Announcement

Diploma in Chemical Engineering (S70) | Singapore Polytechnic

DCHE - S70

Diploma in
Chemical
Engineering

OVERVIEW

Why is the Diploma in Chemical Engineering the best course for me in 2025?

If you enjoy solving complex problems in physics, maths, chemistry, and technology, the Diploma in Chemical Engineering (DCHE) is your path. As Singapore’s FIRST and ONLY internationally accredited chemical engineering diploma, DCHE gives you a head start by allowing you to take NUS and NTU modules during your studies. You’ll gain hands-on experience in modern facilities and industry projects, preparing you for careers in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and beyond.

 

CLS-DCHE Students Operating Equipment-v01

What are the benefits of studying chemical engineering in 2025?

You’ll unlock a world of possibilities by honing critical thinking skills essential for solving real-world challenges. These abilities make you versatile and innovative, as you engage in industry projects and collaborate with professionals. This diploma paves the way for further studies in many disciplines and opens doors to diverse career options.

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What is chemical engineering in 2025?

Chemical engineering integrates physics, math, chemistry and engineering to transform raw materials into everyday products like food, medicine, and fuel. The field leads innovations in sustainability, driven by AI and digital advancements. Unlike other science diplomas, DCHE focuses on large-scale processes, preparing you for impactful roles in industry.

How does chemical engineering impact our daily lives?

In a world where chemicals are essential, chemical engineering reveals how industrial processes function. Without it, producing essentials like medicines and clean water would be nearly impossible. By studying chemical engineering, you’ll gain the skills to improve life for yourself, your family, and your community.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

What will I study in Chemical Engineering?

Please note: Course structure is subject to change.

Electives

The SP elective framework offers students options to pursue their passion and/or meet different career needs, and is an integral part of the holistic education we seek to provide to our students.

Learn about SP Elective Framework

The Common Core Curriculum (CCC) prepares you for a changing world with essential human and digital skills. Through its 10 modules, the CCC also provides a wide learning experience to examine local and global issues based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These modules help you understand real-world issues and the impact on different communities, and equip you with skills to create a better, sustainable Singapore and world.

Learn about Common Core Curriculum

Foundations and Basics in Chemical Engineering
Start with the basics of chemical engineering. You’ll learn chemistry and mathematics, along with common industry practices and terminology. Familiarisation with chemical engineering principles and concepts will also be a focus. By the end of this year, you’ll have a strong foundation to build on in subsequent years of studies.
Module Name
Total Hours
Basic Mathematics
60
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
60
Chemistry I
60
Chemistry II
75
Collaboration in the Digital Age (CDA)
15
Data Fluency (DF)
15
Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)
15
Education and Career Guidance
30
Engineering Mathematics
60
Fluid Flow & Equipment
60
Heat Transfer and Equipment
60
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
60
Laboratory and Process Skills 2
45
Laboratory and Process Skills 1
45
Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)
30
Artificial Intelligence and its Impact (AII)
15
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Who is chemical engineering for?

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What are the eligibility requirements for chemical engineering?

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Diploma in Chemical Engineering: This information will be taken directly from MOE’s requirements.

How do I know if chemical engineering is for me?

If you love hands-on work and enjoy the strategic challenge of games like Zelda, chemical engineering could be your perfect fit. It builds on your strengths in Science and Maths, empowering you to innovate and optimise processes for greater efficiency. At chemical engineering in SP, you’ll even get the unique opportunity to design and create your very own chemical product.

 

YOUR FUTURE

What is the future of chemical engineering?

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Chemical engineering at SP prepares me for the future.

What facilities does SP have to prepare me for the future in chemical engineering?

Make concepts real and develop hands-on skills at SP’s 1600-m² Energy & Chemicals Training Centre, featuring the Interactive Plant Environment and smart chemical processing equipment. Gain pharmaceutical expertise in the Pharmaceutical Processing Suite and Biologics Laboratories to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career in chemical engineering.

Chemical engineering at SP prepares me for Singapore.

What opportunities are there for chemical engineering in Singapore and the region?

Chemical engineering graduates in SP find roles in Singapore’s growth sectors in chemical, pharmaceutical, research and manufacturing. With skills in AI, digitalisation, automation and green processing, you'll turn "Concepts into Reality" by applying engineering principles to create practical and sustainable solutions, driving innovation in the region's evolving chemical engineering sector.

Chemical engineering at SP prepares me for the world.

What are the different types of fields covered in chemical engineering?

As the FIRST and ONLY internationally accredited chemical engineering diploma, you will cover a wide range of fields, expanding your career options and preparing you for the global industry. You'll explore:

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  • Process Engineering: Design, Operate, Control and Optimise industrial processes for the energy, water, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, specialty chemicals, flavours, fragrances, petrochemical, oil and gas, food sectors, and many more.
  • Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical engineering: Combine knowledge in biology, chemistry, engineering and medicine to develop and manufacture biopharmaceutical / pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, tablets and topical medication.
  • Sustainable Engineering: Focus on eco-friendly practices. Learn about renewable energy, green chemistry, and sustainable manufacturing.
  • Workplace Safety: Ensure safe and healthy work environment by complying with healthy and safety regulations.
  • Environmental Engineering: Protect the environment through waste and pollution management, improve environmental conditions through remediation.

