Diploma in Business Studies (N45)

Build expertise in AI- and data-driven decision-making by using the latest digital tools and automation platforms. Develop the skills to use data to gain insights, market products, and drive business strategies. A new signature program titled "Powering Decisions with Data & AI" will be introduced, tailored to each specialisation within the BS diploma. Modules within each specialisation will include:

• Powering Entrepreneurship Decisions with Data & AI
• Powering Marketing Decisions with Data & AI
• Powering Human Capital Management Decisions with Data & AI

In your second year, choose one of three industry-relevant specialisations:

• Entrepreneurship – Acquire essential skills in value creation and corporate innovation
• Human Capital Management – Gain comprehensive knowledge of talent acquisition, engagement and development
• Marketing – Hone the skill sets for integrated marketing communication, branding, and customer engagement

Our strong partnerships with industry leaders mean that the curriculum is co-developed, co-delivered and co-assessed by experts. Look forward to capstone projects with partners such as Adecco, FoodXervices, Mediacorp, and Saison Capital.

You could also develop omnichannel marketing strategies and test your ideas on campus. From managing inventory, running promotions, to customer engagement, discover how smart retail technologies enhance the shopping experience!

Choose how and what you learn in your final year! Opt for the one-year JobReady Programme for deeper industry immersion; or choose to complete a six-month local/overseas internship together with an industry capstone project and two electives from the brand-new Business Electives Programme.

Designed to supercharge your learning, the Business Electives Programme focuses on the latest strategic growth areas in business:

• Business Psychology
• AI & Digital Transformation
• Business Sustainability

Data Analytics (3 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the essential skills to extract meaningful insights from data. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications using data visualisation tools, students will learn to collect, clean, analyse, and visualise data to inform decision-making. The module emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

Economics (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics with an application of these concepts in real-world business scenarios. Topics include Demand and Supply, Price Elasticity, Market Structure, Gross Domestic Product, Unemployment, Inflation, Fiscal and Monetary policy.

Global Business (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of how the external business environment, consisting of country and industry level factors, affects the overall strategy, organisational structure and various internal functions of international businesses. Students will also discuss how contemporary world affairs, such as the impact of globalisation, terrorism, pandemics, emergence of economic powers in Asia and digitalisation present both opportunities and challenges to international businesses.

Makings of a Business (4 Credit Units)
Students will gain hands-on and real-world experience as they actively learn to integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired in various modules to manage different types of businesses through game simulation. They will gain understanding of the inter-dependence of the different business functions, and to make data-driven decisions to address day-to-day operations of a business. They will also develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as they analyse performance data and evaluate decisions to improve overall company performance.

Statistical Applications for Business (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to basic statistical concepts, tools, models, and the introductory use of generative AI. Students will learn how to organise and analyse data, as well as interpret results for decision-making in the business world. Students will apply and reinforce their learnings through data presentation, use of AI, performing descriptive analysis and data generated from the Business Simulated Game.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)
This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health.

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

* This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Business Persuasion (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with essential written and oral communication skills for professional success. Students will learn to craft clear and logical business messages, deliver impactful elevator pitches, and present persuasive business ideas using storytelling and persuasion principles. They will also create a professional digital profile to enhance their online presence, building their confidence to engage and network with a diverse audience.

Career & Professional Preparation (2 Credit Units)
This module supports students in their journey of self-discovery, character-building, NP values-inculcation, development of education and career goals via experiential activities and guided reflections with CPP coaches. To prepare them for their career and the future, students will also deepen their knowledge of the respective diploma curriculum and industries through learning journeys, mentorship and opportunities for interactions with alumni and industry practitioners. The module will incorporate a more comprehensive feedback and reflective approach from self, peers, tutors and the industry mentor to support students’ holistic growth and development.

Digital Experience Design (3 Credit Units)
This module equips students with practical skills in user-centred design for business digital applications, covering key design principles, interface and experience evaluation across platforms, and the use of AI-powered software tools and highlighted through examples like AI-enabled solutions.

Finance & Accounting for Business (3 Credit Units)
The module imparts basic accounting and finance knowledge to students, in areas such as accounting equations, accounting principles, financial statements, ratio analysis, cash budgeting, short-term financing strategies, time value of money and capital investment analysis. Students will demonstrate their understanding by using financial software to interpret financial accounting information for decision-making in business environments when working on integrated project scenarios.

