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Where our MAD Talents are now
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OUR COURSES
Diploma in Communication Design
Additional Information
PART TIME
Course Duration: 30 Months
Lecturer:Students Ratio: 1:30
FULL TIME
Course Duration: 22 Months
Lecturer:Students Ratio: 1:20
Someone once said, 'If you're going to do something, do something which makes you happy.' So are you sure you are doing what really makes you happy? You secretly are a passionate designer at heart; one who has always had a keen eye for aesthetics. We know how it must feel, taking up every course but design, the one thing you truly live for. Let us, help you break free from your shell.
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You will undergo comprehensive training in using computer graphic software and taught the principles of design in this course. You will also be taught how to conceptualize development for design applications such as editorial and packaging. You will be exposed to the practical know-hows of the industry, as well as the common "DOs" & "DON'Ts" practiced. In this course, project-based training will be key.
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Interactions and hands-on workshops, consultations and practical assignments as well as presentations and critiques are provided to better aid you in your understanding of the topics being covered, and to better your skills after graduating from this course.
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This purely-design course is recommended for those who aspire to become full-pledged designers.
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BrandingThe Branding module covers the important aspects of branding. Students will learn how to build a branding campaign by understanding the fundamental concepts of branding and how it works. This module will focus mainly on areas such as what makes a brand, its worth, the business and creative sides, brand image, personality, identity and equity.
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Convergence in AdvertisingThe Convergence In Advertising module covers the evolved advertising 101 disciplines and practices from strategy to execution that today, converge traditional offline with online to match to the new consumer habits of digital touchpoints first. Aside from the core rooted fundamentals of sound advertising and media tried-and-tested practices strongly driven by data, students will also learn omnichannel marketing and communication. The module also covers all forms of advertising platforms of off and online convergence in communication today. This includes Search Engines and focuses on social media advertising and optimisation. Strong emphasis on fundamentals critical to advertising on social media such as content planning, crafting and creation, will also be taught. All this will culminate in a guided exercise by an experienced industry player in pitching and presenting to a client of today in search of a converged all-in-one omnichannel solution more relevant to the advertising process of today.
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CopywritingThe Copywriting module is a dynamic and highly collaborative class that gives students plenty of discussion and practice opportunities. Not only will they master the different techniques of copywriting, students will learn creative concepts that sell. For those interested in pursuing a career in advertising, it will introduce them to life working in an agency. For others, this is a chance to pick up the skills of creating attention, stirring interest, prompting desire and inducing action with their persuasive writing.
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Corporate Identity and DesignThis module will provide students the science behind every corporation’s ‘persona’. Besides creating the corporate personality, the module also explores the components of a corporate identity programme that will promote consistency in both discipline and application. Students will learn about the coming of corporate communications, the story, visual and package, science of symbols, logos and colours, logotype and semiotics, supporting devices and applications, corporate design mandatories and the corporate identity system and why is it so important.
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Creative ThinkingThe Creative Thinking module is a place where students are taught the methods to construct, create and develop ideas, which can be applied across all mediums and platforms. Students will learn how the creative process fits into the planning process and how to distinguish the difference between strategic development and execution (design). It discusses the development of creative concepts that are designed to meet advertising objectives. Students will also learn to understand the difference between effectiveness and creativity.
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Digital MarketingThe Digital Marketing module offers a complete coverage of what it takes to become a successful digital marketer. What is digital marketing in today’s marketplace? Understanding Owned, Earned and Paid media. Techniques for search engine optimization (SEO) and how to measure the success of search engine marketing (SEM). Using a framework of profiling digital audiences in strategising your digital plan.
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Digital Studios I (Illustrator)This module introduces students to the essential vector drawing tools to unlock their creative potential with Adobe Illustrator while learning useful shortcuts to enhance their design workflow. Students will learn from fundamental to the advanced techniques of adobe illustrator to create and construct logo design, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional graphics, special visual effects, typographical graphics, realistic illustrations, perspective drawing and 3D packaging mock up presentation. The aim of this module is to equip students with the industry professional skills and techniques to edit and create vector visual graphics and special visual effects in the world of visual culture and highly visual saturated society today.
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Digital Studios II (Photoshop)This module introduces students to the professional practice and experts’ choice of digital image editing, manipulation and photo retouching tools for graphic design and multimedia with Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn from fundamental to the advanced skills and techniques of Adobe Photoshop to create special visual effects, artistic interpretation of images and enhance digital photography. The emphasis includes design process, exploration of advanced Photoshop techniques by integrating raster and vector graphics with Adobe Illustrator to maximizing the creative potential of the tools to create appealing visuals to effectively engage the audiences. The aim of this module is to provide students, graphic designer, web designer, multimedia designer, photographer as well as special effects artist with the professional skills to digital image edit, retouch, process digital image confidently and professionally in your respective profession.
