Diploma in Fashion Management & Design (T20)
Course Overview
Fashion is more than style—it is a powerful language of expression and a driver of change. In this diploma, you will gain both creative and strategic skills to thrive in the evolving fashion industry. You will learn to navigate the full fashion lifecycle—from idea generation, branding, and garment design, to production, marketing, and retail. With a unique blend of design innovation and business thinking, you will develop a holistic understanding of fashion that balances creativity with commercial awareness.
In your second year, you will deepen your expertise by specialising in either Fashion Design or Fashion Management. Whether you are prototyping innovative silhouettes or developing strategies for fashion brands, you will sharpen your aesthetic eye while building strong entrepreneurial instincts. You will also create work that explores themes such as sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural identity—supported by digital tools that bring your vision to life.
As you progress, you will take on real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and build your own collection. Whether your aspirations lie in launching a label, curating fashion content, or shaping buying strategies, this course equips you with the creative fluency and business acumen to lead and influence in the world of fashion.
ONE AND ONLY
The only fashion course in a polytechnic!
PICK YOUR NICHE
Choose from two exciting options to specialise in – Fashion Design or Fashion Management.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Work with the latest in Swiss sewing technology at the TP-BERNINA Creative Studio right on our campus.
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
1-7
Mathematics (E or A)
1-7
Any one of the subject in the 2nd 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
2026 Planned Intake
55
Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2026 JAE)
5 - 15
• Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level applicants with good grades in the relevant subjects at their Singapore-Cambridge A Level may be granted subject exemption on a subject by subject basis.
• Applicants who are in the Singapore Integrated Programme are considered for admissions based on their Year 4 school results, pegged closely to the course entry requirements for Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level qualification.
Note:
- Applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
- Applicants with severe visual impairment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with severe visual impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
- Applicants with physical impairment or are physically dependent on mobility equipment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Applicants with impaired or limited motor functions may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for the course. Interested applicants with physical impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)
Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)
Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)
Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)
SIA - Singapore Stories
With sustainability at the heart of this collaboration, students drew inspiration from our local heritage and materials taken from retired Singapore Airlines aircrafts. An exploration of techniques incorporating zero-waste, patchwork, textile manipulation and natural dye were used to reimagine new silhouettes, textiles and unique concepts for garments and fashion lifestyle products alike.
The works were exhibited at Design Orchard for the inaugural Fashion Sustainability Summit 2022.
“Play! Singapore” Fashion for a Social Cause
A meaningful collaboration with Singapore Fashion Runway’s ‘Fashion for a Social Cause’, Student approach sustainable design by repurposing and reworking old, unwanted garments for an inclusive society based off the main theme of ‘Singapore’.
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Style Lease Refashion & Restyle Project
Students were challenge to upcycle pre loved designer dresses into a modern, 2 piece look With the incorporation of zero waste upcycling techniques, as well as sustainable textiles manipulation.
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Bernina
Student were tasked to utilize unconventional ways of combining materials, incorporating waste into the creative development of textiles and design. This allowed students to try out new ways of approaching sustainability, innovating with the use of unusual textiles and manipulation techniques that showcase the capabilities of Bernina machines.
