Communication Design
Overview
Levels of Study (1 Year Diploma + 2 Years Degree)
Levels of Study (1 Year Diploma + 2 Years Degree)
Foundation Diploma in Communication Design – Students first explore the fundamentals of design. They will develop the necessary techniques to create images using both digital and traditional image-making techniques. Students will also build up their language skills to become effective communicators.
Diploma in Communication Design – Students progress on to apply their technical skills in major domains like branding, digital interface, packaging and publication design. They integrate everything together in a capstone final major project.
Students who complete the Diploma in Communication Design after the 1st Year can choose to start working or progress to a Bachelor’s Degree programme in our partner universities.
Bachelor’s Degrees – Students will be able to enter directly into Year 2 of a 3 year Bachelor’s Degree programme to further their journey as designers.
Career Prospects
Course Information
By the end of the Foundation Diploma in Communication Design, students will be able to apply design fundamentals and design technical skills to translate ideas into appropriate design solutions.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to the Diploma in Communication Design and, thereafter, enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 12.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Design fundamentals
- Conceptualisation
- Digital imaging and photography
- Communication Skills
- Adobe basics: Photoshop
- Adobe basics: Illustrator
- Typography I
- Typography II
- History of design
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Image-making and production
- Adobe basics: After Effects
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘O’ Level (with minimum 3 grades of C6) or equivalent; or
NITEC/Higher Nitec; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years’ work experience).
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of D7); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$6,100.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00
Total Course Fees S$6,350.00
International Student
Course Fee S$7,200.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00
Total Course Fees S$7,650.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
By the end of the Diploma in Communication Design, students will be able to integrate design craft and creative thinking methodologies to produce appropriate solutions to industry-aligned design challenges.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to a Bachelor’s Degree programme with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 10.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Brand design
- Adobe basics: InDesign
- Layout design and studio practices
- Packaging design
- Digital interface design
- Professional design practice
- Final major project
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘A’ Level (with minimum 2 subjects at H2 level) or equivalent and possess course-related qualifications; or
Foundation Diploma in Communication Design from Orita Sinclair; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years relevant work experience)
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of C6); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$8,500.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00 (waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma)
Total Course Fees S$8,750.00
International Student
Course Fee S$10,150.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00 (waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma)
Total Course Fees S$10,600.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Communication Design.
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Communication Design.
(University of Chester)
(University of Chester)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Communication Design and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for £50.
Location
University of Chester, UK
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
Teaching Faculty
Meet our passionate educators who are all industry practitioners. They are seasoned designers and trend-setters in the creative field.
Boon Lim
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA in 2D and 3D Visualisation,
Lougborough University
Boon has a decade of working experience in printing, promotions, and advertising, working with brands such as Skippy, Lipton, Martell, Chivas, and Alfa Romeo, and government statutory boards such as BCA and NEA, before moving on to tertiary education.
Loong Cui Wen
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BFA in Visual Communications,
NTU School of Art, Design and Media
Cui Wen has more than 8 years of experience in graphic design and illustration, and has worked with commercial and private clients such as Love and Co, STB and various design agencies to create artworks. She has collaborated with an author on a published children's book, 'If Doors Could Speak'. She has a keen interest in outdoor painting and sketching, as well as creating illustrations in watercolour and acrylic mediums. She also loves to share art making techniques with people of all ages in workshops and classes.
Shawn Heng
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BDes in Communication Design, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Shawn is a part-time educator, part-time creative, and a full-time dad. He currently leads a design team at DSTNCT, an integrated marketing agency, and has a decade of experience in print, advertising, and (more recently) social media. Shawn has a HOW design award under the Promotion & Marketing category in 2018. as well as SingaPlural Recognition awards for his works in 2016 under the label Simitaiji.
Eugene Chen
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA in Communication Management,
University of New South Walesy
Eugene is a practicing IMC Registered Management Brand Consultant (RMC no.10057) with over 23 years of vast creative and branding experience. He holds a Masters of Arts in Communication Management from the University of New South Wales, Bachelor of Science from National University of Singapore and a Cambridge University International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers.
Eugene completed his tours as a creative director at RBW advertising and Brainwave Design and is currently the Founder & Principal of ELEFANT - a brand, communications, and creative consultancy. He is also an Associate Principal Consultant at i1920 Inc - an award-winning brand consultancy.
He is well versed conceptually, strategically and technically in the areas of design, branding & identity system, advertising, production… The 1st Asian Youth Games is his trophy showcase brand among other creative, branding and advertising projects he has done over the years for numerous startup, SME, MNC and government client.
As an educator, Eugene has over 11 years of experience as an Adjunct Lecturer, Student Consultant Mentor and as an Enterprise Business Coach. He cherishes every opportunities that allows him to interact and mentor aspiring minds and helping them grow.
Kevin Tan
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BA (Hons) in Design Communication, Glodsmiths' College
A multi-disciplinary designer who is active in User Experience Design and Web Development for the past 5 years. Kevin always has been fond of designing and developing digital ideas, products or solutions that are modular and have strong emphasis on clean, playful and usable design.