With a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical applications using the CDIO Framework, this chemical engineering diploma course prepares you to apply your skills in diverse contexts. You'll graduate with recognised competencies, equipped for advanced roles in chemical engineering locally, regionally, and globally.

INDUSTRY EXPOSURE

What industry exposure do I get in chemical engineering?

What can I expect from my chemical engineering internship?

Internships offer networking, career insights, and job opportunities, helping you decide your career path. SP’s 22-week internships place our chemical engineering students in top companies like Abbott, Pfizer, P&G, Nestle and A*STAR research institutes.  You can take on exciting roles in lab R&D, process engineering, health and safety, and quality control. Chemical engineering students in SP are highly sought after by companies for internships and employment.

What is a good SP internship?

Internships offer networking, career insights, and job opportunities, helping you decide your career path. SP provides coaching to boost confidence and employability. Multiple internships across industries broaden your perspective, leading to higher starting salaries and business exposure. A good internship includes meaningful work, learning opportunities, and professional growth, with clear objectives and mentor support.


Can you get overseas exposure while studying chemical engineering?

Overseas exposure helps broaden your horizons. Understanding globalisation and working with diverse cultures is important in a global city like Singapore. Chemical engineering students and alumni in SP have experienced international internships and exchanges, enriching their worldviews and career prospects. 

Join us and you can also participate in Overseas Study Programmes, Learning Express trips, and CDIO Academy.

How can I gain a competitive edge while studying chemical engineering?

We understand that you might want to push yourself further. Taking on more challenges and being proactive can help you stay competitive. 

Chemical engineering students in SP have excelled in high-profile competitions like the ACS Singapore Youth Challenge and Singapore Energy Grand Challenge. 

These achievements test your skills and build confidence. Competing helps you understand your strengths and grow from the experience.

Chemical engineering students in SP can work on company sponsored projects. They have secured full-time employments from internships consistently.

CLS-DCHE Students Running Computer Program in ECTC Factory-v01

What are my options after attaining my Diploma in Chemical Engineering?

After completing your Diploma in Chemical Engineering, you can choose to continue your education or start your career. 

More than two-thirds of SP graduates pursue degrees at local and international universities, with SP diplomas recognised by over 150 universities worldwide. Many receive over a year of advanced standing. Alternatively, you can enter the workforce by joining companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, Pfizer, and GSK, applying the skills you learned at SP.

Both paths offer excellent opportunities to grow and succeed in chemical engineering.

 

CLS-DCHE ACS Singapore 2024 Youth Challenge-v01

What career options are there in chemical engineering?

The chemical engineering industry offers stable careers with roles like Lab Technician, Process Technician, and Research Assistant. As a resilient and advancing field, it provides opportunities in sustainable practices, global work environments, and AI-driven manufacturing. The industry's growth and technological advancements ensure high demand for chemical engineers, making it a rewarding and secure career path.

Career options:

Biopharmaceutical Sector

  • Biotechnologist
  • Laboratory Analyst
  • Production Technician
  • Quality Assurance / Control Assistant

Chemical Sector

  • Laboratory Technician / Technologist
  • Process Technician
  • Product Technologist

Workplace Safety Sector

  • Environmental Management System Coordinator
  • Process Safety Officer
  • Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator

 

Life after my Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Which degrees are most common among chemical engineering graduates of SP?

Most DCHE graduates use their diploma as a foundation for diverse university paths. Our alumni have pursued degrees in Chemical Engineering, Environmental, Biomolecular Engineering, and Materials Engineering. The broad-based nature of DCHE opens multiple avenues for further studies and career progression.

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical & Biomolecular)
  • Bachelor of Environmental Engineering
  • Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Engineering

For a full list of degree options and advanced standings, visit the Advanced Standing Database.

 

How may I fast-track my education? 

If you’re preparing for university and want to make the most of your diploma time, an SP diploma can let you fast-track your education by 0.5-2 years!

  • Module Exemptions & Advanced Standing — You can skip specific university modules at local and international universities. 
  • Accelerate your education ambitions through the SP Accelerated Pathway Programmes (APP) with NUS 
    • At SP, you can speed up your education and gain a competitive edge over your peers through APP - SP's collaborations with partner universities that enable selected, high-performing SP students in pursuit of a university education to experience the benefits of a polytechnic-to-university curriculum, and the potential to complete their diploma and university degree studies within a shortened time frame. 
    •  During your time at SP, you'll study with first-year university students and your grades will be recognised in the SP Examination Grading System.

SP NUS APP
What other professional certifications are available for chemical engineering? 

In addition to the diploma's Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation, which is recognised globally, DCHE graduates can apply for the Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with IChemE. This professional certification offers formal recognition of your engineering skills and expertise, enhancing your career prospects in the chemical engineering field.

 

HAPPENINGS