Back To Main Menu
Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

This course will commence in August 2022.

Introduction

The Diploma in Fashion Business and Management combines the practical components of design and product development. This course is ideal for students interested in the management and retail side of the industry – such as retail management, buying, public relations and product development – or those who want an insight into starting a fashion business.

You will share your first year of this course with the Diploma in Fashion Design students. In your second year, you will start taking modules which are focused on product development, retail buying, trend forecasting and garment production, together with digital design and computer-aided manufacturing. You will benefit from hands-on experience through industry-relevant projects as you learn how to manufacture, buy, promote and move fashion products into the world. You will work often alongside students of Fashion Design, sharing facilities and some modules taught by a strong team of dedicated staff. In your third year, you will develop and produce a collection of outfits, which will promote your look and aspirations for fashion to an external audience.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse the fashion consumer and market trends
  • Use research skills and analysis methods to produce a range of fashion products relevant to set assignments
  • Formulate concepts appropriate to set assignments in the form of 2D and 3D fashion products
  • Manage your own learning and evaluate your own progress as you work individually or in teams
  • Communicate the design development and research process effectively through verbal presentations
  • Utilise appropriate technology and 3D skills in the production of your work
  • Attain required mathematical skills related to merchandising activities

Modules

The following course modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2017 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2016/2017 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Handbook on StudentNet for the course modules in their respective year of enrolment.

Code Title Semester Credits
VAF1001 Drawing Fundamentals 1 4

This module introduces the principles in drawing, developing an awareness of composition, observation skills, and builds familiarity with contemporary drawing practice.

VAF1011 2D Fundamentals 1 4

Be introduced to the fundamental elements and principles of two-dimensional design, including typography, colour theory, and spatial organization.

VAF1021 3D Fundamentals 1 4

Be introduced to making and thinking in 3D and gain experience working with a diverse range of materials, techniques and processes.

VAF1031 Creative Thinking 1 2

This module focuses on cultivating and exploring a plethora of approaches to generate ideas, with the aim of creating more original and integrated options.

VAF1041 Introduction to Visual Arts 1 2

This module is designed to provide students with a sound working knowledge of the key historical concepts that inform the discussion of art and design in contemporary culture.

VAF1061 General Studies 1 1 2

This is a basic core module that establishes a foundation that we want to imbue our students with – living a productive life and being a perceptive, reflective and intellectually self-conscious citizen in this diverse and rapidly changing world. It will introduce to the students the basic skills and knowledge that they need to have as a responsible artist or designer.

VAF1062 General Studies 2 2 2

This module will further strengthen the foundation that is needed for our students to become responsible artists and designers. It will cover areas that will prepare them professionally, and equip them with knowledge of their rights and its application in this new digital world.

ADE2002 Overseas Immersion 1 4

This module allows students to complete a 2-4 weeks overseas attachment with one of our overseas university partners. These cultural exchanges serve to broaden experiences and understanding of different art and design approaches.

ADE3001 Internship 1 20

This practical training attachment exposes students to work environments where they can gain a more hands-on understanding of professional practices.

ADE3002 Industrial Attachment 1 10

This practical training attachment exposes students to work environments where they can gain a more hands-on understanding of professional practices.

ADE3003 Industry Project 1 10

This is a project-based module which provides students the opportunity to conceptualise, plan and execute a project. It will be a real life client project that will allow students to put their studies into practice and help them develop a sense of responsibility as well as interpersonal skills in a professional environment.

ADE3004 Community Project 1 10

This is a project-based module with the aim of improving the lives of the community at large. Students will work collaboratively with non-profit organisations, NGOs, etc. to find solutions for issues identified.

DFS1220 Product Development 1 2 10

Students exposed to basic techniques in conceptualizing and development of a ready-to-wear collection with the understanding of basic garment construction

DFS1217 Merchandising Principles 2 2

Students are introduced to the nature and requirements of fashion merchandising practiced in the industry

DFS1202 Fashion Illustration 2 2

This module introduces the study of proportion and structure in the human figure. A range of fashion figure drawing styles are explored

DFS1216 Textile Studies 2 2

This module introduces students to the characteristics of various textile and the techniques to identify and differentiate fibres.