Sustainable Retail Plan Proposal
The students were tasked to launch a fashion retail business plan that aligned with Singapore Fashion Runway’s brand vision and mission. The proposal includes the conceptualization of a shop layout, prototypes, services as well as a sustainable merchandise range.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- TPFun
You will take this set of subjects that builds your foundation skills, strengthens your craft, and encourages you to experiment and discover with confidence.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD1175 | Textiles Exploration
This subject covers the fundamental and creative application of textiles in relation to the fashion industry. It introduces the concept of textiles identification, characteristics, and properties, before delving into various textile manipulation techniques. This will allow for the innovation of basic materials that can valueadd to the development of unique fashion design ideas or lifestyle products. |
4 | ||
| DAD1176 | Introduction to Fashion Production
The subject integrates fundamental sewing techniques with digital production drawings and technical specifications essential for apparel and lifestyle accessories. It introduces core sewing skills including stitching methods and applications of functional trims and finishings. Concurrently, it delves into digital production drawings for communication of design details to sample makers and factories through technical packs (tech packs). A comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between sewing techniques and production drawings to assist in the creation of fashion textile products will also be covered. |
4 | ||
| DCF1051 | Ideas & Concepts
This subject introduces essential tools and methods for ideation, fostering divergent thinking and creative exploration. It cultivates students' critical awareness and stimulates criticality in conceptualising and visualising creative solutions. Through exploration, curiosity, and observation, students will learn to apply these approaches to contexts within our ever-changing world. |
2 | ||
| DCF1052 | Narratives in Design
This subject explores storytelling as a powerful strategic tool within the creative process across various design disciplines. |
2 | ||
| DCF1053 | Aesthetic & Design Sensibility
This subject explores the visual language of design, emphasising both its aesthetic and communicative functions. Students will develop an understanding of the Elements of Visual Art and the Principles of Design in both two-and three-dimensional forms. The subject also introduces foundational skills in material manipulation and form-making to support creative expression. |
4 | ||
| DCF1054 | Design Software Essentials
This subject equips students with training in essential, industry- standard design software commonly used across creative fields. Students will undertake a personalised learning pathway to build digital fluency through guided learning materials and self-directed activities. |
2 | ||
| DCF1055 | Foundation Studio
This subject develops fundamental discipline specific skills, enabling students to apply them within the design process. It also introduces contextual studies as a framework to integrate historical, cultural and social considerations into their design practice. |
6 | ||
| DAD2188 | Fashion Concepts & Strategies
This subject introduces a conceptual framework for creating new fashion brands and design collections. It covers consumer insights, brand positioning, and identification of market gaps through market research and trend analysis. It also provides contextual information for fashion brands and design collections to develop a unique selling point, strategising for competitive advantage in an everchanging and saturated consumer market. |
4 | ||
| DAD2194 | Design Studio: Exploration
This subject introduces the core fundamentals of the fashion design process through hands-on exploration. Students develop design concepts by investigating materials, textures, and core construction techniques, ensuring alignment with the identity and needs of a brand, client, or target audience. Emphasis is placed on iterative ideation and reflective practice as integral components of the creative fashion design process. |
6 |
You will take this set of subjects that develops your ability to shape concepts, create solutions, and work across interdisciplinary contexts.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD2190 | Digital Creation in Fashion
This subject adapts the digitalisation of the fashion lifecycle with the use of three-dimensional(3D) design software to streamline a more sustainable fashion creation process. It covers the usage of 3D simulation key features and tools, explored through practical, hands-on application. This will revolutionise the way designers and merchandisers conceptualise, develop, and present in the new digital age. |
4 | ||
| DAD2195 | Design Studio: Specialisation
This subject deepens creative exploration within chosen specialisms of fashion design or fashion management. It emphasises on redefining product and collection concepts through the cultivation of entrepreneurial skills by developing a personal design collection, merchandise range, or lifestyle brand that resonates with market trends, brand identity, and target audiences. |
6 | ||
| DAD3181 | Design Studio: Innovation
This subject focuses on real-world industry projects tailored to fashion design and fashion management specialisms. It emphasizes on innovative problem-solving, collaborating with industry partners to develop forward-looking solutions. Focus is placed on integrating emerging trends, technologies, and sustainability within the design process. |
6 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC1056 | Data & Code as Creative Tools
This subject introduces students to creative methods for using data and code in design. Through accessible low-code and no-code platforms, students explore how computational thinking, and structured data can be playfully reimagined. Emphasis is placed on using these tools to generate interactive design outcomes and expand creative possibilities. |
2 | ||
| DEC1057 | Interactive & Immersive Technologies
