary teams.
- Advanced design platform: Master advanced design tools and technologies to improve design efficiency and expression.
- Elective courses: Choose the corresponding elective courses according to your personal interests and career planning to further deepen your academic Xi in a certain field.
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Course outline
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Integrated Design Studio 1 and 2
This course provides real-world, hands-on learning Xi experiences where students will work with industry partners to solve real-world problems.
Students will work on practical projects in interdisciplinary teams under the guidance of experienced faculty and industry experts.
Each semester is led by a different faculty member who brings a diverse perspective to the students.
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Design Research Methods
In order to come up with effective solutions, designers need to have a deep understanding of their environment.
This course will teach a range of research methods, including human-centred approaches (e.g. observation, focus groups, usability testing) and design-centred approaches (e.g. cultural inquiry, toolkits, prototyping).
Students will also learn Xi academic tools, such as literature and art criticism, to support their research activities.
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Emerging Topics in Design
This course provides students with an in-depth study of emerging topics in the field of design, such as sustainability, value-based design, ethical issues, Industry 4.0, etc.
Industry experts will be invited to share real-life cases and group discussions will be organized to develop students' critical thinking and understanding of higher-level design.
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Design Strategies and Leadership
This course emphasizes the importance of design strategy in organizations and the value of design leadership in competition.
Students will learn how Xi apply "design thinking" and "interdisciplinary collaboration" to solve problems and develop strategies, and develop their leadership skills in complex business environments.
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Collaborative Design
Design is considered to be an innovative approach to solving complex problems.
This course emphasizes the importance of collaborative or co-creative design, allowing students to understand the principles, values and tools of co-design, and developing their ability to work collaboratively among stakeholders in different contexts.
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Advanced Design Platform 1 and 2
This series of vertical design studios covers a wide range of topics such as product innovation, social and service transformation, future design, and critical inquiry.
Students will participate in design projects that encourage the exchange of ideas, skills, and learning Xi, complementing their creative interests and the development of their portfolios.
Students can choose between a conceptual project or a practical project led by experts from the Department of Industrial Design.
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Unrestricted Elective (UE)
As a complement to design education, unrestricted electives allow students to explore a wider range of areas or depths in different disciplines and levels.
Students can take advantage of these courses to explore their areas of interest, such as business, computer science, engineering, communications, and more, or to build a stronger foundation in these fields.
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Admission requirements:
Application Deadline for August 2024 Admission:
October 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
English language requirements
For applicants whose native language is not English, TOEFL or IELTS transcripts are required to prove their English proficiency. When applying online, official transcripts must be submitted, otherwise applications will not be considered. In order to meet the English language requirement, applicants are required to achieve the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL (online): 85 overall
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall
Please note that both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid for the duration of the application.
Application Fee:
S$150
Tuition:
S$54,500 (approximately RMB 290,000)
Application Materials:
- Personal Statement (word limit: 750-800 words)
- resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Portfolio (PDF, 10-12 pages): It should contain the applicant's most important, representative, interesting, and inspiring work, and fully demonstrate the design talent.
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National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has entered the world's top 10 for the first time in the latest QS World University Rankings 2024, ranking eighth, achieving a historic breakthrough for Asian universities and continuing to maintain its leading position among higher education institutions in Asia.
In the latest QS World University Rankings 2024, the National University of Singapore is ranked 8th and 1st in Asia.
This is also the sixth consecutive year that the National University of Singapore has topped the list of Asian universities.
This achievement continues NUS to maintain its leading position among higher education institutions in the Asian region.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's premier world-class university, accredited by AACSB in East Asia, EQUIS in East Asia, International Alliance of Research Universities, Universitas 21 University Alliance, and Association of Pacific Rim Universities. Research in the fields of social sciences and natural sciences is world-renowned.