DFS1218 Draping Basic* 2 2

Students will be exposed to 3D construction of garment shapes by working directly on the body stand

DFS1205 Textile Design & Innovation 1* 2 2

Students will be introduced to various techniques of textile decoration, such as screen-printing and laser cutting to develop their own decorative textiles and prints.

DFS2134 Product Development 2 1 10

Further enhancement of design skills and concept exploration through the development of various fashion related products within a self-directed theme.

DFS2116 Fashion Business 1 1 8

Students will be exposed to exploration on entrepreneurship, E-Commerce, branding and marketing aspect of fashion

DFS2106 Historical Studies of Fashion 1 2

Students will be exposed to the historical aspect of western fashion from 1900 to present

DFS2105 Textile Design & Innovation 2* 1 2

This module explores the manipulation of fabrics through dyeing, shibori, bonding, embossing and weaving to create distinctive textiles.

DFS 2114 Computerised Apparel Design* 1 4

This module deals with technical line development and execution. Students use CAD systems to create digital presentation boards, woven fabric designs and printed fabric designs.

DFS2216 Fashion Business 2 2 6

This module allows students to explore the business aspect of fashion in relation to sourcing and merchandising mathematics

DFS2208 Career Development 1 2 4

Students’ exploration in the creation of CV, resume and portfolio in preparation of internship

DFS2207 Research Methods 2 2

This module focuses on analysis and evaluation through investigative research work

DFS2214 Digital Fashion 2 4

This module equips students with knowledge in advanced computer software ‘V-Stitches’ which allows for efficiency and accuracy of toiling/prototyping samples and sustainability of material consumption. This software is also in sync with Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop which allows seamless graphics editing in Adobe to be reflected in real time.

DFS1219 Introduction To Fashion Eco-System 2 2

This module is an introductory to the World of Fashion Business. The contents provide students with exposure of the eco-system, the environments of global fashion business, challenges, value chain processes, product development, supply chain, merchandising, marketing, distributions and financial analytical in examining the profitability of a fashion business.

DFS2222 Draping Intermediate* 2 2

This module introduces advanced 3D construction techniques on the creation of garment shapes directly on the body stand

DFS2204 Forecasting Fashion* 2 2

This module examines the principles and applications of trend forecasting, in terms of fashion themes, colours, fabrication, trimmings, accessories, silhouettes and more

DFS2206 History of Asian Costume* 2 2

This module will expose students to Asian elements relating to fashion. Countries and topics covered include Malaysia/Indonesia (Kebaya), India (Sari), China (Cheong Sam and Qi Pao), Thailand (Traditional Court Uniform), Japan (Kimono) and Korea (Hanbok).

DFS2209 Costume Design* 2 4

This module allows students to gain knowledge in designing the styles and costumes in theatre, film or television productions. They will be exposed to topics such as reading and analysis of scripts, creation of the mood and style for a production, communication with the Director, distinguishing of characters, and planning of costume plot.

DFS 2211 Computerised Techniques – Pattern design, Gerber AccuMark* 2 2

Students learn about advanced pattern design techniques and development with the introduction of the Gerber pattern design system.

DFS3221 Product Development 3 2 12

This module allows students to formulate the concept, study the trends and develop a range of fashion related products that is sustainable and viable.

DFS3208 Career Development 2 2 4

Students are exposed to various communicating approaches in relation to presentation and development of Portfolio, E-presence and career progression.

DFS3210 Fashion Styling* 2 2

This module allows students to explore ways to creatively and effectively present garments via the production of a look book.

DFS3212 Fashion Accessories* 2 2

This module introduces students to creatively use alternative non-conventional materials to develop fashion accessories.

DTD2010 Gemmology*   2

This module explores the science of gems: formation, history, physical properties, practical applications, and the methods and instruments used in the basic identification of the stones, colours and values.

DTD1001 Metalsmithing*   2

Students are introduced to the basic principles of handling raw materials. They will also learn various methods and materials employed in the fundamental techniques of object making.

