Diploma in Communication Design (T59)

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Course Overview

Are you intrigued by how design and technology is used to enhance brand experiences? Do you take a second look at beautifully crafted packaging, user-interface designs on apps, websites and engaging outdoor advertising? Humans are visual creatures, and eye-catching designs and messages can influence how we perceive products and brands.

Our unique and diverse curriculum cuts across graphic design, business and technology. Gain a strong understanding of visual communication and equip yourself with skills in persuasive advertising, digital and interactive design, visual story-telling and more. This will help you to create human-centered designs that are strategic, meaningful, and captivating.

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary for creative careers in growing sectors such as media, healthcare, retail, financial services and infocomm technology.

Through exposure to real-world industry projects, you will learn to dissect briefs and deliver convincing pitches. Become a versatile professional who creates fresh and impactful designs to communicate messages effectively in evolving environments.

The future is yours to design.

EXPLORE YOUR PATH
Explore multiple pathways through a large offering of exciting electives, including Foundation Psychology, Game Design, Design for Business Impact, Sustainable Space Planning, Experimental Printmaking, Expressive Illustration, Creative Coding and Self-Publishing.

BE PART OF THE BEST
As Singapore’s first visual communication course, we have grown an extensive network of alumni who have consistently been awarded at prestigious local and international competitions, including Crowbar Awards, D&AD New Blood Awards, and more. Join the ranks of this network to be recognized as one of the best in the industry.

INDUSTRY-FOCUSED CURRICULUM
Get the opportunity to work closely with real clients and industry partners, providing the best learning experience to prepare you for the industry.

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 (EL1)*

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 - 11

Note: Applicants who have partial or complete colour appreciation deficiency should not apply for this course.

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

Coursework

The Love Sick Clinic

The Love Sick Clinic is a satirical campaign educating Singaporean teenagers about STDs through humour and relatability. Diverging from conventional scare tactics, it employs satire to dissect the behavioural and psychological nuances causing unprotected sex. Unveiling unhealthy relationship habits and the sway of infatuation on judgement, the campaign reframes these issues as "symptoms" to allow for easier identification and recognition of these thinking and behaviours. This strategy empowers individuals to discern when love influences their decisions, fostering profound understanding and encouraging responsible choices for STD protection.

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Revour

Revour is not just a drink—it's a flavourful journey challenging the norm. Infused with miracle berries, its RTD cocktails are taste sensations that defy expectations. We're all about shaking up societal norms, celebrating life's richness, and connecting over unforgettable moments. From our innovative products to dynamic touchpoints, join us in the flavour Revour-lution and rediscover the joy of living boldly!

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Under the Blanket

"Do you want kids?" You'll be asked this at some point in your life. Under the Blanket is a light-hearted campaign that aims to redefine the playbook of perfect parenting. Having kids is a huge choice, filled with dilemmas and debates. But why is it rarely talked about? Join us, Under the Blanket, where we combine laughter with responsibility. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, our mission is to inspire a generation that values authentic discussions about children.

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State of Being

State of being is an interactive pop-up store that facilitates a journey of self-discovery. For the ones searching for a stable structure within us. State of Being welcomes the public to re-evaluate our relationship with personality types and how it influences our lives. Reframing MBTI personality tests as a starting point for self-exploration, we pave the way to explore the potential within us and make more meaningful discoveries about the growth of our acquired identities.

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Bin Apetit

Bin Appétit is a recycling system and campaign where trash is represented as ‘food’ for bins, making use of popular food dishes to educate the correct methods of recycling. By displaying what ‘food' each bin can ‘consume,’ Singaporeans can engage in a fun and unconventional way to learn about recyclable items, as well as what they should avoid ‘feeding’ the bins.

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Glass Hotel

Glass Hotel is a hospitality concept that re-imagines and elevates one’s hotel experience through a shared collective of memories around the world. A celebration of culture and community, one can re-live their travel experiences whilst unleashing their inner explorative selves that crave discovery. Glass Hotel presents the opportunity to slow down and “re-live” those little moments—a restart; unlocking untapped perspectives on the way we view life.

