SUTD 101 4.92

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) aims to become the centre and stronghold of global research and breakthroughs through creative technical research and education anchored in design within a multi-disciplinary approach. We call this focus on design the Big 'D', where we do not just produce graduates well-versed in technical functionality, but a new breed of the brightest technical minds that understands form to design the new innovations of tomorrow. We will inspire all that goes through our doors in the art and science of design to ensure that architectural, systems and engineering inventions of tomorrow are both a technical breakthrough and a resonating lifestyle appeal.

Alignment with SUTD's mission to improve the world through technology and design
There are many ways to make our world better. Developing innovative technologies and designs changes the world. But so does tutoring an underprivileged child in mathematics, creating industrial and government policies, or improving the environment through the development of innovative products and services. There are thousands of examples.

Collaborative & cooperative spirit
The SUTD spirit is all about collaboration and cooperation. Learning at SUTD occurs through both small and large group interactions that encourage collaborative learning and discovery. Our curriculum is interdisciplinary, ensuring that you obtain a well-rounded, well-balanced education. Fostering a collaborative environment is another important part of the SUTD community. If you enjoy working alone all the time, that’s fine! But most of SUTD’s curriculum will be taught in a group environment.

Risk-taking
SUTD wants to attract students who are willing to take risks, who plan to succeed, but who are not afraid to experiment and, on occasion, even fail. The most creative and successful people know that failure is a common occurrence and that if you stay focused and don’t give up, you will succeed as failure often helps to achieve.

Hands-on creativity
SUTD is an active, hands-on place. Getting your hands dirty and trying something new is often the best way to achieve success and to make learning come to life. At SUTD, through “the Art and Science of Design”, we apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. In other words, you should enjoy both thinking and doing.

At SUTD, students do not choose their focus areas (pillars) until after one and a half years of a common curriculum. As result, students have the opportunity to explore various subject areas, and make more informed decisions about their focus areas.

SUTD provides four pillars to match your interests,

Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD)
The ASD pillar considers architecture, as well as urban development more broadly, with a strong engineering emphasis related to performance and efficiency (e.g., through energy considerations, new materials, and innovative technology), systems perspectives and management, environmental consciousness, and advanced design methodology. ASD prepares you for positions in architectural design, construction, and real-estate management and development, as well as for various graduate programmes.

Engineering Product Development (EPD)
The EPD pillar’s mission is to prepare students for success and leadership in the conception, design, implementation, and operation of technology-intensive products; particular emphasis is on products whose development cuts across many fields and traditional disciplinary/departmental boundaries. The material covered includes the fundamental processes and technologies and artifacts that underpin the target products and the methodologies by which these products can be effectively designed, manufactured, and deployed. EPD prepares you for industrial positions in engineering and product development, as well as for various graduate programmes.

Engineering Systems and Design (ESD)
The ESD pillar addresses the modeling, design, optimization, and management of large, complex engineering and engineered systems whose function and performance depends both on the underlying technologies and on the socio-economic operational context. ESD prepares you for positions as system analysts or project leaders in a wide range of private and public sectors, for careers in consulting, as well as for various graduate programmes.

Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD)
The ISTD pillar considers "Information Technology" (IT) broadly — from computer systems through artificial intelligence to software engineering — with particular emphasis on how information systems interact with the embedding context: sensing, control, and human interfaces will all play a major role. ISTD prepares you for positions as software development and IT engineers in companies large or small, for careers in consulting, as well as various graduate programmes.