Course Overview
A building's design can play a part in combating climate change. So can you!
This pioneering multi-disciplinary course is designed to harness technology and digitalisation to shape the smart, sustainable buildings of tomorrow. You will build a strong foundation in architectural design, building systems, digital delivery management, and computational design — key tools for modern architects and building engineers today.
As you progress, you will refine your critical thinking by exploring advanced building simulations and energy management tools, which will enable you to assess and optimise design performance for high-performance buildings.
You will also have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Environmental Sustainability, where you will study the economic benefits of enhancing energy performance and gain expertise in selecting sustainable materials for green buildings.
In short, this diploma will equip you with comprehensive knowledge in integrating architecture, environmental engineering, and sustainability practices throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. With this advanced skill set, you will be well-equipped to lead the creation of greener, more resilient built environments, driving meaningful progress and innovation in the industry!
Get the opportunity to attain the below certification(s) throughout the course of your study:
- Fire Safety Manager certification from SCDF
- Digital Delivery Management Certification- Tier 4 (Provisional) from Building Smart Singapore
You can also apply for scholarships that are only available to students of this diploma, such as the City Developments Ltd (CDL) Scholarship.
To download a copy of our 4-page course brochure, click here.
Watch a 1-minute video about this Diploma:
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.
English Language (EL1)*
Mathematics (E or A)
Any one of the following subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computing/Computer Studies
- Design & Technology
- Electronics/Fundamentals of Electronics
- Physics
- Science (Chemistry, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry)
Note: Applicants should not be suffering from severe vision impairment.
* SPM / UEC holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the Bahasa Inggeris (English Language) subject.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- TPFUN
Specialise through electives such as Environmental Sustainability, where you delve into the economic benefits of enhancing energy performance and master the selection of sustainable materials for green buildings!
Cluster Elective Subjects
Students to choose one of these elective clusters:
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3014 | Advanced Skills Practices
This subject provides opportunities for you to integrate and apply your knowledge for high level competitions or projects in practical learning situations. The project or skills training can involve substantial work related to either a high level industrial program or an end-user product, as well as advanced training to develop technical abilities to execute specific tasks competitively. It could also involve the development, evaluation of workable designs and implementation of ideas related to an innovative product suitable for manufacturing, or an improvement to existing products or processes. You may be required to work on software, hardware, or a combination of both hardware and software. |
8 |
| Subject Code | Subjects | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED2012 | Life Cycle Analysis
This subject introduces the life cycle analysis (LCA) as a methodology to compute the inputs and outputs involved in the life cycle of a product or service that impact the environment. The tool can be applied to make decisions around critical environmental drivers, design eco-products, compare products and evaluate mitigation strategies. Topics include introduction to LCA, ISO14040, goal and scope definition, inventory analysis as well as impact analysis. |
4 | ||
| EBM2004 | Project Management
This subject aims to provide an overview of the principles and concepts in project management and equip you with the theoretical foundation and skills in using project management tools. It emphasises the knowledge and practices which are widely applied in project management. Topics covered include the project management framework, project management processes and project management knowledge areas. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3015 | Guided Work-Based Learning
This is a guided learning subject that introduces students to industry transformation knowledge and skills in the area of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) in the context of major technical job roles in the industries. Students will work with their TP and company supervisors to chart out learning plan / contract and execute their individual workplace / project assignment, as well as monitor and reflect on their learning progress. The individual learning work-place/project assignment will be supported by acquisition of crucial knowledge and skill through relevant certification courses. |
8 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBM3006 | Built Environment Engineering Principles & Practice
This subject provides an introductory exposure to the built environment through the discussion of fundamental engineering principles behind passive and active strategies for green buildings. International and local standards for green buildings are also discussed. Case studies along with industry speakers are incorporated for authentic learning. The course culminates in a mini-conference for you to present their work and learn together with your peers. |
4 | ||
| EBT3010 | Construction Technology
This module covers the evaluation, selection and performance of specialised advanced construction technology for tall buildings with emphasis on the integration of construction systems. The major topics are deep foundation systems, proprietary wall and floor systems, advanced formwork and scaffolding technology, precast and prestressed concrete construction, envelope systems, and roof construction. Also covered are the basic principles relating to the selection, operation and integration of specialised equipment for construction work, and the fundamentals of site surveying, setting out and alignment systems for high-rise buildings. |