Elwin Goh
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BFA in Photography and Imaging,
Art Center College of Design
Brewed by 10 years of experience with visual art, Elwin has cultivated a knack for narrating stories with images, working with various mediums and concepts that garnered him international photographer award for both advertising and art.
Jackson Chua
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
Advanced Diploma in Multimedia,
Raffles Design Institute
With over 13 years of experience in the video industry, Jackson has been working in his own studio on corporate videos and campaigns with clients such as Marina Bay Sands, Dassault Systemes and NTUC Enterprises. Bringin a storytelling perspective to his work, he is known for creating a nimble and flexible creative team that helps him to bring his visions to life.
Sarah Tang
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BA. Honors in Graphic Design,
Loughborough University, United Kingdom
Sarah Tang is the co-founder of Sarah and Schooling and an educator based in Singapore.
An ardent supporter of Singapore’s local literary scene, she founded her firm in 2013 with the goal to raise the design standards of local books. She has built a reputation in her specialisation of designing books and publications across multiple genres. Her firm focuses the nuanced intersection between text and image; creating a connection with text by evoking associations through the power of visuals. She has been featured in ArtsEquator, Esquire Singapore, Home and Décor, Malay Mail Online, The Straits Times and nominated in the Arts and Media category for ‘Great Women of Our Time 2016’ by Women’s Weekly.
Sarah also has extensive teaching experience in multiple schools including LASALLE College of the Arts, MAD School, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Orita Sinclair School of Design and Music. She teaches a wide range of students from youths in a foundational program to adults with a curiosity to learn more or with an intention to switch their career paths. She actively participates in mentorship programs and believes that having empathy is the key to being a successful designer.
Cain Lim
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
Diploma in Product and Industrial Design,
Temasek Polytechnic
Trained as an industrial designer, Cain believes effective communications is multidimensional. For more than 15 years, he honed his interdisciplinary skills as a designer and communication strategist in agencies of all shapes and sizes, finding ways to help brands speak better. An advocate for creativity + social impact, he hopes to create better habits and bridge strategic business growth through sustainable practices and innovations in design.
When he is not drawing grids and pushing letters, Cain loves to camp, kayak and scour the land for the best prata. He cannot wait to show you his collection of rocks from around the world and work on some awesome projects together.
Saleem Hadi
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA (Creative Writing), Lasalle College of the Arts,
Singapore
Saleem Hadi is a hybrid visual-storyteller who uses theatre and film to shed light on national narratives and social issues. He is also a bilingual writer who writes poems and short stories. Saleem had written, directed and produced more than 20 plays and 25 short films. Saleem Hadi is currently championing a nation-wide Indian short film archival project, THEINDBOX.SG, under his non-profit organization, Singapore Indian Theatre & Film Explorers (SITFE) Ltd (www.sitfe.sg).Boon Lim
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA in 2D and 3D Visualisation,
Lougborough University
Loong Cui Wen
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BFA in Visual Communications,
NTU School of Art, Design and Media
Shawn Heng
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BDes in Communication Design,
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Eugene Chen
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA in Communication Management,
University of New South Walesy
Kevin Tan
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BA (Hons) in Design Communication,
Goldsmiths' College
Elwin Goh
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BFA in Photography and Imaging,
Art Center College of Design
Jackson Chua
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
Advanced Diploma in Multimedia,
Raffles Design Institute
Sarah Tang
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BA. Honors in Graphic Design,
Loughborough University,
United Kingdom
Cain Lim
Lecturer,
Design Faculty
Diploma in Product and Industrial Design, Temasek Polytechnic
Sarah Tang
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
BA. Honors in Graphic Design,
Loughborough University,
United Kingdom
Cain Lim
Lecturer,
Design Faculty
Diploma in Product and Industrial Design, Temasek Polytechnic
Saleem Hadi
Adjunct Lecturer,
Design Faculty
MA (Creative Writing), Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore
Testimonials
Nadia Binte Mohammad Roselan,
Graduated from School of Design
"I got a job as a creative strategist in a media company, after graduation from Orita Sinclair.”
Emanuella Bungasmara Ega Tirt,
Graduated from School of Design
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to be a graphic designer, you must be able to use design and photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Corel Paintshop Pro. Aside from that, you'll need to work on your creativity and aesthetic sense. Finally, if you can manage your time effectively and meet deadlines, you'll eventually increase your value in the market.
The best graphic design course promotes continuous learning by exposing you to design fundamentals taught by professionals. The ideal course will also allow you to practise your knowledge, familiarising you with the design process.
You might want to enrol in our graphic design courses, including the Diploma in Design Communication and the Advanced Diploma in Design Communication. The Diploma in Design Communication teaches creative design techniques and encourages portfolio building. In comparison, Advanced Diploma in Design Communication prepares you for a career as a designer.
The time it takes to become a graphic designer varies depending on the individual's experience and education. Courses like a Diploma in Design Communication and an Advanced Diploma in Design Communication will take you 12 – 18 months to complete and prepare you to apply your knowledge in the creative industry.
How to Apply
All prospective students are encouraged to contact our Recruitment Executive or authorised recruitment agents for a pre-course counseling session if they would like to enrol for a course with Orita Sinclair School of Design & Music. The purpose of this session is for us to address the needs of students as an individual, professional and as a student of our institute.
You might be interested in
By the end of the Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering, students will be able to write, arrange and produce simple music tracks in a variety of music styles.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering and, thereafter, enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 12.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Digital Audio Workstation
- Principles of Audio
- Harmony 1
- Communication Skills
- MIDI
- Study in Popular Music
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Songwriting
- Musical Arrangements
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘O’ Level (with minimum 3 grades of C6) or equivalent; or
NITEC/Higher Nitec; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years’ work experience).
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of D7); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$6,600.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00
Total Course Fees S$6,850.00
International Student
Course Fee S$7,700.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00
Total Course Fees S$8,150.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
By the end of the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering, students will be able to plan and execute multi-track recordings in a professional studio environment and produce mixed tracks in a wide range of music styles. They will also be able to record, edit and mix audio for post-production and live events settings.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to a Bachelor’s Degree programme with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 10.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Audio Post-Production
- Music Production in the Pop Music Genres
- Music Production in Rock Metal and Alternative Music Genres
- Music Business 101
- Digital Live Sound Production
- Electives:
Principles of Acoustics & Sound Design
OR
Video Production I & Video Production II
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘A’ Level (with minimum 2 subjects at H2 level) or equivalent and possess course-related qualifications; or
Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering from Orita Sinclair; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years relevant work experience).
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of C6); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$9,650.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00 (Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering)
Total Course Fees S$9,900.00
International Student
Course Fee S$11,650.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00 (Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering)
Total Course Fees S$12,100.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering.
(Griffith College)
(Griffith College, Ireland)
(JMC Academy)
(University of Chester)
(Griffith College)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
The university will conduct an interview and review the student’s music portfolio before acceptance.
Location
Griffith College, Ireland
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
(Griffith College, Ireland)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
The university will conduct an interview before acceptance.
Location
Griffith College, Ireland
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
(JMC Academy)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) will be required to complete 90 credits points of study at JMC.
The total duration of study will be approximately four trimesters, which can be taken over two years. The exact course duration may vary depending on timetabling and prerequisite requirements.
Location
JMC Academy, Australia. (Students may choose between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane campuses)
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
(University of Chester)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Music Production & Audio Engineering and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.
Location
University of Chester, UK
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
By the end of the Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design, students will be able to write, arrange and produce simple music tracks in a variety of music styles.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to the Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design and, thereafter, enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 12.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Digital Audio Workstation
- Principles of Audio
- Harmony 1
- Communication Skills
- Digital Live Sound Production
- Study in Popular Music
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Songwriting
- Musical Arrangements
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘O’ Level (with minimum 3 grades of C6) or equivalent; or
NITEC/Higher Nitec; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years’ work experience).
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of D7); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$6,600.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00
Total Course Fees S$6,850.00
International Student
Course Fee S$7,700.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00
Total Course Fees S$8,150.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
By the end of the Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design, students will be able to compose electronic music for a variety of genres using a range of composition and production techniques. They will also be able to perform electronic music tracks in a live setting.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to progress to a Bachelor’s Degree programme with our partner universities (subject to the university’s entry requirements).
The maximum teacher to student ratio for the course is 1:18. The average class size is 10.
Full-Time: 6 months
Part-Time: 12 months
There are 4 intakes per year:
- January
- April
- July
- And October
- Sound Design
- Sampling
- Looping
- Beat-making
- Digital Synthesis
- Principles of Acoustics
- Hardware Synthesis
- Electronic Music Performance
- Music Business 101
Minimum Age
At least 16 years old.
Academic Qualifications
Completed GCE ‘A’ Level (with minimum 2 subjects at H2 level) or equivalent and possess course-related qualifications; or
Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design from Orita Sinclair; or
Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with 8 years relevant work experience).
English Language Requirement
GCE ‘O’ level English (with minimum grade of C6); or
IELTS score of 5.5 (with no single band less than 5.0); or
An equivalent English language qualification.
Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Course Fees S$9,650.00
Course Admin Fee S$250.00 (Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design)
Total Course Fees S$9,900.00
International Student
Course Fee S$11,650.00
Course Admin Fee S$450.00 (Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design)
Total Course Fees S$12,100.00
All fees are inclusive of 8% GST
Non-Course Fees
Singaporean/PR
Non-Refundable Application Fee of S$50.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design.
International Student
Non-Refundable Application Fee S$100.00 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Waived for students progressing from Foundation Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design.
(Griffith College)
(Griffith College)
(Griffith College)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
The university will conduct an interview and review the student’s music portfolio before acceptance.
Location
Griffith College, Ireland
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
(Griffith College)
Admission Criteria
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design and meet the university’s language requirements (IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band) may enrol directly into Year 2 of the programme.
The university will conduct an interview before acceptance.
Location
Griffith College, Ireland
Further Information
For further information, please go here.