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What You'll Learn

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
TPFun

Learn everything you need to know about the fundamentals of good graphic design – from the digital toolkits to photography, editorial work, typography and more. Hone your design sensitivity with the many briefs, projects and critiques coming your way.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM2384	Applied Typography This subject focuses on how typography and grid systems are applied to produce consistent and effective layouts using a desktop publishing software. Technical topics such as type anatomy, classification, measurements and the construction of grid systems will be discussed with factors that influence the selection, manipulation and composition of type in a layout design. The subject also explores typography as an expressive medium for communication.	4
DIM2385	Art Direction This subject focuses on using art direction to guide and strategise the generation and communication of creative ideas. It provides an understanding of visual literacy through elements, principles, metaphors and tonality for designers to craft mood boards, style boards and content guides. By applying the mood board into visual designs targeted at the identified audience, designers will effectively respond to professional client briefs in a directed manner.	2
DIM2386	Creative Storytelling This subject focuses on the importance of storytelling and content writing. It introduces the function and purpose of crafting a story through writing, and then examining our human-content relationships. It provides the fundamentals of storytelling and writing for the new communication landscape. Topics include creating compelling stories that sell products, brands and values, how storytelling adds value to a campaign, and how brands connect with the audience more effectively.	2
DIM1368	Design for Print This subject focuses on the crucial aspects of design for print production. It will cover topics such as final artwork preparation, pre-production and finishing techniques, offset and digital printing processes, sustainability considerations in materials, and packaging formats in design.	4
DIM1369	3D Visualisation This subject will introduce the use of 3D images in a design context. Using relevant digital software, it will focus on creating 3D images by exploring different forms, lighting and dimension. Topics will also include the principles and elements of 3D form production for application in digital environments and 3D printing outcomes.	4
DIM1370	Brand Strategy This subject focuses on using brand strategy as a tool to develop a brand proposal. The topics covered include analysing the competitive landscape, market differentiation and positioning, brand archetypes, brand blueprint, defining the target audience and identifying the best way to engage them.	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
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
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
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

Start specialising! With advice from your tutors, you can choose to go deeper into areas like branding design, integrated communication or image design. Meanwhile, projects, sometimes ‘live’ briefs with industry and competitions will keep your creative juices flowing.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM2387	Design for Screen This subject will introduce the process and principles of user-centered design for designers to identify needs and opportunities for positive interaction based on user personas. Using appropriate tools, it will cover the creation of interactive screen design for desktop, tablet and mobile devices, usability and interaction principles, interface design elements, wireframes and screen flow for prototyping.	4
DIM2388	Visual Identity This subject provides knowledge in planning an effective brand strategy and the implementation of a brand proposal. It will reinforce the importance of a brand strategy, and focus on synthesising a brand blueprint, constructing a brand architecture, conceptualising and designing a logo with the create of a coherent and unified identity system across brand touchpoints.	4
DIM3380	Integrated Campaign This subject introduces several aspects of the new economy and how marketing and advertising can effectively deliver timely and relevant advertising messages to achieve business objectives. It will focus on how strategic, collaborative, and promotional marketing can be communicated effectively through various marketing channels in a consistent and persuasive message.	4
DIM1371	Motion Graphics This subject will introduce the translation of graphics from static print to motion on screen. It covers techniques and processes of time-based media including visual effects, animated transitions, sequencing and storyboarding for motion graphics.	2
DIM2389	Studio Project 1 This subject covers in-depth research and analysis of information to identify problems based on insights gathered. Through the ideation and creative process, solutions are then proposed, in the form of a brand identity for a product, service, or organization. Technical and production skills taught in previous subjects are integrated into a well-resolved cross-platform solution with the creation of multiple deliverables and touchpoints. This includes project management, time management, and presentation skills.	6
DIM2390	Digital Innovation This subject focuses on the role of technology in design and how technology can be used to solve problems or create an immersive experience for consumers. Topics will cover current and emerging technologies in modern society, digital product design principles, and how to integrate technology for an innovative user experience.	4
DIM3381	Brand Experience This subject covers the design of a holistic brand experience in response to the needs of modern day consumers. The topics include factors that contribute to customer experience, brand loyalty and consumer engagement through various touchpoints such as products, services, and environments.	2
DIM3382	Studio Project 2 This subject will provide an opportunity to integrate knowledge from various areas of learning to produce experiential cross-platform solutions. It will focus on the research and analysis of current issues, as well as the combination of creative thinking with technical and production skills to produce engaging and innovative outcomes. It will also touch on project management, time management and the delivery of a final presentation.	6