This subject explores how emerging technologies—such as sensors, microcontrollers and motion trackers—enable designers to create responsive and immersive experiences. Students experiment with physical computing to prototype interactive systems, gaining an intuitive understanding of how technology can shape user engagement and interaction. |
2 | ||
| DEC2058 | Design Realisation through Technology
This subject brings together digital fabrication and physical prototyping practices to help students realise interactive concepts as tangible outcomes. Through tools like 3D printing, laser-cutting, and hands-on iteration, students refine their ideas into functional prototypes that demonstrate thoughtful application of technology in design. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC1059 | People-Centred & Inclusive Design
This subject introduces students to the principles and practices of people-centred and inclusive design. Through user research, empathy-building, and accessibility principles, students learn to uncover real needs and engage diverse perspectives with clarity and care. The subject encourages thoughtful design grounded in the realities of people and the contexts they live in. |
2 | ||
| DEC1060 | Facilitating Innovation through Design
Students explore how design enables innovation within cross-functional teams and complex environments. Through practical frameworks, tools and case studies, they learn to frame opportunities, support co-creation and guide creative collaboration. The subject highlights the designer's role as a facilitator of change, helping teams navigate ambiguity and unlock new value. |
2 | ||
| DEC2061 | Prototyping for Service Innovation
This subject focuses on using prototyping to explore and communicate ideas across service and system-level contexts. Students learn how to develop physical and digital mock-ups, test experiences across multiple touchpoints, and refine their solutions through rapid iteration. Data and user feedback are used to inform design decisions and enhance service outcomes in real-world contexts. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC1062 | Strategic Brand Building
This subject introduces the fundamentals of brand strategy and management. Students learn how to position a brand, define its value, and develop coherent brand systems that connect with audiences. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, they explore how brands stay relevant and align with business goals. |
2 | ||
| DEC1063 | Consumer Psychology & Brand Influence
This subject explores how consumer behaviour and psychology shape brand interactions. Students examine decision-making patterns, emotional drivers, and behavioural insights to better understand how people relate to brands. The subject bridges marketing strategy with human perception, helping students build more meaningful and persuasive brand experiences. |
2 | ||
| DEC2064 | Storytelling for Brand Engagement
This subject explores how storytelling and data-driven insights come together to engage audiences across marketing platforms. Students learn to craft compelling brand narratives, apply performance analytics, and develop targeted strategies that align with consumer behaviours. Through integrated campaigns, they activate brands that are both creatively distinctive and strategically informed. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC1065 | Digital Content Strategy
This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of social media and content strategy. They learn how to plan, manage, and measure content across platforms to build brand presence and engage audiences. Students explore performance analytics and platform-specific behaviours to craft strategic, consistent, and effective digital content. |
2 | ||
| DEC1066 | Crafting Stories for Digital Media
This subject focuses on storytelling techniques for digital content creators. Students learn how to structure compelling narratives, storyboard ideas, and write with clarity and purpose. Drawing on principles from journalism, content marketing and digital publishing, the subject helps students shape stories that resonate across media formats and audience types. |
2 | ||
| DEC2067 | Media Production for Content Creators
This subject equips students with practical production skills for digital content creation. They learn how to plan, shoot, and edit photo and video content while working with lighting, sound and composition. Through hands-on projects, students produce engaging media assets that align with platform and audience needs, building content that is both technically sound and creatively effective. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC1068 | Creative Business Essentials
This subject introduces students to the practical realities of running a creative business. From understanding business structures and managing finance to finding clients, students learn how to operate independently and sustainably. Project management, client communication, and business administration are explored through the lens of creative practice. |
2 | ||
| DEC1069 | Ethics, IP & the Creative Economy
This subject introduces the legal and ethical considerations relevant to creative professionals. Students learn the basics of intellectual property, copyright and contract law, along with the responsibilities involved in fair and ethical business practice. Real-world examples help students understand how to protect their work and navigate client agreements with confidence. |
2 | ||
| DEC2070 | Creative Practice for the Marketplace
This subject prepares students to take their creative work to market. They learn how to position their value, tailor messaging to different audiences, and develop pitching strategies that resonate. From crafting narratives to developing and presenting business ideas, students build confidence in articulating and promoting their creative ventures. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD2185 | Drafting Techniques
This subject covers basic pattern making techniques for a variety of garment types. Essential dart manipulation techniques will be introduced to achieve the desired garment fit and shape, allowing for accurate translation of diverse apparel designs. |
