Common Design Programme (T71)

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Course Overview

Do you have a burning passion to shape the world, ignite change and captivate hearts through design? Prepare to embark on a transformative learning experience through the Common Design Programme (CDP), where you can explore your interests before diving into a specialised pathway!

In the revolutionary world of design, it’s not just about colours, shapes, or pixels. As you immerse yourself in the Process, Craft, Context, and Mindset of being a designer, you will unravel the secrets of problem-solving, discover the power of design tools and techniques, and develop an appreciation for the artistry that lies within design.

Form meaningful connections with fellow students who share your passion, and be part of a community of like-minded individuals who will inspire and challenge you throughout your journey. You will also nurture your creative confidence as you prepare for a dynamic future through interdisciplinary learning.

Through a unique curation of exposure workshops, talks, and activities, CDP will empower you to make an informed decision about the pathway that resonates with your interests, strengths, and aspirations. After an engaging and eye-opening semester, you will be able to forge your path forward by choosing one of our five diplomas:

[T59] Diploma in Communication Design

[T23] Diploma in Digital Film & Television

[T20] Diploma in Fashion Management & Design

[T22] Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design

[T35] Diploma in Product Experience & Design

Unleash your creative spirit, embrace the thrill of exploration, and embark on your exciting journey towards becoming the designer of tomorrow, right here at Common Design Programme!

NURTURE CREATIVE CONFIDENCE
The design-focused programme will provide strong foundational knowledge and skills across various disciplines, paving the way for you to excel in the project-based and collaborative nature of design.

EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY
Through diploma exposure talks and hands-on workshops, discover your strengths and interests before you decide which pathway to pursue.

ADAPTIVE AND CHANGE-READY
The broad interdisciplinary exposure and awareness will prepare you for a dynamic future that is seeing a growing adoption of design in non-design sectors.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject

Grade

English Language (ELT)*

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-7

Any one of the subject in the 2^nd group of relevant subjects for ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type

Art
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computing / Computer Studies
Creative 3D Animation
Design & Technology
Design Studies
Food & Nutrition/ Nutrition & Food Science
Electronics / Fundamentals of Electronics
Higher Art
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Physics
Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry)

1-6

2025 Planned Intake

Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2025 JAE)

5 - 14

* Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/ Unified Examination Chinese (UEC) holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the relevant English Language subject (e.g. Bahasa Inggeris).

Note: Applicants with partial or complete colour appreciation deficiency should not apply for this course. Applicants who do not satisfy the pre-requisite may not be accepted into the course. Applicants must ensure that they do not suffer from medical conditions such as epilepsy or hearing deficiency for safety reasons.

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

What You'll Learn

Year 1
TPFun

We believe that to become a well-rounded and successful designer, you need to understand the core principles and acquire the essential skills across various design domains. Through the Designerly Ways of Seeing, Knowing, Thinking, and Doing, you will embrace the joy of experimenting with everyday materials and forms as you unlock the hidden potential within them. Master the art of visual storytelling, weaving narratives through imagery, sound, and graphics that captivate and inspire. Dive deep into the realm of design trends and issues, understanding the contextual landscape in which design thrives.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DCF1036	Discovering Design This subject will cover the essential ideas, tools, processes and techniques of the various disciplines within design. It provides the framework to develop creative confidence towards learning in design by acquiring fundamental knowledge, attitudes, and mindsets necessary to build design conversance.	2
DCF1037	Design in Context This subject explores the context, influence and motivations in creative practices led by global art, design and film movements across various periods. It will cover the study of design trends and socio-political climates to translate design inspirations using the appropriate terminology and language in both writing and oral presentations.	2
DCF1038	Aesthetics for Design This subject introduces the aesthetic and communicative aspects of design. Key topics include the elements of visual art, principles of design, basic drawing techniques and fundamental applied typography, and will explore integrating different sensorial qualities to expand the aesthetic experience for effective design communication.	4
DCF1039	Form & Materiality This subject will introduce prototyping and tactile manipulation in relation to form and function. The subject provides the framework for exploring form, proportion and hierarchy, with a focus on 2D and 3D drawings, interacting with both hard and soft materials, and journaling.	4
DCF1040	Visual Narratives: Photography This subject provides an overview of the power of visual narratives through a variety of photographic directions. It includes the fundamentals of camera skills such as shutter speed control, depth of field, sensor sensitivity, exposure and angle of lenses, basic principles of photography, and the narration of a story through a series of photographic images.	2
DCF1041	Visual Narratives: Videography This subject will cover the use of electronic cinematography techniques to tell a story. Key topics include mobile videography, visual composition, shutter speed control, depth of field, sensor sensitivity, exposure and angle of lenses, lighting concepts, audio and post-production, and video sequencing in creating visual narratives.	2