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM2391	Design for Business Impact This subject provides an overview of how to make a business desirable through design. It includes key topics such as business model blueprint, design canvas, value proposition, customer profiling and strategic positioning of design as a core competency for businesses.	4
CGE2C20	Game Design The subject emphasises the use of game design to improve ideas before and during implementation. It covers various aspects of game design, from initial target audience, player behaviour and attitude to aspects affecting implementation within the actual video game. By examining various successful video games within different genres, you will learn to include a variety of attributes in your video games such as motivation for the player and being able to generate re-playability.	4
DIA2244	Sustainable Space Planning The subject focuses on the understanding of human behaviour through the sustainable planning of spaces that set the stage for an effective user experience. The subject addresses issues pertaining to ergonomics, anthropometry, human behaviour, universal design and design programming that provides a platform for exploring various techniques to creatively resolve challenges related to the function and quality of human environments.	4
GDS1001	Principles of Psychology & Inclusivity This subject introduces fundamental concepts, theories, and methodology in the study of general psychology to enhance the understanding of human perception, cognition, and social behaviour. Concepts of inclusivity will also be covered in the application to design solutions, with a focus on the understanding of special needs.	4
CIT1C23	Computational Thinking This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of computational thinking and their application in developing programming solutions for problems. Topics covered include programming concepts, simple data structures and programming techniques.	4

Go out into the big, wide world of design studios, brand consultancies, advertising agencies and communication firms through 16 weeks of local or overseas internship. Your major project will also be an opportunity for you to utilise all the skills, knowledge and experience gained over this learning journey.

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	DIM3378	Industry Studio Project This subject provides an authentic industry experience of working in a creative team to solve live briefs provided by design professionals and clients from a spectrum of industries. The project will require the application of the design process to generate ideas, develop strategies and produce realistic solutions that respond to the brief. Essential soft skills such as communication, conflict management, decision making and team organisation, as well as professional skills, like project management, pitching and managing feedback will also be inculcated through the process.	6
	DMP3026	Major Project: CMD This subject begins with a self-initiated design project that focuses on a design discipline within the scope of Communication Design that is of personal interest or of academic capability. The subject will end with the production of a set of design solutions that is reflective of creative independence, critical conceptual thinking and industry-ready design execution skills. Time management skills, independent responses to critique, and pursuit of high-level design competency will be expectations of this subject.	8

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM2392	Experimental Printmaking Lab This subject explores the possibilities of print production techniques to enhance the tactile experience. It covers alternative print processes and techniques, material and surface exploration, and creative technology to produce meaningful and expressive analogue solutions.	2
DIM2393	Expressive Illustration Lab This subject explores the possibilities of creating memorable characters for compelling storytelling. It will cover various illustrative techniques to achieve function, aesthetics, style and personality that contribute to character development and expression.	2
DIM2394	Creative Coding Lab This subject explores the possibilities of computer programming to create code-based interaction that is expressive and experiential. The topics include fundamentals of computational thinking, programming concepts to work in a variety of mediums such as design, art or games, and to create interactive visuals and experiences.	2
DIM2395	Self-Publishing Lab This subject explores the possibilities of printed publication as a medium for expression and communication. Topics include typographic and image manipulation, material, form and print experimentation, content strategy, and platforms to support the publishing intent.	2
CAI2C10	Machine Learning Lab This subject is designed to introduce the fundamentals of machine learning. The subject will cover the basic concepts of machine learning, such as supervised learning, and explore the types of problems that machine learning can solve. The subject will also introduce basic concepts of neural networks and deep learning, and how it is applied to areas such as image/object recognition.	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.

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
DSI3033	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.	12

	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 32 credit units

Diploma Subjects - Core Subjects

80 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Elective Subjects

min 6 credit units

Total Credit Units Completed

min 118 credit units

Career Prospects

Art Director
Branding Designer
Content Strategist
Digital Designer

Digital Product Designer
Experience Designer
Graphic Designer
Image Designer / Illustrator / Visual Artist

Interactive Designer
Motion Graphic Designer
UX/UI Designer
Web Designer

Course Review

"Came in with a young aspiration to create pretty work, and found that I left with far more. The most significant thing design has instilled was an attitude and love to challenge briefs, shaping my approach today. CMD hones our design thinking for just about any creative path with ample opportunities to grow! It’s been fulfilling.”

Tan Jia Min,
2022 Graduate

“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a dull day in being a designer. Pretty sure that’s gonna continue because it doesn’t seem like we’ll run out of problems to solve anytime soon.”

Jason Yong
2018 Graduate

“We get to impact people, be a part of building pop culture and make a difference. That's what I love about design, we’re not just designers in front of our devices churning out meaningless content. We are problem solvers. There are so many problems in this world to solve, so many opportunities to hop on. It's a never ending journey and there's just so much to learn.”

Dawn Abegail Lee
2019 Graduate

Awards

Learn more

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

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