DTD2020 Introduction to Furniture Design*   2

This cross-disciplinary elective introduces students to the design principles, ergonomic studies and material application in furniture design with the help of workshop practice, concept ideation and presentation.

DTD2043 Introduction to Interior Design*   2

This cross-disciplinary elective introduces students to the basic principles in interior design, with an emphasis on programming, space planning, colour scheme and furniture arrangement for residential design.

DTD2011 Introduction to Rapid Prototyping*   2

Students will learn about the basics of rapid prototyping which can assist or aid them in the realization of ideas.

DDM2900 Design and Brand Strategy* 1/2 2

This module allows students to discover the framework and strategies of developing a successful brand expression through case studies and analysis. Students will develop a critical understanding of the social (cultures of consumption) and psychological (emotions in marketing) aspects integrated within the context, which will allow students to develop the ability to make good design decisions.

DDM2901 Digital Photography and Publication* 1/2 4

In this module, students will learn to use photography as a medium of expression and communication. Students would explore the different perspectives of story-telling through images, and be equipped with the skills to compile them into a publication.

DDM2902 Packaging Design* 1/2 4

This module allows students to explore the different forms and functions of packaging design to provide packaging solutions that are appealing, functional and sustainable.

DFA1001 Introduction to Painting* 1 and 2 2

Students are introduced to the basic tools, materials and techniques in watercolour and acrylic painting. Topics covered include still life and landscapes.

DFA1003 Introduction to Printmaking* 1 and 2 2

Students are introduced to the basic tools, materials and techniques in printmaking. Topics covered include mono-print, woodcut and simple stencil printing technique.

DFA1006 Introduction to Photography* 1 and 2 2

Students learn basic camera operations, and study the basics for creating fascinating imagery.

DFA1008 Introduction to Gong Bi* 2 2

This module covers fundamental principles involved in bird and flower compositions, and the line drawing and painting techniques specific to Gong Bi.

DFA1011 Figure Drawing* 1 and 2 2

This module helps students develop the visual and technical skills necessary for portrait and figure drawing. Students work in a variety of media, with an emphasis on charcoal.

DAM2094 Arts Management Fundamentals* 1 and 2 2

This cross-disciplinary elective allows non-Arts Management students to explore management concepts and practices that are relevant to the arts and culture industry. Basic yet essential knowledge and skills in management, including skills unique to arts management, are explored in this module, and students are encouraged to observe, analyse and apply these skills in the day-to-day practice of the arts. Students will learn essential arts management skills and apply them in planning and decision-making within the context of running an arts company or organising an arts event.

DAM2095 Introduction to Arts Marketing* 1 and 2 2

This cross-disciplinary elective aims to equip students with basic marketing knowledge and skills essential to all artists. Students will be introduced to the key concepts of marketing and how it is applied to the arts. Students will also learn what motivates audiences to support the arts as well as the basic skills in how to market and promote their artworks.

DMU 1041 Instrumental Studies: Guitar* 2 1/2

This module provides a foundation on classical guitar technique, with emphasis on effective hand positioning and a strong grasp of the rudiments of music.

DMU 1042 Instrumental Studies: Gamelan* 1/2 2

This module provides students with the practical skills of playing Javanese Gamelan, from simple to slightly complex pieces, up to the level of Irama II

ACE1001 Speech Presentations* 1 and 2 2

Speech Presentations is a course in writing a speech and presenting it. It will impart skills that students need to present their ideas effectively in public. In a supportive classroom environment, students will learn to communicate their ideas effectively using verbal and written techniques.

ACE1101 Business Communication* 1 and 2 2

This module will cover the full spectrum of communications in the workplace; this ranges from effective online correspondences, to report writing, and verbal communication skills.

ACE1102 Entrepreneurship in the Arts* 1 and 2 2

This module will cover the different models of entrepreneurship in the arts industry, and strategies to succeed independently. Students are guided to create personal value and build a productive start-up in the arts with available resources (e.g., intelligence, insight, ethics, initiative and influence).