4 | ||
| EFM3002 | Infrastructure & Project Management Law
This module covers the fundamental principles of law in Singapore. Topics include the Singapore legal system; legal system and method including statutory interpretation; basic principles of the law of contract and the tort of negligence. These principles will be applied to, and explained with examples from, infrastructure and project management and the built environment. |
4 | ||
| EGB3006 | Introduction to Building Performance
This course covers aspects of building performance in relation to technical and human requirements. Major topics include external and climatic effects including pollution, humidity, solar radiation, sky illuminance, and noise. The role and performance of building elements, passive and active control, air-conditioning and natural ventilation, artificial and daylighting, indoor air quality, building acoustics, as well as human requirements, will also be covered. |
4 | ||
| EBD3007 | Structural Systems
This subject covers the principles underlying the performance and safety of structures. The major topics include concepts of forces, moments and equilibrium; structural design lifecycle; principles of structural analysis; properties of common structural materials and composite components; structural behaviour of simple buildings; high rise systems; design and cost considerations for structures; and specialised structures such as 3D-printed concrete structures. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EME3007 | Engineering Principles & Practice
This subject focuses on the principles of how engineering systems work and fail, and the practice of how these systems are designed, built and valued. Given a practical engineering system (e.g. a drone) or an engineering event (e.g. the Challenger space shuttle disaster), for instance, you will be guided to deconstruct the system into inter-connected sub-systems. Following that, you will develop an understanding of how forces, energy flow and/or mass flow between the sub-systems impact the whole. |
4 | ||
| EMA3003 | Introductory Mathematics
At the end of the subject, you will be able to attain a level of proficiency in algebra and calculus equivalent to GCE A Level Mathematics. Major topics include: Sets, functions and graphs, polynomials and rational functions, inequalities in one variable, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, sequences and series, techniques of differentiation, applications of differentiation, maxima and minima, increasing and decreasing functions, curve sketching, techniques of integration, applications of integration, areas, volumes of solids of revolution, solution of first-order ordinary differential equations by separation of variables and by integrating factor, complex numbers and vectors. |
4 | ||
| ESC3003 | Fundamentals of Physics
This subject covers two branches of fundamental physics: mechanics and electricity & magnetism. Topics included in mechanics are linear motion, circular motion, Newton’s laws of motion, work and energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, and simple harmonic motion. Topics included in electricity & magnetism are electric force, field & potential, current & resistance, DC circuits, electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction. |
4 | ||
| ESE3016 | Programming Methodology
This subject introduces the fundamental concepts of problem solving by computing and programming using an imperative programming language. It is the first and foremost introductory course to computing. Topics covered include computational thinking and computational problem solving, designing and specifying an algorithm, basic problem formulation and problem-solving approaches, program development, coding, testing and debugging, fundamental programming constructs (variables, types, expressions, assignments, functions, control structures, etc.), fundamental data structures (arrays, strings, composite data types), basic sorting, and recursion. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECD3001 | Social Science: Understanding Behaviour, Culture & Society
This subject strives to cultivate an understanding of core issues, fundamental theories and philosophical stances in the social sciences, and explores the manner in which social scientists formulate questions about society that can be addressed with empirical research. |
4 | ||
| EMA3002 | Modelling & Analysis
The main objective of this subject is to provide students firm foundations of single variable calculus so that they can apply calculus to model, solve and analyse applied math problems. It aims to motivate students on the importance of calculus through a plethora of applications in engineering, physical and biological sciences, computer science, finance, economics, probability and statistics and other topics. On top of the basic concepts, techniques and applications of two branches of calculus - differentiation and integration, students will also learn to use simple software to implement numerical methods in calculus. |
4 | ||
| ESC3002 | Physical World
This subject provide students with the ability to understand and explain the inner mechanism of the physical world based on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. It aims to help students appreciate the beauty of physics and enable them to apply key concepts learnt to evaluate and address physics-based problems to make a positive impact on the world. By using concepts established through simplified mathematical models, reverse engineering case studies and experiential learning through hands-on demonstrations, connections between physics concepts and theoretical models are reinforced with practice. |
4 | ||
| ESE3015 | Computational Thinking for Design
This subject covers programming both in the architectural design and computing contexts targeted at novice programmers. It will introduce students to programming and design computing skills that are essential for their studies. Students will learn visual programming and python programming together with design concepts, and will apply these skills in related projects. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECC3013 | Algorithms & Programming
