Diploma in Applied Chemistry

Master the science behind specialty chemicals, vaccine analysis, and industrial research — with real-world research and projects in chemical analysis, biotechnology, and applied sciences guided by leaders.

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Chemistry in action: Your formula to success

Net Aggregate Range

ELR2B2-C (2026 JAE) 4 to 10 points

ELMAB3 (2026 PFP) 3 to 7 points

diploma

Master the science behind green tech and chemical innovation

Broad-based curriculum for chemical industry

Build a versatile career with a holistic curriculum that equips you for pharmaceuticals, vaccine analysis, specialty chemicals, and more.

Learn from industry experts

Be mentored by industry titans like Merck and Shimadzu. Kickstart your career in leading chemical, food, pharma, and biologics industries while co-creating value-added solutions.

Soar to greater heights beyond NYP

Our curriculum gives you practical skills and a strong foundation, preparing you for further studies and success in the field.

Make a difference with Chemistry, from pharmaceuticals to green solutions

You will become professionals who are:

Inquisitive. Analytical. Creative.

Master the science behind green tech and chemical innovation

Broad-based curriculum for any lab-based roles

Build a versatile lab career with a broad-based curriculum that equips you for pharmaceuticals, vaccine analysis, specialty chemicals, and more.

Learn from the industry experts

Be mentored by industry titans like Merck and Shimadzu. Kickstart your career in leading chemical, food, pharma, and biologics industries while co-creating value-added solutions.

Soar to greater heights beyond NYP

Our curriculum gives you practical skills and a strong foundation, preparing you for further studies and success in the field.

Our comprehensive foundation modules will teach you broad skills in animation, games and visual effects to help you become tomorrow’s great media entertainers. Look forward to exciting careers with top animation and VFX companies such as Lucasfilm Animation and Industrial Light & Magic, or top game companies such as Ubisoft and Bandai Namco. Earn industry certifications from our partners like Epic Games in addition to your diploma.

By the end of this diploma, you’ll gain the following course competencies:

2D Art
3D Art
Storytelling
Real-Time Technology
Animation or Games or Visual Effects

Learning Units

22 Competency Units (CmU): Each CmU integrates skills and knowledge from different disciplines. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion.
4 Work-Integration Units (WIU): A WIU is a workplace contextualised project. It allows students to tackle real-world work problems under the guidance of our educators, so that our students graduate ready for the workplace. Each WIU belongs to a Competency Canvas that helps you develop and demonstrate your abilities to perform work tasks at a higher proficiency.

4 Course Competencies

Each Competency Canvas consists of a collection of Competency Units and a Work-Integration Unit (WIU), which is a workplace-contexualised project. Competency Canvases help you develop and demonstrate your abilities to perform work tasks at a higher proficiency.

1 Internship Programme (ITP)
In Year 3, all students will have a chance to do a 12-week internship with our industry partners and gain hands-on experience to be confident in the workplace.

The ITP is one of the WIUs.

1 Final Year Project (FYP)
In Year 3, all students will do a final-year project in their specialisation of choice. This is a final project to showcase the skills that they have gained in the diploma.

The FYP is one of the WIUs.

11 General Studies Modules (GSM)
General Studies Modules allow you to explore other areas of interest beyond your chosen area of specialisation. You will have to take 6 prescribed GSMs and 5 elective GSMs across Year 1 and 2.

3 Specialisations to choose from

In Year 2, students will choose a specialisation, which will determine the Specialisation CmUs that you take in Year 2 and Year 3.

You can choose 1 specialisation from the following:

Animation
Games
Visual Effects

At the end of this diploma, you’ll gain the following course competencies:

Experimental & Product Design
Synthesis & Purification
Bioanalytical & Microbial Testing
Instrumental Analysis
Wet Analytical Applications
Laboratory Operations & Quality System

25 Competency Units (CmU)
Within each interdisciplinary Competency Unit, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion. Completing the Competency Units will also equip our students with six Course Competencies.
4 Competency Canvases
Where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU), which is a workplace contextualised project. You have to complete all four to graduate.
1 Final Year Project
1 Internship Programme
6 - 11 LifePRO Units ^NEW
These learning units will support your holistic development beyond your domain-specific studies.