ACE1103 Starting Your Own Business* 1 and 2 2

This module informs students with essential knowledge in setting up a business. Students develop business literacy through learning basic business principles and processes such as licensing, financial management, start-up operations, and consumer behaviour.

ACR2000 Singapore Arts Scene* 1 and 2 2

This module creates awareness in students of issues and trends in the arts scene, and develops critical thinking skills through problem-based learning.

IDP2001 Interdisciplinary Project 2A* 1 or 2
2

This module is an open platform of at least 2 disciplines, designed to introduce students to identify shared concepts and methods of the various disciplines. It aims to expose students to insights of the various disciplines, and become competent to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines.

IDP2002 Interdisciplinary Project 2B* 1 or 2 4

This module is an open platform of at least 2 disciplines, designed to introduce students to identify shared concepts and methods of the various disciplines. It aims to expose students to insights of the various disciplines, and become competent to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines.

IDP3001 Interdisciplinary Project 3A* 1 or 2
2

This module is an open platform of at least 2 disciplines, designed to engage students in identifying shared concepts and methods of the various disciplines. It provides insights of the various disciplines through an interdisciplinary environment, and raise new questions using interdisciplinary perspectives.

IDP3002 Interdisciplinary Project 3B* 1 or 2 4

This module is an open platform of at least 2 disciplines, designed to engage students in identifying shared concepts and methods of the various disciplines. It provides insights of the various disciplines through an interdisciplinary environment, and raise new questions using interdisciplinary perspectives.

*Electives

Show More

entry requirements

NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

  • Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity
  • Educational Qualification
  • Language Proficiency
  • Special Factor
  • Age Requirement
  • Module Exemption

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.


All applicants are to demonstrate their artistic potential through portfolio submission/admission test/audition as specified in each course, in order to be considered for admission.

All applicants (except from China) may select either (A) Portfolio Submission or (B) Admission Test.‬‬‬‬‬ Applicants from China will need to take the admission test. Requests to submit a portfolio by applicants from China are subject to approval.

(A) Portfolio Submission

You are to submit 10-15 images of recent art or design work, which should include a range of finished artwork as well as development work in preparing the finished artwork (sketches, mood boards, etc). Portfolios are assessed with the aim of identifying your creative and technical potential to undertake a course in art and design.

(Allowed image file types: .jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.tif,.tiff,.bmp. Maximum image file size: 5 MB)
(Allowed video file types: .mpeg,.mp4,.mov,.m4v,.avi,.wmv,.flv,.asf,.mpg,.mp3. Maximum image file size: 200 MB)

The work submitted should preferably be not more than two years old. It may be the result of assigned class projects or independent exploration. It is recommended that the selected examples of work reflect your interests, experience and competencies in art and design.

While compiling the contents of the portfolio, you may concentrate on a single medium or show work in a breadth of media. The portfolio may include, but is not limited to the following: drawing, prints, photography, painting, film, video, animation, sculpture, ceramics, digital work, etc.

You are also expected to write a statement of intent - in about 100 words - stating your reasons for pursuing a course of study in art and design. Please include your goals, interests and aspirations for the future.

(B) Admission Test

The test consists of three sections:

  • Drawing from observation - where you will be tested on your ability to draw an actual object or a scene in front of you
  • Creative visualization - where you will be tested on your creativity and imagination to visualise an object or a scene using the lines and/or shapes provided
  • Written essay - where you will be tested on your ability to write and express your views on art and design

(Test Duration: 3 hours)

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level: Aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.

    Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.

    Types of bonus points No. of bonus points awarded
    Grades of A1–A2 2 points
    Grades of B3–C6 1 point
  • Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
  • School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
  • Institute of Technical Education (ITE): Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec.

Minimum Qualifications Required
International applicants who have completed at least 10 years of education are eligible to apply. Relevant supporting evidence of applicants’ achievements in the arts must be submitted with the application.

If the earliest you are able to submit your full results is mid-2019, you may use your most recent school examination or preliminary examination results, which must be certified by your school, for application.