This module covers fundamental programming concepts using Java or Python, covering data structures, algorithmic paradigms like Divide & Conquer and Dynamic Programming, and their application in problem-solving and data science. |
4 | ||
| EBZ3012 | Business Process Analysis & Solutioning
This module covers business process modelling and analysis. The goal is to identify the gaps in the business workflow and recommend the solutions based on technology solutioning or restructuring the workflows for process optimization. The course will ensure that you can smoothly translate enterprise business objectives into an effective IT solution architecture. Business process innovation has become a growing interest of several sectors due to the exponential growth of new technologies such as social media, big data, analytics, machine learning, IoTs and artificial intelligence. You will be exposed to the various technologies and their role in process innovation. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMA3004 | Mathematical Foundations of Computing
This module teaches introduction to the theory of discrete mathematics, which lays the foundation for computer science courses such as data structures, algorithms, relational database theory and cryptography. The topics covered in this course are mathematical logic, elementary number theory, recursion, set theory, functions, combinatorics and graphs. The course will consist of lectures and tutorials to help you understand the covered topics. |
4 | ||
| ECC3012 | Collaborative Software Development
This module covers software construction, software design issues, agile processes and project management techniques. The focus is to allow you to experience agile software development and project management by working in a team to develop a Java based web application. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECC3013 | Algorithms & Programming
This module covers fundamental programming concepts using Java or Python, covering data structures, algorithmic paradigms like Divide & Conquer and Dynamic Programming, and their application in problem-solving and data science. |
4 | ||
| ECC3014 | Operating Systems & Networking
This module covers fundamental knowledge in computing, and you can further specialise in areas such as Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Internet of Things (IoT), all of which have strong ties to operating systems and networking concepts. |
4 |
Special Electives
Students can opt to take Special Electives when offered. These optional subjects aim to stretch the students' potential to enable them to meet their aspirations.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3009 | Special Project 1
The focus of this subject is on the application of students’ existing domain knowledge to develop a deliverable. The subject will introduce new skills and knowledge specific to the project, as and when required. |
2 | ||
| EED3010 | Special Project 2
This subject provides opportunities for students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills, along with their fundamental and in-depth knowledge from different subjects to designing, developing, and implementing a well-engineered project solution. |
2 | ||
| EED3011 | Higher Engineering Skills 1
Higher Engineering Skills 1 and 2 aim to impart some special design and hands-on skills that allow you to acquire knowledge and skills that are not normally incorporated into a diploma programme. These Special Elective subjects will equip you with the skills and knowledge to participate in competitions and enable you to tackle real challenges. |
2 | ||
| EED3012 | Higher Engineering Skills 2
Higher Engineering Skills 1 and 2 aim to impart some special design and hands-on skills that allow you to acquire knowledge and skills that are not normally incorporated into a diploma programme. These Special Elective subjects will equip you with the skills and knowledge to participate in competitions and enable you to tackle real challenges. |
2 |
You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTP1304 | Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning
This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth. |
3 |
Career Prospects
Green buildings currently make up only about 35% of buildings in Singapore but come 2030, that figure is targeted to reach 80% of all buildings through the development of eco-friendly districts, super-low energy buildings and carbon neutral schools. This alone gives an indication of the enormous amount of retrofitting that will need to be done to buildings in our country, creating abundant job opportunities and a demand for professionals with skill-sets in technology, design, and sustainability.
You can look forward to rewarding careers in the energy conservation, sustainable design or building design industries, and find exciting job opportunities as:
“The ABS diploma has given me an advantage in sustainable design skills, which enhance my abilities and aligns with my passion in architecture."
Cheyenne Wong Xue En (2024)
BA (Architecture), NUS (2027)
Lee Kuan Yew Award (2024)
Course Gold Medallist (2024)
TP (Engineering) Scholar
Bronze Medallist,
WorldSkills Singapore 2023
(Digital Construction)
“The strong foundation that this diploma has given me — especially in design thinking and sustainability — helps me to stand out. Winning the ASEAN Scholarship and a place in SUTD’s Architecture & Sustainable Design programme is a dream come true – all thanks to ABS diploma!"
Jeslyn Ho (2025)
Course Bronze Medallist (2025)
ASEAN Scholar
B.Sc (Architecture & Sustainable Design), SUTD (2028)
“The subjects we learnt in this diploma, together with the intensive coaching, gave us valuable skillsets in Digital Delivery Management. It was incredibly fulfilling to see our hard work turn into a gold medal. With the skills we gained, we can make a real difference in the world!”
Crystal Sui Jin & Marc Aidan Rayner
Year 3 students (2025)
Gold Medallists,
WorldSkills Singapore 2025
(Digital Construction)
You may also apply for a BCA-industry scholarship / sponsorship.
For more information, click here.
Contact
- enghotline@tp.edu.sg
- Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/eng
-
School of Engineering
Temasek Polytechnic
West Wing Block 10-25A, 32-33
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757