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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 Master 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.

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 (MDSET) 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 MDSET Programme

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.

Application for 2026 Intake opens in July 2025

Apply Now

NUS - NPS

2026 Information Booklet
For Reference

NUS - AFIT

2026 Information Booklet
For Reference

NUS - Cranfield

2026 Information Booklet
For Reference

Joint-Master’s Degree Programme

2026 Information Booklet
For Reference

Register of Interest

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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World-Class Faculty and Global Exposure

TDSI combines the best resources of NUS and our renowned overseas partner universities to produce MDTS graduates who are well-equipped to deal with the challenges confronting the 21st century defence force. You will learn first-hand from defence and industry experts who have implemented and managed complex large-scale systems. Our lecturers will inculcate in you valuable multidisciplinary knowledge and skillsets, generously share with you case studies, their cross-boundary perspectives and real-life experiences so that you can devise and implement system-based solutions to tackle complex challenges at your workplace. Through the MDTS programme, you will get the best of both a premium military technology education and an international networking experience to build camaraderie with fellow course mates.

Multi-Disciplinary Learning

TDSI’s Master Programme curriculum focuses on inculcating systems thinking in you and help you develop critical skills to integrate operations and technologies at the systems levels. You will gain a helicopter view of the military systems and be equipped with the know-how on emerging technologies and their applications in military operations. You will have the opportunity to experiment in an environment that induces multi-disciplinary interactions encounter in the real world. You will work in a multi-disciplinary team and embark on hands-on learning through collaborative project coached by leading military technologist and experts in systems engineering. All students will learn to think critically beyond technology to include strategies, processes and organisation towards a formidable defence force.

World-Class Curriculum

The Master of Defence Technology and Systems (MDTS), TDSI’s flagship programme, is a premier dual-degree masters’ programme. Upon graduation, you will be conferred one degree by the National University of Singapore and the other by one of TDSI’s renowned overseas partner universities in the United States or United Kingdom.

The 18-month programme is academically rigorous, covering a broad spectrum of defence topics. The NUS curriculum includes an in-depth study of technical topics, and you get to learn first-hand from industry and military experts who have implemented and managed large-scale systems. The coursework in Singapore for the first six months is structured to help you develop a helicopter view of complex challenges confronting defence technologists. Following the broad-based curriculum study in Singapore, you will read your choice specialisation at one of TDSI’s overseas partner universities, and have ample opportunities to work with world-class faculty on real-life military and defence problems. The MDTS programme will equip you with the ability to assess the big picture with an overarching view of military systems; and instil in you in-depth domain knowledge to design and develop solutions that are holistic and optimal to tackle existing and future military challenges.

TDSI’s Joint Master of Science in Defence Systems Engineering and Technology (MDSET) with Naval
Postgraduate School (NPS) is an initiative builds on the successful collaboration between NUS and NPS,
addressing the evolving needs for advanced technical and systems expertise in the defence sector. The
MDSET combines core strengths from the NUS and the US NPS offering integrated perspectives through 10
curated core courses. The MDSET offers a cutting-edge curriculum and research opportunities, further
strengthening Singapore’s defence education. It is a full-time 18-month programme where students spend 6
months in NUS and 12 months in NPS taking 5 core courses each at NUS and at NPS, alongside 8 technology
track electives and complete an integration project at NPS. This new master programme also offers the
flexibility for students to explore specialised interests through elective courses in areas such as Robotics,
Space Technology, andCombat Systems. It aims to develop systems-level thinking and innovation capabilities
across domain.

Interactive and Conducive Learning Environment

All lessons are conducted in small-class size for conducive learning. We encourage students to stay well-informed by engaging in meaningful dialogues with their classmates. Students are challenged to present their arguments in a clear and concise manner, and to provide thoroughly thought-through and well-integrated solutions in their projects. At TDSI, we create a stimulating learning environment to maximise your potential where you emerge as a well-rounded individual with capabilities to lead and thrive in the dynamic world.