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Editorial DesignThis module introduces students the digital publishing tools and techniques for publications design and gain insights into the professional practice of publication designers. Students will learn the anatomy of publication, design principles of page layout, grid systems, visual elements, and the organization of editorial content through Adobe InDesign software. The emphasis include conceptual development, design process, choosing appropriate paper stocks, print production and finishing. The aim of this module is to provide students with the essential publication software, page layout skills, design considerations and practical publishing skills to create the personality and tone for publication to engage defined target audiences.
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Innovative MarketingThe Innovative Marketing module covers time-established marketing principles as a foundation from which to approach and integrate the latest strategies and technologies, to create novel marketing solutions in the digital age. Students will also learn from industry relevant case studies how to conduct market research and conceptualise innovative and engaging marketing campaigns to meet set objectives.
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Packaging and Print TechnologyThis module offers students an in-depth study of the principles of packaging design and the design process from concepts to three-dimensional forms. Not only will students explore key concepts of the packaging design development process, aesthetics and visual composition organisation, they will also learn about structural construction, technicalities, print production, packaging material and its properties, mechanisms and the overall presentation of the packaging design. The emphasis includes the sustainability and environmental issues associated with packaging design. The aim of this module is to provide students with the necessary skills to analyse and comprehend how packaging design elements (size, shapes, colour, material, graphics, typography, visual images, graphical treatments), choices of material and appropriate printing options can be integrated together as an effective marketing tool, creating impact and influence on consumers’ perception and buying decisions.
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TVC (Concept + Development)The TVC (Concept + Development) module is an introduction to TV advertising medium. Understanding what it’s best for, how has it developed, how has it evolved. Students will learn to write a TVC Script, the importance of brief, understanding AIDA model, how to apply AIDA and how to get it right and use it to decide on a film approach. The ten commonly used approaches, their merits and pitfalls. They will also learn to craft a storyboard and present it effectively to make a great TVC with great ideas.
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Typography and Communication DesignThis module provides students with the theoretical and practical experiences of typography as a visual language and its application in visual communication design. Students will learn the history of type, anatomy, terminology, type classifications, principles of typography, typographic layout, type aesthetic and type choices consideration. The emphasis includes in depth understanding on the role, purpose and function of typography. The aim of his module is to provide students with the understanding of how typographic elements such as letter structure, legibility, readability, tone of voices, type personality, characteristics, mood, selection of type choices, integration of other design elements and visual compositional relationships can create a visual impact in visual communication design today.
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User Interface Design IThe User Interface Design I module introduces students to the theory and practical interface design for web and mobile applications through the use of Adobe XD. This course will provide learner the knowledge and skills to create a real-world website interface and mobile app, resulting in one beautiful, streamlined user experience. At the end of the module, students should be able to learn exactly what does a UI designer do, understand the design process, online layouts, interface components and selecting the right colours and typography for creating of interface designs across different sectors.
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Visual CommunicationThis module allows students to explore and embark on their creative journey to discover and cultivate what it takes to become a successful visual communication designer. Students will learn the importance of how to integrate basic design elements, principles of design, visual composition and relationships to develop and resolve visual problems. Specifically, this course focuses on the design process, function, exploration of various media, graphical experimentation, theoretical and practical skills of visual communication design. The aim of this module is to provide students an insightful experience on the role of visual communication design, purpose, function, process and contemporary practices of visual communication.
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M.A.D. Integrated Campaign ProjectThe M.A.D. Integrated Campaign Project is the final major project for all Professional Diploma in Advertising and Design students. Students will have to integrate everything they have learnt from the past modules with a self-initiated project, combining elements of marketing, advertising and design. This full-fledged project allows students to implement their design methods, communication design, marketing, and advertising strategies into a solid campaign that can be used as a industry worthy portfolio piece.
Entry Requirements
FOR SINGAPOREANS / PR
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Applicants are to be aged 16 or above when applying.
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GCE 'O' level with minimum 3 credits (C6) or equivalent
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Applicant not meeting the entry requirement may need to undergo an interview.
FOR OTHERS (WITH VALID VISA)
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VIETNAM - Minimum year 10 education
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CHINA - High School Senior Level 2 or equivalent
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INDONESIA - SMU2
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MALAYSIA - SPM / STPM / Chinese Independent – High School Senior Level 2
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​At least 'O' Level English (C6) or equivalent
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*Exemption will be considered for applicants with related working experience or graduates from other design schools. (Exemption for design modules is strictly based on portfolio evaluation and interview)
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