About
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MDTS
Thesis/IP
Accolades

MDTS
Programme

MDTS
Thesis/IP
Accolades

Master of Defence Technology
and Systems

MDTS Programme

Master of Defence Technology and Systems

Our Flagship Programme

Why MDTS?

Launched in

2001

Dual Master’s of Science degree in 18 months

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

Curriculum

Designed by NPS, NUS and the Defence Community in Singapore
(T-structure Curriculum)

Value-Add

TDSI Graduates Gain a Competitive Edge in Defence-related Organisations

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

Programme Structure

The 18-months MDTS programme is divided into two parts:
the Common Curriculum and the Specialised Curriculum.

The Common Curriculum aims to provide students with a broad range of knowledge pertaining to systems engineering and introduction to key defence technologies. Here, the learning emphasis is on systems thinking. It comprises a list of coursework modules to be conducted in NUS within the first 2 quarters of the programme. The students then proceed to NPS, AFIT or Cranfield University where they will embark on the “Integration Project” over the subsequent 2 quarters.

The Specialised Curriculum aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of a specific field in defence technology. Students are required to choose one of the specialisation tracks available. The Specialised Curriculum comprises another 10 coursework modules and a “Thesis Research”.

View Full Structure

Programme Structure

The 18-months MDTS programme is divided into two parts:
the Common Curriculum and the Specialised Curriculum.

The Common Curriculum aims to provide students with a broad range of knowledge pertaining to systems engineering and introduction to key defence technologies. Here, the learning emphasis is on systems thinking. It comprises a list of coursework modules to be conducted in NUS within the first 2 quarters of the programme. The students then proceed to NPS, AFIT or Cranfield University where they will embark on the “Integration Project” over the subsequent 2 quarters.

The Specialised Curriculum aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of a specific field in defence technology. Students are required to choose one of the specialisation tracks available. The Specialised Curriculum comprises another 10 coursework modules and a “Thesis Research”.

View Full Structure
A Bridge to Premier Defence Institutions

Partner Universities

Students can choose to pursue the specialised curriculum at either the
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) or Cranfield University (CU)

Students can choose to pursue the specialised curriculum
at either partner university.

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)

Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)

Cranfield University (CU)

Are you ready for the future?

MDTS Registration is now open

MDTS 2022 Registration is now open

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World-Class Faculty and Global Exposure

TDSI combines the best resources of NUS and our partner universities to produce graduates who are well-equipped to deal with the complexity of a 21st century force.

Students learn first-hand from industry experts who have implemented and managed large-scale systems. There are abundant opportunity to work with world-class faculty on actual military and defence problems. Our lecturers share their real-life work experiences generously so students could benefit from case studies and cross-boundary perspectives. This multidisciplinary knowledge equips students to overcome complex problems and apply system-based solutions at the workplace.

Students who subscribe to the TDSI programme get the best of both a high quality military technology education and an international networking experience.

Multi-Disciplinary Learning

The curriculum in TDSI focuses on inculcating systems thinking in the graduates. It is designed to develop strong skills to integrate operations and technologies at the systems levels. Students experiment in an environment that induces multi-disciplinary interactions that we can expect to encounter in the real world.

Besides gaining a helicopter view of the military systems, the course also equips students with the know-how on emerging technologies and their applications during military operations. It emphasises hands-on learning through collaborative project work in multi-disciplinary teams, coached by leading military technologist and systems engineering.

In TDSI, students learn to think more critically about not just technology but also processes, organisation, and strategies for a more effective defence force.

World-class Curriculum

The MDTS flagship programme is the premier dual-degree masters’ programme. Upon graduation, students are conferred one degree by National University of Singapore and the other by the partner university.

The 18-month programme is academically rigorous, covering a broad spectrum of defence topics. The coursework in Singapore for the first six months is structured to help you develop a helicopter vision of real-life situations. The NUS curriculum includes an in-depth study of technical information, and you get to learn first hand from industry experts who have implemented and managed large-scale systems.

Following their broad-based curriculum in Singapore, students head to the partner university to complete their studies focused on more operational and technical subject matter. Students deepen their knowledge base by taking courses in their chosen specialisations and will have abundant opportunity to work with world-class faculty on actual military and defence problems.

The ability to assess the big picture with an overarching view of military systems, combined with your superior domain knowledge will equip you to design and develop solutions that are holistic and optimal.

Interactive & Conducive Learning Environment

We conduct lessons in a small-class size that is conducive for 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 well thought-out and well-integrated solutions in their numerous projects.

In TDSI, we create a stimulating learning environment that brings out the best in you so that you emerge as a well-rounded individual capable of leading and thriving in the fast changing world.

Students and Faculty members speak of the MDTS Programme: