Description
The Advanced Diploma in Design (Digital Design) is a 1-year practice-led course that combines digital technology, critical thinking and creative design. Focusing on rigorous studio practice and critique, supported by technical workshops, contextual studies and self-directed learning, this course is designed to equip students with cutting-edge competencies for a range of commercial and communication purposes. It offers personal mentoring, bespoke briefs by our industry partners, placement experience and portfolio guidance, providing a wide ranging conceptual, technical and professional competencies required by contemporary designers and creative technologists of the future. This course is designed for individuals embarking on a track towards a design career, but also adequately prepares those who are interested in pursuing alternative creative roles in the rapidly expanding digital media industries. Within a studio environment, students participate in technical workshops, individual and collaborative projects that will boost their creativity and help them master various aspects of design technology. Through experiential learning with industry experts, tutors and peers, students will have the opportunity to experiment with different ways of making, and discover their role and place within the wider design world. Students will have access to exclusive digital and computing workshops and benefit from the latest industry standard specialist software.
At the heart of the course is expert training in digital materials and processes – involving 3D design and animation, media aesthetics, motion graphics and immersive mixed reality – that bring together different ideas, skills and knowledge into the design practice. This is supported by contextual studies, alongside the development of interpersonal skills and independent thought, enabling students to critically engage with design’s socio-political, technological, environmental, ethical and emotional dimensions. As a career-focused training course, students will have the opportunity to visit a range of cultural organisations and be attached to design agencies, production houses, local and international institutions. This time in the industry provides valuable insights, learning experiences and professional networks that will help them prepare for their future careers. Alongside this, students will benefit from guest lectures covering a range of significant topics in the design world; visiting artists will also provide practical advice on the students’ design works and portfolio. Speakers include creative and design directors, user experience designers, service designers, design academics and design futurists. The end-of-year highlight is a design showcase where students will exhibit their creative work in a public-facing setting. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talent and connect with leading designers, institutions and design stakeholders.
Key Areas of Study
- Critical and Contextual Studies
- Studio Practice
- Creative Professional Practice
- Presentation, Communication, and Research
- Industry and Career
These areas provide a holistic platform for deep-thinking and practice-based learning in the design landscape.
Progression Upon successful completion, graduates will qualify for BA in Design-related programs such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Communication Design, Spatial Design, and Product Design.
Inclusivity and Diversity The program celebrates diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment. Staff members actively ensure fair treatment and acceptance of students from all cultural backgrounds, abilities, gender, and sexual orientations.
Key Highlights
- In-depth knowledge of various design practices in local and global contexts.
- Engagement in critical socio-cultural and philosophical discussions underpinning contemporary creative and design practices.
- Integration of creativity with practice-based learning.
- Learning from a diverse team of seasoned tutors and technicians.
- Participation in lectures and workshops by industry-leading professionals.
- Construction of a comprehensive and diverse design portfolio.
- Development of critical thinking skills and establishment of a design practice informed by real-world challenges.
- Connections with regional cultural organizations, museums, design institutions, and galleries.
Level Award
Advanced Diploma
Career Pathways
Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to progress to the Bachelor Degree Level
OR
- Art Director,
- Graphic Designer,
- Digital Media Designer,
- User Experience Designer,
- Editorial Designer,
- Multimedia Designer,
- Game Designer,
- Exhibition Designer,
- Digital Marketing Specialist,
- Interaction Designer,
- Digital Content Producer,
- Digital Campaign
- Designers/Managers,
- Service Designers
- Design Strategists.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Minimum of two ‘A’ Level subject passes (not including General Paper) or their equivalent; OR
- Diploma in Design awarded by Capital College of the Arts, Management and Technology (CCAMT); AND
- The student will need to submit a statement of purpose and creative portfolio and pass an interview.
- Other qualifications which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
View Full Academic Entry Requirements
Minimum English proficiency requirements
English Proficiency Requirements
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (500–800 WORDS)
The student will need to describe their interest, involvement and experience in design and/or the visual arts. Design experience can include work done with arts organizations, galleries or events such as film, performance, festivals, exhibitions. These can also be events you attended or projects that you worked on.
Creative Portfolio
The student will need to submit a portfolio – a collection of work that showcases their skills, personality and creative potential. This should include what they have learnt and created so far to what they plan to do next. The portfolio should demonstrate: – familiarity with designing for two or more digital platforms or genres such as website, mobile application, other devices and interactive displays, online exhibition, online marketplace, etc. – ability to map out information design and user journey – basic skills in layout design and typography These can be submitted in the form of sketches, drawings, photographs, moodboards and collages.
Interview
The student will need to participate in an aptitude test and dialogue in relation to the submitted statement of purpose and creative portfolio – What are your motivations for choosing this course? Share your interest, influence and aspiration. What do you hope to achieve in this programme? You should also share how this programme might prepare you for your future career path.
Course Structure
- Critical and Contextual Studies
- Studio Practice
- Creative Professional Practice
- Presentation, Communication and Research
- Industry and Career
Teacher-Student Ratio
- Tutorial 1:25
- Lectural 1:80
Graduation Requirements:
- Attendance requirement
- Module Grade: minimum 50% for each module.
Duration
12 Months – 2 semesters (full-time)
Academic Calendar
Fees
Total Tuition Fees: SGD$19,000 (subjected to 9% GST)
excluding non-tuition fees and miscellaneous fees
View Course Fees Breakdown
View our fees and charges page for full details
