SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Description

The Advanced Diploma in Design (Creative Design Studies) is an intensive 9-month program designed to cultivate creative thinking, practical design skills, and technical knowledge in aspiring designers. This practice-led course integrates hands-on studio practice, critical evaluations, contextual studies, and self-directed learning, aligning with the evolving demands of the design industry.

Aligned with FHEQ 5, our curriculum is structured to foster personal growth through individual mentoring, personalized industry briefs, practical work placements, and portfolio development. The course covers a broad spectrum of conceptual, technical, and professional skills essential for contemporary designers and creative individuals exploring diverse roles in design-related sectors.

Students will immerse themselves in various design domains such as product design, communication design, spatial design, illustration, and graphic design within a dynamic studio environment. The course encourages both individual and collaborative projects, supplemented by technical workshops, to create a vibrant and interactive learning space. Contextual studies are also integral to the curriculum, nurturing interpersonal skills and independent thinking, and encouraging students to critically engage with various dimensions of design.

With a focus on industry relevance, the program includes site visits to cultural organizations, collaborations with design agencies, and engagements with international institutions. These experiences, coupled with lectures from industry professionals, provide practical guidance and a robust learning experience.

The course culminates in a public design showcase, offering students a platform to present their work to an audience, facilitating interactions with top designers and industry stakeholders.

The Creative Design Studies program emphasizes innovative design concepts across disciplines, nurturing artistic potential and a deep understanding of the creative process. It provides a rich learning environment for students to experiment with diverse design techniques, challenging traditional design norms.

Upon completion, students are equipped with confidence, professional insight, and a comprehensive set of transferable skills and knowledge, preparing them for a successful career in the design industry. The course employs a blend of lectures, studio practice, professional practice modules, guest lectures, critical reflections, self-directed study, and cultural visits for a well-rounded learning experience. Assessment is based on coursework, case study analysis, and group work, aligning with module content and learning objectives.

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

• 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 of two ‘A’ Level subject passes (not including General Paper) or their equivalent; OR 
• Diploma in Contemporary Art awarded by Capital College of the Arts, Management and Technology (CCAMT);  AND
• Minimum of a pass in ‘A’ Level General Paper or IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46-59 or its equivalent; OR 
• Pass CCAMT’s English Language Placement Test.

View Full Academic Entry Requirements

Minimum Language proficiency requirements

Language Proficiency Requirements

Other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Minimum age 18 years old.
• In addition, prospective students will also need to submit a statement of purpose, creative portfolio as well as pass an aptitude test and an interview.
• Aptitude Test
  The student will need to complete and pass a short skill test consisting of a creative task and multiple choice questions.
• 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. 
• Statement of purpose to be submitted online. 

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 a 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. If the student is unable to attend the interview on campus, an online interview will be arranged. 

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

9 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