Program Overview

Master of Science (Building Performance and Sustainability)

Overview

The Master of Science (Building Performance and Sustainability) programme is a multi-disciplinary educational programme. The aim of the programme is to offer graduates of different disciplines, who are engaged in design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building systems and services, an opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice in the broad field of Building Performance and Sustainability.

This knowledge is vital for those engaged in such activities in the 21st century that confronts mankind with irreversible effects of climate change and potentially adverse consequences now and in the future. This global phenomenon necessitates a paradigm shift towards creating buildings that are not only comfortable and healthy for the occupants but are also sustainable. Whilst the Master of Science (Building Performance and Sustainability) programme is firmly embedded with the challenges and issues in the building sector faced in the rapidly developing urbanization of cities in the tropical belt of the world that has the potential to impact in excess of 2 billion people, it also addresses similar fundamental issues related to other climates and cultures elsewhere in the world.

Curriculum Structure

• Degree Requirements: 40 Units
• Candidature:
  • Full-time: Minimum 1 year – maximum 2 years
  • Part-time: Minimum 2 years – maximum 3 years
• Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of the programme requires a candidate to pass 40 Units comprising 9 graduate level courses; or 7 graduate level courses and complete a dissertation. This includes an 8 Units studio course. The requirements for Prescribed Elective (PE) courses can be fulfilled by choosing any course(s) from the list of PE courses in the Master of Science (Building Performance and Sustainability) programme. There is also a provision to read up to a maximum of two Unrestricted Elective (UE) courses. The graduation requirements of 40 units are to be done within a maximum period of 4 semesters for full-time candidates, and 6 semesters for part-time candidates, and with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.

Admissions

• Eligibility: At least a bachelor’s degree with honours in a relevant discipline, preferably with relevant practical experience or a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience; This is a minimum requirement which does not guarantee admission; selection is on a competitive basis.
• English Requirement: TOEFL (internet-based test) 85 or IELTS (academic) 6.0 is required if your first language is not English. Applicants may be waived from this requirement if they completed their degree programme taught entirely in English and in an institution situated in an English-speaking country/territory.
• Work Experience: For holders of Bachelor’s Degrees with honours, relevant practical experience preferred. For holders of Bachelor’s Degrees without honours, at least three years of relevant work experience.
• Other Supporting Documents: A resume should be provided. Reference letters are not mandatory. Financial statements are not necessary.
• Intake Semester: Once per academic year, in August. Mostly evening classes (7pm-10pm), some afternoon classes (3pm-6pm), over 13 weeks. Full-time students attend 4 or 5 classes per week, part-time students attend 2 or 3 classes per week.
• Application Period: 1 October 2025 to 28 February 2026 (August 2026 intake)

Fees and Financial Information

• Fee Rebates:
  • NUS Alumni/Singapore Citizen(SC)/Singapore Permanent Resident(SPR): 40%
• Full Programme Fee (inclusive of GST):
  • Full-Time: S$49,050
  • Part-Time: S$49,050
• Payment Schedule:
  • Acceptance Fee (inclusive of 9% GST): S$5,450
  • 1st Semester (inclusive of 9% GST):
    • Full-Time: S$21,800
    • Part-Time: S$10,900
  • 2nd Semester (inclusive of 9% GST):
    • Full-Time: S$21,800
    • Part-Time: S$10,900
  • 3rd Semester (inclusive of 9% GST):
    • Part-Time: S$10,900
  • 4th Semester (inclusive of 9% GST):
    • Part-Time: S$10,900
• Miscellaneous Student Fee (MSF): Students need to separately pay for MSF directly to the University on a semester basis. Fees are reviewed annually.
• Acceptance Fee: Non-refundable and non-transferable, payable upon acceptance into the programme.
• Programme Fees: Do not include the cost of recommended textbooks and readings. The cost of travel, accommodation, and miscellaneous expenses are not included and are to be borne by the participant.

Timetable

• Mostly evening classes (7pm-10pm), some afternoon classes (3pm-6pm), over 13 weeks.
• Exams may be held during working hours on weekdays.