Overseas Educational Qualifications Accepted

China

  • Senior High School Leaving Certificate Examination
  • National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), also known as “Gao-kao”

India

Secondary School Certificate (Standard X) from:

  • The Central Board of Secondary Education Examinations (CBSE)
  • The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ISCE)
  • Other certificates equivalent to GCE ‘O’ Level

Indonesia

  • Sekolah Menengah Atas /Umum (SMA/SMU) National Final Evaluation Examination*
    *Good SMA/SMU/High School Year 10 and 11 results will be considered.

Korea

  • High School Graduation Certificate of National Examination (Year 11/Year 12)

Malaysia

  • Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Examination
  • Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) Examination
  • Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Examination

Myanmar

  • Basic Education High School Examination/Matriculation

Philippines

  • High School Diploma/Certificate

Sri Lanka

  • Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education - Ordinary Levels

Taiwan

  • General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT)
  • Senior Secondary School (Grade 11 / Grade 12))

Thailand

  • High School Year 12*
    *Good High School Year 10 and 11 results will be considered

Vietnam

  • High School Year 11 Results
  • High School Diploma (Year 12)
  • Diploma in arts-related studies

Other Qualifications

  • General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
  • Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
  • International Baccalaureate Middle Year Programme (IB MYP)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP)
  • International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate (IBCC)
  • International Baccalaureate Certificate

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

  • Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
  • TOEFL iBT 50
  • TOEFL 500
  • IELTS Academic Band 5
  • SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
  • Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants who do not meet the English Language proficiency requirement for the applied diploma course will have the option to enrol in the NAFA Preparatory English Course (PEC). Prior to enrolment in the PEC, applicants are required to submit their English Language proficiency scores from certification systems such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. They will be placed in the appropriate module(s) – Pre-intermediate Level English and/or Intermediate Level English or Supplementary English as determined by the submitted scores. 

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

Applicants should be 16 years of age or above in the year they are admitted to Year 1 of the diploma course.

The Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) allows applicants to apply for and receive conditional admission to NAFA prior to receiving their final grades.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education, IP or IB Year 4 students.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process Period
Application 13 Jun to 24 Jun 2022
Portfolio Submission/Audition 13 Jun to 8 Jul 2022
Offer & Acceptance 8 Aug to 12 Aug 2022
Withdrawal 8 Aug to 12 Aug 2022

Process


Application Stage
Offer and Acceptance
  • Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
  • Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement

Withdrawal
  • Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
  • Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
  • Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

Entry Requirements for EAE


Eligibility Criteria:

For O-Level Students
Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE)

Secondary 4/5 Mid-Year Examination Results with aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE O-Level subjects, excluding English.

For ITE Students
ITE students who are in their final year of study of their Nitec and Higher Nitec course may use their latest examination results to apply for EAE, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

For the AY2023 intake, ITE students who are completing their Nitec course in June or December 2022 or Higher Nitec course in September 2022 or March 2023 are eligible to apply for admission.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission

Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit following document, as applicable:
  • GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
  • Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
  • Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
  • Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
Any applicant who fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Applicants may receive module exemption of up to 60 credits, if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test. Application for module exemption may be subject to a Portfolio Interview or Audition.

Applicants with GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)

Applicants who have completed GCE A-Level or IB Diploma will be eligible to be considered for module exemption (up to 40 credits) in the relevant courses. Applicants from SOTA who have completed Year 4 and above are eligible to receive advanced standing (Year 1, Semester 2 or Year 2, Semester 1) in relevant Diploma courses subject to their final or preliminary examination results.

Applicants with Higher Nitec/ Nitec:

Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses are eligible to apply for module exemption:

  • Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
  • Nitec in Fashion Apparel Production & Design
  • Nitec in Product Design

At NAFA, we are committed to providing full and equal educational opportunities to all students. The Academy firmly believes that every individual deserves a supportive learning environment. Applicants are invited to inform us in advance of any specific needs, and/or type of physical facilities or support you might require. Please include this information in your application form, supplemented with the relevant medical reports. This will allow us to plan the appropriate learning support for you.