Diploma in Biomedical Science (R14)

What You Will Learn

Turn your fascination with the human body's responses to illness into a career in the biomedical science and healthcare sector!

To understand the nature of diseases and how to combat them, you must first comprehend how diseases develop in the human body. The Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBMS) will equip you with the essentials of human anatomy, the molecular and physiological basis of different diseases and a methodological approach to detecting diseases.

  • Receive extensive hands-on training through the two Majors – Biomedical Research and Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Pursue a rewarding career in biomedical science and healthcare through DBMS
  • Engage in a 20-week Industry Immersion Programme with organisations such as A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, and public/private hospitals

My time at RP has been transformative, thanks to supportive lecturers and peers. I developed essential skills such as leadership and communication, which will be pivotal in my future endeavours. The dynamic curriculum at RP challenged me to think on my feet, keeping me deeply engaged in every lesson. RP has become an integral part of who I am and will remain so for years to come."

Brian Tan Jin Hock
2024 Graduate

General Modules

Discipline Modules

Major Modules

Elective Modules

Customise your learning pathways by selecting ONE of the following options:

Option A: Select Elective modules totalling 12 Modular Credits (MCs) from the list of modules in the Minor programmes that are applicable to the Diploma and/or from the List of Electives below

Option B: Select a Minor Programme

Option C: Select a CET-based Certificate programme and/or Elective module(s) from the list of modules in the Minor programmes that are applicable to the Diploma or from the List of Electives below (only for eligible students)

List of Electives for Major in Biomedical Research:

List of Electives for Major in Medical Laboratory Technology:

Learn how you can customise your learning pathways here

Industry Orientation Programme

Option 1: One-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

And select one module from the list below:

Option 2: Two-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

GCE O-level

Aggregate TypeRange of Net ELR2B2 for 2025 JAEMinimum Entry Requirements/Grade
ELR2B2-C 8 to 11
  • English Language: D7
  • Mathematics (Elementary/Additional): C6
  • Any one of the following subjects: C6
    - Biology
    - Biotechnology
    - Chemistry
    - Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
    - Physics
    - Science (Chemistry, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Chemistry)

Nitec/Higher Nitec

Minimum net GPARelevant Qualifications
Nitec ≥ 3.5
  • NT39 Chemical Process Technology/ Chemical Process Technology (Biologics)/ Chemical Process Technology (Petrochemicals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Pharmaceuticals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Process Instrumentation)
  • NT45 Nursing
  • NT58 Applied Food Science
  • NT64 Medical Manufacturing Technology
Higher Nitec ≥ 2.0
  • IT58 Biotechnology/Biochemical Technology
  • IT59 Chemical Technology
  • IT62 Paramedics & Emergency Care
  • IT98 Bio-Chemical Technology

GCE A-Level

Minimum Entry Requirements

For more details on admission using Singapore Cambridge GCE A-levels qualifications, please refer to this webpage.

Note:

Admission to RP is based on academic merit and subjected to available vacancies of our diploma programmes. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee that applicants will be offered a placement in the diploma programme. These requirements are set in place to ensure fairness to all applicants.

Career Opportunities

You can pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare institutions, research laboratories and companies that develop and distribute biomedical products. Look forward to roles such as:

  • Biomedical Research Assistant
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Medical and Laboratory Product Specialist
  • Medical Technologist
  • Quality Control / Quality Assurance Officer

Further Studies

RP graduates are well-placed to embark on meaningful careers immediately after graduation. You could even improve your employability by taking part-time courses or SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes (WSPs).

What’s more, every RP diploma is recognised and has a pathway leading to a relevant degree with top local and overseas universities. You may complete your degrees in just over two or three years in a four-year programme.

Skills Deepening

After graduating from DBMS, you can choose to deepen your skills and knowledge in a chosen field before embarking on your career. You could either sign up for part-time courses or pursue WSPs. Please visit our Lifelong Learning page to find out more.

Undergraduate Studies

DBMS graduates are ideally placed to pursue a degree in various biomedical and applied science fields including bioengineering, biological science, chemistry, dentistry, medicine, medical laboratory technology, medical science, and psychology. A large proportion of our graduates went on to undertake their degrees at the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore Institute of Technology, and Singapore University of Social Sciences.

Top universities overseas also welcome our graduates with advanced standing of up to two years. They include: 

  • Deakin University (Australia)
  • Murdoch University (Australia)
  • University of Dundee (UK)
  • University of Liverpool (UK)
  • University of Otago (NZ)

Last updated on 04 Feb 2025