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Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

UNLEASH THE POWER OF MEDIA INNOVATION

Dive into the world of media production and design, where creativity meets technology. Discover how you can pioneer the next generation of media experiences, captivating audiences with innovative technology and compelling narratives.

Our forward-thinking curriculum equips you to conceptualise, design, and execute captivating media experiences. By engaging with various vibrant media scenes through real-world projects, you will be prepared to shape the evolving world of immersive production and design.

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.


Build Purposeful Media Experiences

Refine your creativity through hands-on design projects, from conceptualisation, and iteration, to execution. Craft compelling media experiences in various formats and styles that give you an edge.

Create Innovative Content

Master engagement strategies and adopt innovative techniques to boost user interaction. Transform traditional media experiences —such as mainstream advertising channels, outdoor media, and displays—into impactful experiences.

Blend Design Skills and Technology

Expand your expertise on new technologies like virtual, augmented reality and interactive applications, leveraging them to design immersive media environments that engage on multiple levels.







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:

  • Content Creators
  • Experience Designer
  • Interactive Specialists
  • Media Producer / Director
  • Motion Graphics Animator
  • Post-Production Assistant
  • Visual Effects Artist

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.

TypeTitleYear & SemesterCredits
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 110
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 130
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 110
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 110
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 210
School Core

Experience Studio 1: Scene Remake and Camera Shots

This is a foundational module that explores art of creative storytelling in media content. This module equips students with a fundamental understanding of the narrative structure, crafting stories, as well as developing characters. By exploring and applying the key elements of a story, students will gain the skills necessary to create engaging and impactful stories, which they will apply to their short film production projects that they would embark. Additionally, the module introduces students to the basics of research, emphasizing the importance of data analysis in informing and enhancing their storytelling endeavours.
Year 1 Semester 230
School Core

Media+ 1: Moving Graphics

This module is a foundational module designed to equip students with essential skills and technical knowledge to transform static visuals into dynamic animations. Through this module, students will explore various types of motion graphics, including typography, graphical elements, and screen transitions. The primary focus is on understanding how motion graphics can be effectively deployed in narratives, as well as developing technical proficiency in the use of software tools.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 1.
Year 1 Semester 210
School Core

Media+ 1: User Experience Design

This module is a fundamental module that introduces students to the fundamentals of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. 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-centred and accessible interfaces.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 1.
Year 1 Semester 210
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 210
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

Experience Studio 2: Video Expression and GenAI

This is a core module designed to further develop students' creative, critical, and technical skills in producing non-fictional media content and documentaries. This module builds upon the foundational narrative skills and experience acquired and provides students with practical and theoretical understanding of non-fiction filmmaking, The module emphases the importance of research and how it informs the content of their film. Students would get to collaborate and working on live client projects.
Year 2 Semester 130
School Core

Media+ 2: Motion Effects

This module focuses on the development and implementation of motion effects in screen content. Through the utilization of industry-standard methods and software, this module empowers students to create visually engaging and realistic composite scenes. Building upon the students' narrative capabilities, Media 2 enhances the storytelling process by employing computer-generated imagery (CGI) to generate compelling visuals.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 2.
Year 2 Semester 110
School Core

Media+ 2: User Interactive Design

The module looks into user experience (UX) design with a wider perspective to develop in-depth insights of user behaviours with tools such as personas and user testing in addition to the fundamental skillsets. Students will explore how UX principles translates across diverse media platforms, with ethical design in accessibility and inclusivity as key considerations in the conceptualization process and developing engaging media experiences.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 2.
Year 2 Semester 110
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 110
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 210
School Core

Experience Studio 2: Music and Anthology

This module is a core module designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the realm of film and media production. It aims to broaden students' understanding and application of cross-platform media while significantly focusing on the development of advanced skills in cinematography, screenplay development, film aesthetics, directing, and editing.
Year 2 Semester 230
School Core

Media+ 3: Visual Effects

This module focuses on advanced digital techniques in effects composition, aligning with industry-standard practices. It aims to further enhance students' technical proficiency in imaging software and empower them to create engaging visual narratives through animation and films. Students will delve into complex visual effects techniques and workflows, enabling them to produce high-quality visual effects for various media platforms.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 3.
Year 2 Semester 210
School Core

Media+ 3: Media Lab

The module focuses on meaningful and engaging experiences through the use of media and technology. Students explore into various media such as Augmented/Virtual/Mixed reality platforms to conceptualize interactive visuals, using applications and tools to aid the production process and create immersive digital experiences.

This is one of two options that students can choose for Media+ 3.
Year 2 Semester 210
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 210
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 160
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 130
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 130
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 130
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 260
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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.


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.
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 pointsNo. of bonus points awarded
    Grades of A1–A22 points
    Grades of B3–C61 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
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.
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.
Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.
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.

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.