Diploma in Design Communication and Strategy

Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

DRIVE SOCIAL IMPACT WITH DESIGN COMMUNICATION

Empower yourself to shape the future by using design thinking to tackle social and cultural challenges, within regional and global contexts. Our dynamic programme will teach you to develop captivating communication initiatives through digital storytelling and interactive platforms, driving positive change.

With a forward-thinking approach to design, this programme blends transformative strategies, robust processes, and cutting-edge technologies. Combined with creative insight and persuasive communication skillsets, you will be primed for a thriving career in design communication.

If you wish to further your career as a Ministry of Education (MOE) teacher, you may apply to the MOE when you are in Year 1 of your diploma programme. Find out more about the Art and Music Teacher Training Sponsorship here. Upon completion of your diploma programme at NAFA, you will continue with a 2-year Diploma in Education at the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University to acquire further skills in classroom management and teaching strategies.

Create Purposeful Innovative Designs

Develop cultural knowledge to communicate effectively across language and societal differences, while building impactful communication initiatives that drive sustainable change and positive social impact across diverse communities.

Excel in Strategic Design

Hone hands-on design skillsets from ideation to completion, creating high-quality and innovative content solutions, while developing versatile collaboration abilities to meet project requirements and objectives.

Master the Art of Storytelling

Enhance your persuasive and creative thinking skills to engage audiences through the power of authentic narratives. Refine your communication strategies with digital storytelling and interactive platforms that blend creativity with technology.

More Information

Graduation Requirements

Diploma Programmes (AY2025 Intake and After)

In order to graduate from a diploma programme, you are required to attain at least 360 credits (including exempted credits and credits for non-graded modules, but excluding credits associated with repeated attempts), and pass all prescribed core and elective requirements with a minimum Grade D for all modules.

Mode of Instruction

Lessons may be delivered face-to-face on campus or facilitated online. Lecturers employ a variety of teaching strategies and methods according to the needs of each module. Students are expected to attend every lesson as scheduled, either in the form of lectures, tutorials, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, practical exercises, field activities, classroom practice or e-learning.

Assessment Methods

Each module is assessed by either class participation, written assignments, practical performances, portfolio presentations, projects, examinations, or any of these combinations. Assessment methods may vary according to individual module requirements.

Career Pathways

Upon the completion of this programme, dynamic careers in the creative industries await:

Brand Strategist
Content Creator
Designer
Design Facilitator
Design Researcher
Strategist / Business Designer
Visualiser

Students' Work

Modules

The following programme modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2025 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2024/2025 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Programme and Module Information Booklet on the Student Portal for the programme modules in your respective years of enrolment.