Kickstart a Business (4 Credit Units)
The module is designed for students to integrate and apply learning from the different modules to address real-world challenges provided by industry partners. Using the Lean methodology, students will build a Lean Canvas Model to develop and showcase a minimum viable product to address challenges and evaluate opportunities. They will learn about resource optimisation and value creation for businesses.

Marketing (3 Credit Units)
The module provides students with a strong foundation in marketing, equipping them with the skills necessary to develop effective marketing plans and strategies for the digital landscape. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental marketing concepts, with a specific focus on their application in the digital realm.

Brand Innovation & Strategies (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of branding strategies, integrating traditional and digital approaches. It explores brand creation, evolution, and consumer engagement while considering emerging technologies like AI. Students will develop strategic, data-informed branding skills to navigate the ever-evolving marketing landscape effectively.

Business Law (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with foundational legal concepts, including the Singapore legal system and laws of contract, tort, agency, legal entities, and intellectual property, along with emerging legal trends. Students will explore legal aspects of employment law, consumer protection, and codes on advertising standards set by the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with an emphasis on their relevance to key functional areas of a business.

Develop a Business (4 Credit Units)
This module is designed to let students learn how to create and validate business ideas, and subsequently start and grow a business/ venture. Students will learn how to apply the Blue Ocean Strategy to create value. Students will also learn to analyse and present their idea using the Business Model Canvas and carry out experiential activities based on their proposed business ideas.

People & Culture (4 Credit Units)
This module empowers students to design inclusive cultures through the interdisciplinary blending of organisational psychology and human capital management principles. Students will adopt an applied approach through collaborative experiential opportunities with industry to enhance existing human capital practices, allowing positive employee experiences and well-being to thrive.

Sustainability Management in Business (3 Credit Units)
Students will learn the three key pillars of sustainability - economic, environmental and social in conjunction with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how technology is harnessed to improve the efficiency of business processes and related activities in order to create sustainable value and reduce environmental impact. Service-learning is infused in this module to enhance education for sustainable development.

World Issues : A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Professional Branding & Networking (4 Credit Units)
This module enhances students' communication skills by focusing on professional branding and networking. Students will learn to craft impactful job application letters and resumes, develop effective job interview techniques through online lessons and role-plays, and strengthen their professional digital profiles. They will also participate in networking simulations across diverse business settings, equipping them with the confidence and skills needed for career success.

Entrepreneurship Specialisation

Entrepreneurship Decisions Powered by AI (4 Credit Units)
This proposed module equips Entrepreneurship Specialisation students with a foundation in data literacy while developing specialised qualitative skills aligned with the entrepreneurship domain. Through hands-on learning with real-world business data, students will acquire skills in data storytelling, and technical competencies related to data. The proposed module will empower students to make informed, strategic recommendations and present them to stakeholders effectively.

Business Models & Strategies (4 Credit Units)
This module teaches students how to apply the Business Model Canvas to design business value propositions. They will learn the process to build effective business models. Students will also be exposed to platform businesses, franchising and live streaming as possible business models for the global economy through experiential projects.

Innovation for Value Creation (4 Credit Units)
Students are guided to create value and innovate using appropriate tools and techniques systematically. This includes delivering value by leveraging current technology. Topics include understanding the nature and types of innovation, recognising, analysing, and implementing innovative ideas. Students will develop the decision-making skills required to create products or services of value.

Startup Finance (4 Credit Units)
Students will gain an understanding of the funding landscape in the startup ecosystem. Students will learn how to forecast sales, understand financial requirements, and know the various funding sources and stages that startups go through. They will hear from founders and venture capitalists about the challenges and expectations of fundraising and learn how to apply tools of valuation techniques.

Human Capital Management Specialisation

Human Capital Decisions Powered by AI (4 Credit Units)
This proposed module equips Human Capital Management Specialisation students with a foundation in data literacy while developing specialised qualitative skills aligned with the Human Capital Management domain. Through hands-on learning with real-world business data, students will acquire skills in data storytelling, and technical competencies related to data. The proposed module will empower students to make informed, strategic recommendations and present them to stakeholders effectively.

