Looking to pursue an education at DigiPen (Singapore)? Congratulations! You are about to embark on an exciting journey where you will become a domain expert in your chosen field through a mix of deep, foundational knowledge and practical, hands-on projects. But first, it’s important to pick the right course that aligns with your goals and interests. Here’s a short guide to help you discover which of DigiPen (Singapore)’s five undergraduate degree programs is right for you.
The Software Developer
Profile: You’re interested in mathematics, physics, and deep tech topics such as machine learning and cloud computing. You’re excited about developing complex technologies, such as building your own software engines from scratch and pushing the boundaries of what computers can achieve.
Choose: BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
What to expect: Fret not if you have no background in programming, as you will learn everything you need from scratch. Your first year will be spent building up a strong foundation in C and C++ programming and mathematical topics such as linear algebra, calculus, and analytic geometry. In year two, you will be introduced to more niche computer science topics such as operating systems, computer graphics, data structures, computer networks, and real-time rendering. Understanding the complexities behind these computer science fundamentals will allow you to design and implement more complex software solutions. As you progress to your third and fourth year on campus, you will be exposed to advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile and cloud computing, and virtual reality. In summary, this program will hone you into a formidable and well-rounded software developer by the time you graduate.
The Technical Designer
Profile: You are someone who thrives in both the arts and sciences. You’re keen to gain knowledge in computer programming and interactive design applications as you marry both skills to come up with practical software solutions.
Choose: BS in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development
What to expect:This course will prepare you to become an adept software developer with strong interactive design capabilities. The early years will focus on equipping you with foundational math and computer science knowledge in calculus and analytic geometry, as well as C and C++ programming. You will also learn the basics of game implementation techniques and game design through practical, hands-on projects. Once you’ve built up a strong technical and design foundation, you will progress to more advanced computer science and design modules including machine learning, mobile and cloud computing, virtual reality, and user interface and user experience design. By the time you graduate, you will have a portfolio comprising non-digital and digital interactive projects such as product prototype documents, mobile applications, VR educational simulations, and more to show potential employers.
The Engineer
Profile: You’re fascinated by how complex mechanical systems are controlled by microprocessors and microcontrollers and want to pursue a multidisciplinary engineering degree instead of only focusing on one engineering discipline.
Choose: BEng in Mechatronics Systems
What to expect: This multidisciplinary degree will give you a solid foundation in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Start by picking up the basics in engineering fabrication, robotics, digital electronics, calculus and analytic geometry, and C and C++ programming. From there, you will learn to combine and apply your knowledge through project modules that require you to design, develop, integrate, test, and present unique and complex systems. Beyond technical skills, you will also explore what it means to be an effective and ethical engineer in society. With your wide array of skills, you will be able to work as a software, hardware, or systems engineer in high-tech industries such as aerospace, avionics, automotive, defense, transportation, and information technology.
The Experience Designer
Profile: You appreciate good design and are intrigued by the study of human behavior. One day, you hope to make an impact by designing interactive systems and solutions that will solve problems and make life better for users.
Choose: BA in User Experience and Game Design
What to expect: This course is suitable for anyone interested in design, regardless of whether you have any background in it. You’ll kick-start your journey with introductory modules in design processes, design principles, and basic math and programming. From there, you will learn the technical skills necessary to develop software design solutions, including game mechanics, design documentation, level design, user interface and user experience design, playtesting, and product management. Beyond the technical skills, you will also be exposed to humanities subjects including communications and psychology. Throughout your education, you will have multiple opportunities to apply your skills in a practical way as you create polished design experiences that include original games, training and simulation programs, mobile applications, and more. You will even learn emerging design technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, virtual production, and motion capture.
The Digital Artist
Profile: You’ve always loved art and hope to make your mark as a digital artist one day, be it through creating original characters and animations or by applying artistic and design skills to bring corporate and technical projects to life.
Choose: BFA in Digital Art and Animation
What to expect: Your first year will be spent mastering foundational subjects in tone, color, composition, anatomy, and perspective as you hone your skills in traditional art mediums. From there, you will progress into the realm of computer graphics and 2D/3D animation. As you familiarize yourself in the digital arts, you will also take on basic scripting and programming modules. This gives you an edge in understanding the technical limitations of projects so that you will be able to optimize your art more efficiently. By the end of the program, you will have a deep understanding of all aspects of the production pipeline, emerging as a competent artist who also boasts technical skills.