Type	Title	Year & Semester	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Art and Design Fundamentals This module equips students with fundamental knowledge of art and design principles that bridge both traditional mediums and contemporary approaches. Students will hone their making skills and visual language, focusing on essential artistic elements - merging theory with hands-on application. The module aims to build a solid foundation and encourage the integration of traditional and contemporary techniques for well-rounded artistic proficiency for creative expressions.	Year 1 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Creative Territories This module introduces key trends that shape the creative landscape by exploring the pivotal role of innovation that influences the creative industries, providing a platform for experimentation and idea generation. Embracing these concepts empowers designers and artists, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and socially conscious world.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
School Core	Transformation Design In this module, students are introduced to the fundamentals of communication in developing a point-of-view with design and copy. Students will be introduced to explore design principles, semiotics, design-thinking and visual strategies through the process of digital image-making and storytelling in producing different disciplines of design outcomes.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 1 Professional Development Plan 1 creates a platform for students to articulate their values, aspirations, and strategic choices in shaping their creative career. This module guides students in developing a plan to achieve their professional goals and align with their envisioned creative practice.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
School Core	Communication Studio 1: Copy-led and Visual Branding In this module, students are introduced to integration and techniques in design principles to shape art direction in still images. To effectively communicate the intended message, students will learn to craft visually persuasive narratives to evoke emotions and engage target audiences in a meaningful way.	Year 1 Semester 2	30
School Core	Design+ 1: Typography This module introduces students to look at type as image, and type as text. Learners will explore fonts through the landscape of type design, layout and visual storytelling to transform letters and words into expressions of powerful communication. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 1.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
School Core	Design+ 1: Visualgraphy This module introduces students to the art direction for storytelling through photography and videography. From practical skills to theoretical knowledge, learners will be able to create visually persuasive narratives through still images and moving pictures. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 1.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Students are encouraged to complete the elective requirement (totalling 30 credits) by the end of Year 2.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
Elective	Overseas Immersion Programme The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is a 2- to 3-week experience that provides students with the chance to immerse in a different culture and academic environment. Through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration, the programme fosters academic and professional growth, equipping participants to thrive in our interconnected global landscape. OIP participation can contribute towards fulfilling a portion of the 30-credit elective requirement.	Year 1 Semester 2 (or Year 2 Semester 1)	20
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	Year 2 Semester 1 (or Year 2 Semester 2)	10
School Core	Communication Studio 2: Motion Integrated and GenAI This module builds on design knowledge for strategic communication through moving pictures. From motion graphics to videography alongside artificial intelligence (AI) assisted visuals, students will experiment in storytelling techniques to create strategic engaging narratives across media platforms.	Year 2 Semester 1	30
School Core	Design+ 2: Tangible Design This module introduces students to 3-dimensional form-making through design principles. From shapes and textures to materials, learners will explore and create visually appealing and functional forms to strategically communicate and engage the target audience. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 2.	Year 2 Semester 1	10
School Core	Design+ 2: Interactive Media In this module, students will learn about the user design process, apply appropriate research methods to gain insights to users and their needs and conceptualize a digital application outcome using wireframes and prototyping software. The module focuses on how the UX design process is deployed in digital platforms, develop technical proficiency in designing user-centered and accessible interfaces. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 2.	Year 2 Semester 1	10
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Students are encouraged to complete the elective requirement (totalling 30 credits) by the end of Year 2.	Year 2 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 Building upon the foundation in Professional Development Plan 1, this module, Professional Development Plan 2, focuses on the practical execution of students' career plans and creative visions. Students refine their strategies and implement key choices towards navigating real-world scenarios.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
School Core	Communication Studio 3: Design and Case Studies This module advocates a human-centric approach to integrated design across design disciplines. To innovate opportunities in a broad range of media applications. Alongside the investigation of contemporary case studies, students will be introduced to the concepts of brand archetypes and thinking techniques to synthesize ideas, processes and production to their creative briefs.	Year 2 Semester 2	30
School Core	Design+ 3: Content Creation In this module, understanding the algorithms of various social media platforms and the use of search engine optimisation, influencer marketing and storytelling with Generative AIs to develop, organise and implement effective content with words, visuals, infographics, videos and more. And thereafter to conduct content marketing audit and analyse performance using metrics and analytics tools for a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 3.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
School Core	Design+ 3: Idea Lab In this module, students will explore more ideation techniques such as brand activation, social movement and user-generated content to harness the strengths of both traditional and non-traditional mediums. Fostering creativity and encouraging risk-taking, students will develop big ideas across various mediums to create award-winning work. This is one of two options that students can choose for Design+ 3.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Students are encouraged to complete the elective requirement (totalling 30 credits) by the end of Year 2.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
Faculty Core	Internship This one-semester module exposes students to real work environments through projects and practical training where they will gain a hands-on understanding of professional practices. All students must complete either the internship module or two industry-based learning (IBL) modules totalling 60 credits.	Year 3 Semester 1	60
Faculty Core	Industrial Attachment This one-term module exposes students to real work environments through projects and practical training where they will gain a hands-on understanding of professional practices. Students are required to complete either the Industry Project* module or Community Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Industry Project This module is project-based and provides students the opportunity to conceptualise, plan and execute a project. It will be a real live client project that will put their studies into practice, developing their sense of responsibility and interpersonal skills in a professional environment. Students are required to complete either the Industry Attachment* module or Community Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Community Project This module is project-based with the aim to improve the lives of the community at large. Students will work collaboratively with NGOs (Non-governmental organisation), non-profit organisations, etc, to effectively find initiative and art/design, in planning for the development for their communities. Students are required to complete either the Industry Attachment* module or Industry Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
School Core	Final Year Project This self-directed module provides learners with the opportunity to interpret a brief by integrating critical thinking and creative skills acquired in their course of study. A platform for students to demonstrate their ability to uncover new opportunities and design for an authentic, integrated user-experience campaign in their choice of a related communication discipline. They are also required to develop a portfolio for communication and feature in the Graduation Show.	Year 3 Semester 2	60

entry requirements

Find out about the specific entry requirements that apply to you.

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

Portfolio/Admission Test Requirements
Educational Qualification
English Language Proficiency
Special Factor

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.

Portfolio/Admission Test Requirements

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

Applicants may select either (A) Portfolio Submission or (B) Admission Test.

(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 programme in art and design.

(Allowed image file types: .pdf,.jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.tif,.tiff,.bmp. Maximum image file size: 10 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.

Your portfolio should contain your original works from at least two of the following categories: paintings, drawings, collages, posters, sculptures, digital images (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc), photographs, and/or video clips.

Guidelines on taking photographs of artworks:

A clean background with no visual clutter distracting the artwork should be used.

The artwork should be evenly lit and there should not be any shadows cast on the artworks

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

The outcome of your application will be sent to you in 4 to 6 weeks after submission of all supporting documents and portfolio.

(B) Admission Test

The test consists of three sections (test duration: 2.5 hours):

Written Ability
Ability to express and rationalise in writing
Drawing from Observation
Ability to draw from observation
Creative Visualisation
Aptitude in creativity and visualisation

Admission Test Date
23 January 2025
27 March 2025
29 May 2025

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

The last admission test for August 2025 intake is on 29 May 2025. If you missed the last admission test, you are required to submit your portfolio here within the next 5 working days from the application date.

Selected applicants may be asked to attend an in-person or online interview.

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

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
- Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	1 point

Educational Qualifications - International

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma programmes at NAFA. Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
TOEFL iBT 50
IELTS Academic Band 5
SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
Duolingo score of 80
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 42
Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

Special Factor

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

Early Admissions Exercise

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

The application will commence in June for the following year’s intake. Please check this page again in June.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemptions 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.

Applicants with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)
NAFA School of Young Talents (SYT)

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.

How to Apply

Get started on your quest to become an art & design professional today!

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

For all programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory, according to the option you have chosen in Step 1.

Option A (Portfolio Submission): Submit your portfolio here after completion of the online application.
Option B (Admission Test): Receive a test advisory on the date of the Admission Test from the Student Admissions Office after verification of the required documents and payment of the Application Fee. Attend the Admission Test at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

^ For Diploma in Arts Management: Submit personal statement and optional testimonial here. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Apply Now