Talent Experience & Engagement (4 Credit Units)
This module immerses students in the talent management cycle of talent sourcing, acquisition, and engagement in the GenAI era. Students will formulate value-driven human capital solutions that consider a diverse workforce's technological, cultural, and physical experiences to maximize positive employee engagement. Students will also gain knowledge of relevant laws and regulations that govern talent management practices, ensuring compliance and ethical standards are met.

Learning & Organisation Development (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with a fundamental understanding of psychological learning theories and organisational development frameworks in the GenAI era. Students will design personalised, adaptive learning solutions that integrate AI capabilities with human-centric approaches. Through design sprints, they will create data-driven learning experiences that balance technological innovation with ethical considerations to drive sustainable organisational performance and behavioural change.

Total Rewards Management (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the knowledge of the various types of rewards employers use to attract, retain and motivate employees. Students will learn about the processes of effective salary administration. Students will also understand the changes in driving compensation systems and how compensation can be used to determine organisational performance and success.

Marketing Specialisation

Marketing Decisions Powered by AI (4 Credit Units)
This proposed module equips Marketing Specialisation students with a foundation in data literacy while developing specialised qualitative skills aligned with the marketing domain. Through hands-on learning with real-world business data, students will acquire skills in data storytelling, and technical competencies related to data. The proposed module will empower students to make informed, strategic recommendations and present them to stakeholders effectively.

Integrated Marketing Communication (4 Credit Units)
This module aims to equip students to understand how digitalisation and AI have revolutionised the marketing communication process. Students will learn and apply marketing communication concepts, leveraging AI tools to reach and engage the target audience at appropriate customer lifecycle touchpoints, culminating in campaign ideation and proposal pitch to a business partner.

Research-based Marketing Insights (4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with essential skills in marketing research, covering qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, and visualisation. It explores Generative AI’s role in research, including AI-driven analysis, prompt engineering and ethical considerations. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing studies and communicating insights through digital storytelling.

Retail Experiential Engagement (4 Credit Units)
Successful retailers know how to identify, adapt, and plan for new opportunities, without moving away from their core competencies. Retailers today need to harness technology and data to sell experiences. This module will provide students with a comprehensive view of retailing principles and equip them to strategically market to both in-store and online customers.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SPECIALISATION

Entrepreneurship in Practice (8 Credit Units)
This module provides opportunities for students to integrate and apply entrepreneurship concepts by starting and building a business or by working with industry partners via business development or entrepreneurial projects. In line with United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, students will have to include an element of sustainability in their business or solutions for industry partners.

Electives 1 & 2 (4 Credit Units each)
Students can choose any 2 Electives from the Business Electives Programme.

Project ID – Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALISATION

Human Capital in Action (8 Credit Units)
This module equips students with future-ready human capital consulting skills, integrating IHRP-recognised competencies with generative AI capabilities. Through real-world industry projects, students demonstrate and deepen their human capital competencies in creating sustainable, technology-enabled interventions that enhance employee experiences and business value.

Electives 1 & 2 (4 Credit Units each)
Students can choose any 2 Electives from the Business Electives Programme.

Project ID – Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

MARKETING SPECIALISATION

Integrated Marketing in Practice (8 Credit Units)
This module focuses on experiential and project-based learning, integrating industry collaboration into the curriculum. Students will apply knowledge and skills from previous semesters to develop a hands-on final integrated project. Working on real-world challenges, either through interdisciplinary collaborations or partnerships with companies, students will gain practical experience in strategic marketing execution.

Electives 1 & 2 (4 Credit Units each)
Students can choose any 2 Electives from the Business Electives Programme.

Project ID – Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

6-Month Internship (20 Credit Units)
Students will acquire the work experience needed for their chosen areas of interest through supervised work immersion and on-the-job training of about six months. The organisations involved are financial institutions, government-related agencies, multinationals and other corporations. Students will learn beyond the classroom boundaries with industry practitioners as their mentors.

Multidisciplinary Capstone (12 Credit Units)
The Multidisciplinary Capstone is a 12 credit-unit module designed to develop cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills by developing a solution to an industry challenge. Students will be exempted from Project ID: Connecting the Dots and Capstone modules.

Electives 1 & 2 (4 Credit Units each)
Students can choose any 2 Electives from the Business Electives Programme.