Interested in applying for this course at EAE? Check out our customised Tips page.

Course Curriculum

This course adopts the new Professional Competency Model.
Every student will gain a co-certification from Shimadzu and a Certification in WSH Risk Management Course throughout their course of study.

Learning Units

Applied Calculus in Scientific Processes Biochemical Analysis Chemical Laboratory Skills Data & Statistical Methods Instruments & Measurements Applied Science ProjectWIU Organic Methodologies Microbiology Techniques Chemical Structures & Reactivities Chromatographic Techniques Titrimetric & Gravimetric Analysis Sample Preparation & Extraction Techniques

WIU
Learning Units

Specialty Chemicals Development Chemical Systems Synthesis & Purification Techniques Spectroscopic Techniques Laboratory Quality Management Chemical Analysis ProjectWIU Reactions & Mechanisms Pharmaceutical Synthesis & Formulation Bioanalytical Techniques Elemental Analysis Product Design ProjectWIU

WIU
Learning Units

Sustainable Design & Implementation Applied Research & Development Organometallic & Catalytic Applications Good Manufacturing Practice BizSAFE Experimental Design ProjectWIU Internship ProgrammeWIU Overseas Internship ProgrammeWIU Final Year ProjectWIU

WIU
As part of your three‑year diploma journey at NYP, you will take LifePRO Units (LPUs)^NEWalongside your course learning units for a well‑rounded experience. Through a mix of prescribed and elective LPUs, you will build life skills beyond your discipline and prepare for work and life after graduation.

See LPU descriptions Go to

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

LifePRO Units

As part of your three‑year diploma journey at NYP, you will take LifePRO Units (LPUs)^NEWalongside your course learning units for a well‑rounded experience. Through a mix of prescribed and elective LPUs, you will build life skills beyond your discipline and prepare for work and life after graduation.

See LPU descriptions

OPPORTUNITIES

Nurturing you to be future-ready

University Pathway Programme

Fast-track your university journey with our pathways to Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Gain credit exemptions when you complete up to three (3) university modules in your final year. You can acquire one of the following degrees in under four years:

NTU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Sciences
NTU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Sciences and Psychology
NTU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Science with Second Major options

Internships

Be mentored by professionals. Put what you learnt into practice, grow your networks and build your resume.

Wen Hui (second from right) with her fellow course mates

"My internship at IFF's application lab was an invaluable experience. I developed skills in time management, problem-solving, and communication. The guidance from my supervisor, trainer, and mentor, along with collaborative teamwork, fueled my interest in the fragrance industry." - Goh Wen Hui, class of 2025. Read her story here.

Overseas Programmes

Expand your global horizons by exploring diverse sociocultural landscapes, international trends, and networking opportunities through our study trips and internships abroad.

Industry Collaborations

Through collaborative projects with our extensive network of industry partners, you'll tackle pressing global challenges while honing your critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Gain valuable insights through guest lectures and field trips, and witness firsthand the exciting trends shaping the future of applied chemistry.

Graduate with a network of connections, ready to wield the power of molecules.

Competitions

Fearlessly conquer challenges and join international competitions such as WorldSkills. Make friends as you put your skills to the test.

Applied Chemistry students Cherie Chee and Joey Aw

Originally made by mixing heated sand with melted wax to trap ocean oil spills, hydrophobic sand would repel water when sand is exposed to water. Nowadays, hydrophobic sand is commonly used for play!

Cherie Chee and Joey Aw (Class of 2027) engaged members of the public with a show-and-tell on hydrophobicity. Their efforts earned them the Best Science Communication and Best Dressed Awards. Read their story here.

Our student medalists with their proud coaches and lecturers at WorldSkills Singapore 2025 – a winning team built on dedication, guidance, and excellence.

Two outstanding students, Yuki Lee and Renee Yong won Gold and Bronze medals in the Chemical Laboratory Technology trade for their exceptional performance at WorldSkills Singapore 2025. Read their story here.

Faith Kwok (second from left) with her fellow coursemates at the International Science Drama Competition 2025.

"Participating with friends at the Singapore Science Centre's International Science Drama Competition brought joy, unity, and creativity. From brainstorming to filming, we supported one another. It was truly an inspiring journey that strengthened our teamwork and deepened my passion for science communication." - Faith Kwok, year 3 student.

