Diploma in Design Communication
THE PROGRAMME
The mission of Orita Sinclair is to develop students into bold and imaginative professionals in the pursuit of their ambitions. The diploma in design communication aims to provide an all-rounded, interdisciplinary design education through excellence in teaching creative and innovative design practices, and building students’ portfolios. The design department is committed to creating an open-minded and creative atmosphere to pursue research and discover collaborative practices that nurture students’ potential through active engagement and participation in a small class size setting. Our graduates understand where knowledge comes from and how to integrate them to influence art, design, and communication. At the end of the course, graduates will be ready to take on a wide range of roles in the creative industry—graphic design, branding, editorial design, digital design, motion graphics, packaging design and campaign strategy.
Full-Time – 12 Months Coursework plus 6 Months Internship
Part-Time – 18 Months Coursework

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
is an open, discussion-driven, caring and supportive learning environment. You will be working closely with our faculty comprising seasoned industry professionals in small close-knit groups. The average teacher-to-student ratio is 1:12.

THE FINAL OUTCOME
is a career-ready designer with a wide range of skills and a bold, imaginative mindset. You will be able to handle all aspects of a creative project from pitch to product.
Modules
Design Fundamentals
Synopsis:
Design fundamentals looks into the essentials of compositing, arranging and manipulating images and space to communicate intangible ideas into effective visual narratives.
Objectives:
Students will learn the elements and principles of design, and the basics in colour theory to apply them effectively to integrate functionality and beauty. Thereafter, they will learn to apply mind mapping as an ideation technique.
Typography I
Synopsis:
Typography is the visual component of text, and focusses on the basic understanding of typeface characteristics and pairing. At its core, typography performs a utilitarian function that is separate from its aesthetic role.
Objectives:
Students will learn to identify the characteristics of typefaces and their uses, and to select typefaces in supporting the message and design. Students will learn the technical aspects of typesetting, and develop an eye for choosing typefaces that are best suited for the project.
Brand Design
Synopsis:
Brand design is one of the most important aspect in any business. It is the foundational piece in a business' marketing communication to its consumers.
Objectives:
Students will be introduced to the techniques, processes and considerations in brand development, consumer connection and designing identity material. Students will be exposed to the creative process involved in the development of brand collateral and design planning. Students will also learn how to design according to brand standards and add visual appeal into their imagery.
Professional Design Practice
Synopsis:
Professional practice here refers to the conduct and work process, such as interview preparation, portfolio building, and work ethics and practices of the design communication and interaction design industries.
Objectives:
Students will be guided on the considerations required to package their individual portfolio based on their strengths, works and/or direction, and gain an insight on the processes and practices in design, and understand the importance of networking, and client management.
Industry Placement
Synopsis:
The 6-month internship programme is an ideal way to prepare students for the industry after graduation. Alongside our partner organisations, the school provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to a work environment and hone their creative skills in a real-world setting. They will be guided by supervisors as they learn and develop soft skills like empathy, persuasion and adaptability that are highly sought after by employers today. This module is only applicable to full-time students. Students who are not successful in securing an internship placement will do a 3-month industry-related project instead.
Objectives:
Students will be expected to excel in a professional setting and apply their design skills to a variety of job roles. They will be evaluated based on their ability to fulfill their assigned responsibilities and thrive in a collaborative work environment. Students will fulfill a minimum of 960 work hours.
Entry Requirements
For Singaporeans:
- Minimum 16 years of age.
- 3 GCE ‘O’ Level passes grade A to C or grade 1 to 6 in English and two other subjects.
- For applicants who do not meet requirement 2., a placement test is administered before an applicant can be enrolled into this course. Entry into the course is dependent on results of the placement test or
- Higher NITEC or NITEC Applicants may be required to sit for an interview and an internal English placement test to assess the applicant’s suitability.
For International Students:
- Minimum 16 years of age.
- 3 GCE ‘O’ Level passes grade A to C or grade 1 to 6 in English and two other subjects.
- International applicants who have completed at least 10 years of education may be considered for application. Relevant supporting evidence of applicants’ achievements in the arts must be submitted with the application.
- Equivalent English qualifications include internet-based TOEFL (score of 75 and above), and IELTS (overall score of 5.0 and above).
- For applicants who do not meet requirement 2., a placement test is administered before an applicant can be enrolled into this course. Entry into the course is dependent on results of the placement test.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can look forward to the following jobs:
Faculty
Meet our passionate educators who are all industry practitioners. They are seasoned designers and trend-setters in the creative field.
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.