6-Month Internship (20 Credit Units)
Students will acquire the work experience needed for their chosen areas of interest through supervised work immersion and on-the-job training of about six months. The organisations involved are financial institutions, government-related agencies, multinationals and other corporations. Students will learn beyond the classroom boundaries with industry practitioners as their mentors.

Industry Attachment 1 (18 Credit Units)
Industry Attachment 1 introduces students to learning through a four-day per week work attachment. Students will acquire work experience through supervised work immersion and on-the-job training with various start-ups, SMEs and MNCs with professional practitioners as their mentors.

Industry Attachment 2 (18 Credit Units)
Industry Attachment 2 enables students to deepen their learning on-the-job through a four-day per week work attachment. Students have the opportunity to build up their portfolio, network and industry experience. Professional practitioners will mentor the students throughout the period of attachment.

Project ID – Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Critical Core modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. NP aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Behavioural Insights for Digital Consumer Experiences
This module explores how consumers think, feel, and act in digital environments. Students will analyse digital behaviour, assess market sentiment, and design behaviourally informed experiences. Using nudging techniques, behavioural analytics, and psychological insights, they will design customer-focused experiences that subtly guide decisions, boost engagement, drive conversions, and optimise digital interactions. Ethical considerations in influencing consumer behaviour will also be discussed.

Behavioural Insights for Strategic Communications
This module explores developing effective communication strategies that build trust, influence behaviour, and resonate across diverse cultural contexts. Students will learn to create strategic communication approaches, apply trust-building techniques, and craft behavioural content that drives engagement. Through a cross-cultural lens, they will analyse how communication styles affect perception, decision-making, and relationships in business and digital environments.

Behavioural Insights for Workplace Experiences
This module explores how UX psychology, nudging, and design principles create better workplace experiences. Students will learn to design employee experiences, apply psychology to workplace interactions, and use behavioural nudges to improve productivity and well-being. They will also measure experience initiatives and track innovation trends. By integrating workplace psychology, UX, and behavioural insights, students will develop strategies to boost employee engagement and organisational effectiveness.

Advanced Analytics & Strategic Insights
This module blends theory and practice to equip students with predictive analytics and data visualisation skills. They will learn to analyse structured and unstructured data, spot trends, and apply machine learning and statistical techniques to solve business problems. Emphasising data-driven decision-making, the module covers advanced visualisations and storytelling to communicate insights effectively. Through real-world projects, students will use open-source tools and basic coding to develop data-driven strategies for industry challenges.

AI in Business
This module introduces students to the transformative role of AI in business, covering key technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and robotics. Students will apply generative AI and automation tools, including large language models and AI agents. The module showcases applications of AI across industries while highlighting the critical role of data quality, ethics, and responsible use. Learning culminates in a hands-on project, equipping students to contribute to AI initiatives in business effectively.

Digital Innovation & Transformation
This module examines how digital innovation transforms businesses, equipping students with the skills to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and implement transformative solutions. They will assess business environments, leverage emerging technologies, and apply strategic thinking to drive innovation. Students will conceptualise, prototype, and deliver digital solutions through a hands-on project while mastering stakeholder collaboration, project management, and change implementation. By the end of the module, they will be prepared to lead and support digital transformation initiatives for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Business in the Circular Economy
This module explores innovative and sustainable approaches businesses can adopt to drive positive environmental and economic impact. Learners will examine how organisations collaborate with stakeholders to foster responsible practices, optimise resource use, and transition toward long-term sustainability. Through case studies and real-world applications, students will develop critical thinking skills and adaptability to emerging global trends, ensuring their ability to implement forward-looking strategies in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Carbon Management
This module provides an overview of carbon management in business, covering key concepts, frameworks, and industry practices related to sustainability. It examines the role of policies, reporting systems, and strategies for managing environmental impact. Students will explore approaches to addressing carbon-related challenges in various business contexts through discussions and applied learning.

Governance & Sustainability Reporting
This module introduces students to sustainability governance in business, focusing on the controls, policies, and data-gathering processes for effective sustainability reporting. Students will explore how organisations assess materiality and prepare sustainability-related disclosures using major reporting frameworks. The course also covers sustainability best practices across industries to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.

Sustainable Finance
Students will explore how financial decisions impact Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, leverage financial resources to benefit both the economy and the environment, and assess risks associated with sustainability issues. They will also be introduced to various green and transition financial instruments and sustainable investments to achieve long-term sustainability goals.