University Foundation Programme

From critical thinking and professional writing to pre-university subjects, build the knowledge and skills you will need to help prepare for your university matriculation.

Post-graduation options

Pursue a degree

Get advanced standing for courses at local and overseas universities. Our graduates have pursued degrees at:

Nanyang Technological University
National University of Singapore
Australia National University
Monash University
and more

Kickstart your career

Our graduates are highly sought after in dynamic industries, with rewarding careers in:

Analytical Chemist
Associate Scientist
Product Researcher
Quality Assurance Specialist
Research & Development Officer
and more

Advance your diploma

Pursue post-diploma opportunities, including specialist diplomas, industry-recognised certifications, and work-study programmes.

Partners

Who's on board with us

Shimadzu has been spearheading futuristic technologies including Analytical Intelligence and Living Instruments. As part of our partnership, we will bring the precious knowledge of these innovations to NYP and co-create the curriculum.

Prem Anand

Executive Officer & Senior General Manager, SHIMADZU (Asia Pacific)

We are excited to co-mentor and co-assess NYP students with this industry-relevant curriculum. Learners will be equipped with laboratory and leadership skills which will greatly prepare them for their future careers.

Ng Soon Huang

Head of QCA, DSM-Firmenich

NYP’s Professional Competency Model (PCM) is carefully designed with the holistic needs of their students and the industries in mind. AGC Asia Pacific is proud to support NYP in developing technically proficient and business-savvy chemists.

Casey Ong

Senior Director, Chemicals Division, AGC Asia Pacific

We’re excited to collaborate with Nanyang Polytechnic to enhance the diploma programme, focusing on medicine safety and delivering high-quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients.

Caine Leong

Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific, Merck Contract Testing Services

Yee Mei Jing Alicia

Class of 2024 Class of 2024

The dedication and mentorship of my lecturers sharpened my skills and enhanced my learning. They helped me to develop practical, industry-ready skills from an early stage, laying a strong foundation for my future career.

Alicia graduated as Bronze Medalist in her cohort and is pursuing a BSc in Chemistry & Biological Chemistry at NTU. She also won Silver in the WorldSkills Singapore 2023 Chemical Laboratory Technology category.
Braedon Tay

Class of 2022 (Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry) Class of 2022 (Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry)

The curriculum covers many aspects of Chemistry that I have been interested in since young. My tutors have been very supportive and helpful to me along the way, giving consultations and being more of a friend than just a lecturer.

Braedon graduated as Silver Medalist in his cohort and is pursuing a BSc in Chemistry & Biological Chemistry at Nanyang Technological University.
Cheng Xin Yi

Class of 2018 (Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry) Class of 2018 (Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry)

NYP’s Chemistry diploma, supported by dedicated and knowledgeable lecturers, gave me a strong scientific foundation and critical thinking skills for a smooth transition to university. Now, pursuing MD at Duke-NUS Medical School, these fundamentals remain vital, providing the essential scientific bedrock for grasping complex biological and medical concepts.

After graduating from NTU BSc (Hons with Highest Distinction) in Biological Sciences in 2023, Xin Yi is currently pursuing 1st year Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Duke-NUS Medical School.

Testimonials

Real experiences, real results

Get the inside scoop – students’ insights, experiences, and stories! Learn about the heartbeat of student life at NYP in their own words.

Showcase

Innovative and Enterprising Projects

Our students work on projects related to sustainability, such as recycling coffee waste into moisturising soap - this clinched Best Poster at the 4th Chemistry National Meeting SG.

Innovative prototypes that improve functionality of household items

Our students’ inventions and efforts go beyond books. Our students were conferred the Special Award at the International Exhibition for Young Inventors.

Repurposing plastic waste into eco-friendly board games

Noticing an increase of plastic bottles and surgical masks since COVID-19, four students created a 3-in-1 game (Chess, Checkers and Snakes & Ladders) with these materials.

Young Scientists' Symposium

The Young Scientists’ Symposium, jointly organised by the Singapore Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SSBMB) and Science Centre Singapore, provided a platform for students from polytechnics to showcase their internship works or final year projects. Among the participants were 8 students from the Diploma in Applied Chemistry programme who engaged in oral or poster presentations.

Facilities