Diploma in Design Communication

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Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

You are required to attend an Interview where you will present a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your creative potential.

Preparing your Portfolio

• Portfolio should be A2 or smaller (A4 minimum) and preferably with a zipped cover.
• A range of at least 10 varied pieces of work should be presented.
• Your works should include a range of techniques, e.g. drawings, sketches, 2-D work (e.g. painting, printmaking, digital imaging, photography) or 3-D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics, fashion garments).
• Originals of work are preferred, however photographs, digital images & JPEG (CD-Rom/DVD) are also acceptable (only for works larger than 60cm x 20cm in size).
• Works and/or images should be accompanied with labels/captions indicating: title of work, year of completion, medium/material, size/dimension of works, and should be presented neatly in a portfolio and/or folder.

Introduction to Studio Practice
This module introduces Drawing Fundamentals, Basic 2D and 3D Studio Practice, Critical Thinking, and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) components.

Introduction to Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces you to the fundamental processes of Contemporary and Contextual studies. You will learn how to develop written work including creative, report, and reflective writing.

Technical Skills Workshops for Studio Practice
This module equips you with the essential technical skills required for the successful execution and interpretation of studio practice briefs. These workshops are designed to encourage skills of research and application as well as the acquisition of techniques and procedures.

Exploration of Studio Practice
This module develops the ability to explore and apply skills and understandings in Drawing Fundamentals, 2D Studio Practice, 3D Studio Practice, Grey Matters, and Personal and Professional development (PPD) components.

Specialist Studio Practice
This module prepares your entry into your chosen specialist area. It has both a diagnostic and a preparatory function.

Key Skills in Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces the two key skills of Presentation and Academic Writing. You will be introduced to key terms, styles, and periods in Art and Design History.

Level 2

Technical Studies: Digital Technology 1
You will be introduced to the skill sets required to achieve intermediate digital production knowledge to make the most of the potential of the digital medium, while gaining practical experience to properly function in a digital environment. Besides supporting the main studies module in design application, technical knowledge, and software management skills, this module is designed to also enable you to look at new ways to embrace the potential of new technologies in order to remain current and relevant to the evolving trends and demands in design communication.

Contextual Studies: Design History and Culture 1
This module introduces the theoretical and historical underpinnings of visual culture. You will develop an awareness and appreciation of culture and issues significant to the field of design, while gaining a wider and deeper understanding of how design impacts on and is affected by the culture of human society. You will undertake readings to understand the power of text and image in contemporary society and how the integration of language, form, and image has been one of the most fundamental aspects in human civilisation.

Main Studies: Print Based Design
Through this module, you will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the creative and ideas-oriented practice of design communication. This module also provides you with the opportunity to understand the complexityof your role as a design practitioner, which encompasses many skills from idea generation to final production. The components under this module include Creative Photography, Personal and Professional Development and Creative Workshop, where the last focuses on industry arts projects, design competitions and/or collaborations with non-profit organisations. You will work closely in collaborating groups on the notion of how design can make an impacton society by devising strong and relevant communication strategies for community projects.

Technical Studies: Applied Technology 1
This module aims to look at new ways of communication in Design through the discovery and exploration of digital technology and its potential. As such, it will focus on the crucial stages and complexity of digital design management. You will develop the basic and essential understanding required for you to master the practical skills necessary for print and post-productions.

Contextual Studies: Design Theory 1
This module aims to offer you an insight into the evolution of Design, the role it plays, and its impact on society. It traces the rich heritage of man’s quest for ideas and forms in visual graphics by examining the developments in writing, printing, typography, photography, and design. It also follows the changes of Graphic Design from traditional to mechanical forms, and finally examines its present state in the electronic age.

Main Studies: Digital Based Design
This module continues to enhance your visual literacy through the exploration of digital based design, which you will extend your ability to communicate a wide variety of ideas. You will also develop and demonstrate your aesthetic awareness and design sensibility as part of the understanding of design fundamentals. You will extend your analytical thinking skills and focus on the language of design communication through problem solving with ideas-driven approaches that involve various methods of analysing and experimentation with visual forms and progressive ideas.

Level 3

Technical Studies: Digital Technology 2
Through this module, you are required to understand and practise skill sets required to achieve progressive digital production knowledge and skills to make the most of the potential of the digital medium. You will gain both knowledge and practical experience to properly function in a digital environment. Besides supporting the main studies module in design application, technical knowledge, and software management skills, this module also aims tofacilitate learning in looking at new ways to embrace and explore the potential of new technologies.

Contextual Studies: Design History & Culture 2
This module provides you with a deeper understanding of key design movements and historical design milestones, which as a result, have shaped today’s contemporary design landscape. As it seeks to trace historical shifts that have occurred from the beginning of civilisation to present, you will gain a good knowledge of design terminology, principles, and movements through case studies, as well as introduction of key designers and their influence on the movements from both Eastern and Western cultures.

Main Studies: Self-Directed studies (Studio Project)
This module introduces you to conceptual idea generation, analysis and synthesis techniques within a problem-solving framework. You will explore and develop fluidity of thought as well as an analytical mind, whilst demonstrating aesthetic awareness and design sensibility. You will take up more directed projects that deal with all aspects of design communication, where the employment of design thinking and idea generation will inform your decision making process in managing design projects. The components of this module also include ‘Live’ Projects, which focuses on developing self-reflections on your career decisions and influences to date, as well as fostering a more active role in defining your own career goals and planning of your future career.

Technical Studies: Applied Technology 2
This module aims to develop in you a more competent understanding of the crucial yet complex digital design management process of your pre-production responsibilities in order to push the boundaries of digital technology. Youwill acquire a deeper understanding of the technical concerns in relation to digital and print production, and develop transferable skills necessary for you to master and apply the practical skills required for a smooth production process.

Contextual Studies: Design Theory 2
This module provides you with a wide spectrum of contemporary design theories and issues, as well as their specific social and cultural identities. You will acquire a comprehensive theoretical understanding of design related to design communication, in both social and cultural contexts of the East and the West.

Main Studies: Self-directed Studies (Studio Portfolio)
This module provides the opportunity for you to apply previous knowledge and skills acquired in solving a self-initiated project to produce a creative body of work, demonstrating creative independence, a high level of creative thinking and understanding, strong conceptual thinking, as well as proficiency in areas which you would like to pursue in greater depth. You will gain an up-to-date working knowledge of industry practice and, at the same time, produce a well-articulated, original and industry-ready portfolio, which is reflective of your readiness and aptitude in stepping forth into the workforce. A component under this module called ‘Live’ Projects requires you to participate in at least three industry-led projects, and one of them could be a self-proposed industry placement where you will undertake specific job scopes and requirements as an intern with an attached agency during the Semester 1, Term 2 Break in November and December.