4 | ||
| DAD2186 | Fashion Construction
This subject introduces the principles of garment construction and essential sewing techniques for a variety of apparel. It will cover the construction of 2- dimensional patterns with appropriate seams and finishes, as well as the intricacies of fabric handling and the various techniques required for different fabric types. |
4 | ||
| DAD2187 | Draping Techniques
This subject cover fabric manipulation and fundamental draping techniques to create 3-dimensional silhouettes. It introduces the application of dart manipulation techniques and unique style lines to innovate details and silhouettes. It will also focus on the various ways of handling different fabric types to elevate the design with the unique characteristics. |
4 | ||
| DAD2189 | Creative Pattern Making
This subject introduces innovative pattern making techniques, combining flat pattern drafting with three-dimensional (3D) draping on the dress form. It adopts a structured yet creative approach to understanding garment shapes, fit, and construction through the manipulation of both two-Dimensional (2D) and 3D forms. The subject will progress toward experimental applications, including the creation of structural elements, the integration of zero-waste principles that challenge conventional pattern layouts, and the development of fully constructed garments with refined finishing techniques. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD2180 | Fashion Supply Chain
This subject covers the lifecycle of a product, from production to distribution including the various stages of information and flow of goods. It also includes the process and network of the various supply chain channels. It focuses on the different structures and cycles depending on each fashion brand's business model. |
4 | ||
| DAD2191 | Retail Buying Management
This subject provides an overview of the principles of merchandising in relation to market trends and consumer demand. It examines sales forecasting, budget planning, and selection of product ranges for fashion brands, including pricing strategy and retail inventory management. It will also cover finance business management based on the role of a retail buyer, as well as the analysis of market trends to identify, source for and develop products suited for a brand’s target market. |
4 | ||
| DAD2192 | Retail Design & Experiences
This subject covers the experience of a brand’s retail space in relation to its merchandise and target audience. It focuses on the design of touchpoints, zones and visual displays that encapsulate a brand’s identity while providing a unique, immersive in-store experience for customers. It also covers the incorporation of retail trends that are interactive, while optimising spaces for the strategic placement of fixtures and merchandise. |
4 | ||
| DAD2193 | Strategies in Fashion Marketing
This subject introduces the fundamentals of fashion marketing for both offline and online retail. It identifies market trends, analyses consumer behaviour, and examines the various communication channels and platforms used in fashion marketing. It also examines the role of digital marketing in fashion, comparing how different brands leverage digital trends and analytics to create successful campaigns. Additionally, it emphasizes the creation of effective marketing strategies for fashion products, designing and executing campaigns using a variety of marketing tools. |
4 |
You will take this set of subjects that deepens your professional readiness through industry exposure, equipping you to produce high-quality work for real-world applications.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD3180 | FMD Professional Practice
This subject prepares emerging fashion professionals to present their creative work through a market-ready portfolio. It covers techniques for presenting fashion projects in an innovative and compelling manner, with an emphasis on personal branding, visual storytelling, and digital presentation. The aim is to support the transition from education to employment or entrepreneurship, equipping graduates with the tools and confidence to present their work in both local and global fashion contexts. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAD3178 | FMD Capstone Project: Proposal
This subject guides students through the development of a comprehensive proposal for a fashion collection or brand. Students will engage in key industry practices such as market research, trend forecasting, and brand/collection planning. The final outcome is a proposal that serves as the creative and strategic blueprint for the production phase of the capstone project. |
4 | ||
| DAD3179 | FMD Capstone Project: Production
This subject marks the production phase of the fashion capstone project, where creative concepts are brought to life through either collection development or brand execution. It supports both design and management pathways in areas of product creation, branding, marketing, or business strategy. The subject encourages entrepreneurial thinking, with an emphasis on quality, innovation, and readiness for market launch. |
6 | ||
| DGL3071 | Guided Work-based Learning
This subject provides opportunity for students to be involved in industry attachment through collaboration with industry partners. The industry-specific knowledge and skills acquired during the attachment would be facilitated by organisation supervisors and school liaison officers to enhance learning and application of knowledge in a real-world workplace environment. |
10 |
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.
| 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 | ||
| DSI3076 | 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. |
16 |
| 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
Cumulative Grade Point Average
min 1.0
TP Fundamentals Subjects
min 36 credit units
Diploma Core Subjects
54 credit units
Option Subjects
16 credit units
Elective Subjects
min 18 credit units
Total Credit Units Completed
min 124 credit units
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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
