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About
Governance
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 courses 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 courses 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 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

The MDTS 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 MDTS students will learn to think critically beyond technology to include strategies, processes and organisation towards a formidable defence force.

World-class Curriculum

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.

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.

Students and Faculty members speak of the MDTS Programme: