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About
Governance
JMDSET
MDTS
Thesis/IP
Accolades

MDTS
Programme

MDTS
Thesis/IP
Accolades

TDSI Master's Programme

Draw expertise from top-ranking NUS and Defence Universities in the world

Syllabus tailored to the defence community

Emphasis on systems thinking skills and the applications of systems engineering in defence systems

Develop unique and valuable skillsets for career advancement

Ability to assess the big picture with an overarching view of military systems

Ability to build on one’s domain knowledge through the rigorous curriculum

Equip to design and develop solutions that are holistic and optimal

Opportunities to leverage on the networks established among the defence community in Singapore and globally

4 Cs of the TDSI Programme​s

TDSI graduates provide the unique qualitative edge for any defence-related organisation. They have the requisite qualities and knowledge to create, design, implement, sustain and eventually retire defence systems. A crucial quality is their ability to work together as an integrated team, within and across organisations, domains and disciplines.

Curriculum

Academically Rigorous
& Broad Curriculum

Cross-disciplinary

Multi-Disciplinary,
Hands-on Learning

Classroom

Interactive & Conducive
Learning Environment

Cross-boundary

World-Class Faculty
& Global Exposure

Traits of TDSI Graduates

01

Proficient

in the scientific principles of key defence technologies, both current and future, and their physical boundaries.

02

Conversant

in applying systems engineering methodologies, analyse and integrate sub-systems in large-scale systems, so as to optimise total system performance.

03

Capable

of conducting technical studies and lead in operational testing and evaluation efforts to expand systems’ operating envelopes.

04

Skilled

in analysing the impact of future technologies on military operational concepts and how future operational concepts drive technological demands.

Enrolment Schedule

Application to NUS [2026-27]

  • 24 Jul 2025

    Application Opens

  • 24 Oct 2025

    Application Closes

  • Jan to Mar 2026

    Applicants review Engineering Mathematics (online)

  • 19 Mar 2026

    Registration of Students at NUS
    Welcome briefing

  • NUS

    23 Mar 2026

    Start of TDSI Master’s Programmes in NUS

  • AFIT logo

    31 Aug 2026

    Students report to AFIT

  • NPS

    13 Sep 2026

    Students report to NPS

  • Cranfield University logo

    Sep/Oct 2026

    Students report to Cranfield University

  • Sep 2026 - Sep 2027

    TDSI Master’s Programmes – Overseas Specialisation Phase

Admission Requirements

Minimum
Requirements

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with honours), Bachelor of Science in Physics or Mathematics (with honours), or an equivalent qualification acceptable to NUS and NPS/AFIT/Cranfield
  • At least 3 years of relevant working experience
  • Full sponsorship by the candidate's employer

GRE and TOEFL

NUS

GRE and TOEFL are not required for admission into NUS.

NPS

GRE is not required. Candidates from Singapore are exempted from NPS’ TOEFL requirement. Candidates from non-English speaking countries must possess the following TOEFL achievements:
  • Score of 83 (web-based test) or 560 (written test);
  • The score is valid for a two-year period; and
  • It must be current at the time of reporting at NPS.

AFIT

AFIT requires candidates to submit satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), as applicable to the program requested. 

The recommended GRE scores are at least 153 verbal (500 for GRE taken prior to 1 August 2012) and 148 quantitative (600 for GRE taken prior to 1 August 2012) and the recommended GMAT score is at least 550.

Master’s Degree Graduation Requirements

Master of Defence Technology & Systems (Dual Degree) Units
NUS - MSc Defence Technology & Systems
Complete 5 NUS Core courses
20 Units
Complete NUS Elective courses
12 Units
Obtain Satisfactory grade for Integration Project
8 Units
NPS MSc in a specialised field
Complete respective specialisation courses
~ 32 Units
Obtain Satisfactory grade for Individual Thesis
Total
72 Units
Joint MSc in Defence Systems Engineering & Technology with Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Units
NUS phase
Complete 5 NUS Core courses
20 Units
NPS phase
Complete 5 NPS Core courses
12 Units
Complete 8 Technology Track Courses
20 Units
Obtain Satisfactory grade for Integration Project
8 Units
Total
60 Units

Officers who completed Intermediate Domain Specialisation Course (IDSC) or DSTA Systems Engineering Management (SEM) Programme can seek waiver for DTS5701 Large Scale Systems Engineering which is one of the NUS core courses.

Master of Defence Technology and Systems

The Master of Defence Technology and Systems (MDTS) is a flagship dual-masters of science programme of TDSI. This 18-month programme provides a postgraduate education avenue to attain dual-master’s degree from the prestigious National University of Singapore and from one of TDSI’s overseas partner universities, namely Naval Postgraduate School, Cranfield University, and Air Force Institute of Technology. The flagship dual-masters MDTS programme has graduated over 500 defence professionals from both the local and international defence communities.

Read more on the MDTS Programme

Joint Master in Defence Systems Engineering and Technology

In response to a growing demand for interdisciplinary and globally attuned expertise in digital engineering, TDSI has launched the Joint Master of Science in Defence Systems Engineering and Technology (JMDSET) in partnership with the US Naval Postgraduate School. This new track combines core strengths from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), offering integrated perspectives through 10 curated core courses (5 each from NUS and NPS). Designed for defence professionals with a focus in systems engineering, this 18-month new programme offers the flexibility to explore specialised interests through elective courses in areas such as Robotics, Space Technology, and Combat Systems. It aims to develop systems-level thinking and innovation capabilities across domains.

Read more on the JMDSET Programme

Are you ready for the future?

TDSI Master's Programme Application opens in July 2025 for 2026 intake

MDTS 2026 Registration is now open

Register of Interest

Temasek Defence Systems Institute

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