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Note: Students in the Common Design Programme will take selected TPFun subjects during the programme, and complete the remaining subjects after streaming into their respective diploma courses. For details on the Student Internship Programme, please refer to the respective diploma course pages.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
GTP1103	Effective Personal Leadership This subject examines self-management and self-leadership through an exploration of values and beliefs, necessary for adapting to the world of work. It covers topics such as self-management and awareness, values and ethics, interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience and emotional intelligence for enhancing leadership capabilities. These can significantly influence careers, relationships, and overall well-being. This subject is a reflective exploration of ‘leadership from within’ to have a greater awareness for the development of attributes required in an effective values-centred leader for oneself and for others.	3
GTP1203	Career Readiness & Communication This subject equips students with career preparation skills through better understanding of their career interests, values, skills and aspirations. Topics covered include personal branding, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview techniques. In addition, students will gain awareness of workplace communication to succeed in their careers and achieve professional goals.	3
GTP1303	Current Issues & Critical Thinking This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking by engaging students with current local and global issues. Students will learn to analyse diverse perspectives and uncover underlying assumptions in opinions, evaluate the credibility and bias of information sources, and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments using established critical-thinking frameworks. They will also assess the societal, ethical, and personal implications of contemporary problems, and develop the ability to communicate their conclusions clearly and persuasively, employing appropriate digital tools to support their ideas.	4
INV1001	Innovation & Entrepreneurship The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond. Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.	2
LSW1002	Sports & Wellness This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-on time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreational setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.	2
TGS1002	Global Studies This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.	3
TGS1003	Sustainability & Climate Action This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community. It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.	3
	Student Internship Programme This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	GTP1304	Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth.	3

Graduation Requirements

All students who enrol through this common programme will graduate with the same diploma as those who had joined a particular diploma right from the start. They will be subject to the graduation requirements of the respective diplomas into which they have been streamed.

Please refer to the respective diploma websites for more information:

Course Review

"The environment encourages us to discover and explore our strengths in addition to what we are interested in. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to learn from each other and help us to be more open-minded towards new ideas as different classmates have different perspectives on certain issues. I find that this is important and useful as it helps me to develop my critical thinking skills."

"I think one of the many benefits is that the interdisciplinary nature of learning allows us to have a basic understanding of the various disciplines in design. It is handy as the creative and design industry often requires us to work in collaboration with one another. Possessing basic skills and knowledge will allow individuals to work more efficiently as they would have a basic understanding of one another’s disciplines."

"I enjoy the subjects as they are appropriate and enriching for all students, with or without art background. I think that all the classes are essential in building a foundation across all design aspects and will be useful to our future as designers. I adore this system as it implores us to learn from each other and makes class infinitely more interesting and fun as we are constantly churning different ideas!"

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable.

ADMITTED IN	SINGAPOREANS (Aged below 40 in the year 2024)	SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTS	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2025	S$3,179.65	S$6,509.65	S$12,570.15
2024	S$3,068.75	S$6,298.75	S$12,159.25

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1: 21 April 2025 -19 October 2025
Semester 2: 21 October 2025 -19 April 2026

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

Payment Method

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section.

Click here to see the scholarships offered to A&F students

Go to Fees & Financial Matters

Contact

deshotline@tp.edu.sg
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/des
School of Design
Temasek Polytechnic
Central Block 28-28A
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757