Diploma in Communication & Motion Design

About the Course

Influence audience with compelling visual content and experiences.

Are you looking to develop innovative business strategies and translating these into visual ideas to wow your audience?

Our experienced industry practitioners will help you become compelling storytellers and strategists for advertising, brand identity, social media marketing, edutainment, corporate communications and the performing arts industries.

Dare to innovate and influence the status quo!

The Diploma in Communication & Motion Design is for you if you love to express yourself and persuade others through creative content in fast-changing business environments.

Benefits

Be equipped with emerging digital competencies in omnichannel content creation.
Create evocative business designs, branding strategies and visual/motion graphics that inspire and engage the audience.
Captivate and connect with the audience through brand stories, visual designs and imagery using the latest digital technologies.
Be trained by professionals who are former design and creative leaders from renowned firms such as Publicis Sapient, Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, Fable and Bonsey Design.
Work on real-life industry projects including interdisciplinary projects and internships with major design and advertising agencies.
Look forward to exciting careers with companies like Google, Facebook, Shopee, DBS Bank, IKEA, Carbon TV, MTV Asia, Design Bridge, Publicis Sapient, Tribal Worldwide and Secretlab.

NYP Professional Competency Model (NYP-PCM) - its unique features

This diploma will be taught using the NYP-PCM starting AY2023.

Industry Relevance

Endorsed by industry leaders like Tribal Worldwide, viacomCBS, DesignBridge, Accenture Interactive, Anomalyst Studio, it is informed by real industry intelligence and needs.

Professional Accreditation

You gain additional industry certifications while you complete your diploma, putting you ahead of the pack.

Agile Response

The curriculum reacts dynamically and quickly to industry changes. You'll be equipped with the latest skills & knowledge.

Integrated Learning

Concurrently learn multiple disciplines. Be taught by guest lecturers from Tribal Worldwide, DesignBridge, Accenture Interactive, Anomalyst Studio.

Read More about NYP-PCM

Course Structure

The NYP Professional Competency Model for the Diploma in Communication & Motion Design consists of:

22 Competency Units – Within each interdisciplinary Competency Unit, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion. Completing the Competency Units will also equip our students with seven Course Competencies.

Four Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You have to complete all four to graduate.
One Final Year Project (FYP).
One Internship Programme (ITP).

11 General Studies Modules (GSMs) – these modules give you exposure to other areas of interest and allow you to go beyond your chosen area of specialisation.

Students enrolled in Diploma in Communication & Motion Design under the Professional Competency Model will have to complete 22 Competency Units (CmUs). Within each interdisciplinary CmU, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically, enabling students to fulfil specific worktasks upon completion.

Completing the CmUs will also equip our students with Six Course Competencies (CCs) below.

Research & Content Design
Photography & Videography
Motion Graphics

Visual Graphics
Business Design Innovation
Content Marketing

and one of the following two elective course competencies:

Motion Design
Communication Design

Students will also need to complete Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which can be in the form of an internship or project that mirror work situations where students can demonstrate their skills and competencies.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 1

Design Exploration [60 hours]

Design Exploration is an essential process for all learners to perform at the beginning of every project to influence the design direction and it’s (project) outcome. Learners will demonstrate how they make their decisions through collaborative tasks in observational research. They will demonstrate how they make connections to form creative ideas that may be applicable in different design disciplines by analysing the data that they have collected.

Drawing & Rendering [60 hours]

Visual communication is one of the most effective ways of conveying information as the cognitive function of the human brain processes images and graphics faster. This CmU allows learners to apply elements of drawing to visualise, draw shapes and forms using various media and techniques. Through this CmU, learners will gain essential perceptual drawing skills including perspective. They will ideate and communicate effectively through sketching and exploration.

Design for Communication [60 hours]

Design for comminication is an essential primer to introduce principles of design and visual elements that apply to 2D and 3D design. Learners will effectively apply the use of colour theory, grids, gestalt principles and typography as integral elements of the visual design created. They will use imagery through collages to create meaning as a form of communication. Learners will also use digital tools in manipulating imagery and artwork.

Storytelling Through Media [60 hours]

Storytelling in the context of Media is important and utilise fundamental tools required to create compelling stories. Through this CmU, learners will harness essential narrative tools such as story structure, visual aesthetics, and dramatic techniques to incite audience engagement and interest. To apply, learners will create and communicate their own stories to audiences.

User-Centred Studio Practice (WIU) [60 hours]

User-centred design helps to understand users’ needs and preferences regarding features of a product, task, goals, user flows. etc and thus improving user experience. In this WIU, learners will communicate and collaborate in teams to gather user requirements, identify opportunities, apply the design process and prototype a creative solution for the user.

Content Development & Storyboarding [30 hours]

Content designed for communication needs to address identified customer needs for it to be received effectively. Learners taking this CmU will develop skills to uncover customer insights to create compelling narratives that are contextually relevant to current social, cultural, and environmental phenomena. They will learn to design and communicate a cohesive story experience across multiple platforms through content research, story design ideas and solutions that meet the needs of customers to deliver an effective customer experience.

Motion Design [60 hours]

The understanding of temporal sequence is essential in creating believable movements of form and objects in production. In this CmU, learners will create time-based sequences through the uses of industry relevant softwares. Learners will be able to interpret animation principles through research, observation and exaggeration of motion techniques to generate sequences that convey a narrative, across multiple screen formats.

Communication with Typography [60 hours]

Typography plays an important part of effective communication as it contributes to the message’s legibility, aesthetics, tone and sentiment in a design work. Learners will acquire an understanding of the evolution of typography and contemporary typographic design concepts utilised in creating content with imagery on different aspect of media. They will consider type dynamics and legibility to translate design content and information through different mediums. Learners learn the use of aesthetic typography to communicate a message and enhance design solutions.

Illustration & Information Design [60 hours]

Illustrations are powerful in conveying ideas, information and expressions. Designers often combine illustrations with typography to convey information succinctly in the form of infographics. Learners will explore digital illustration as a creative medium from different perspectives and in different contexts to communicate effectively. They will acquire an understanding of how to translate information into appropriate visual association so as to elicit emotional connections and responses from target audiences. Using creative imaging and manipulation software, learners will develop skills to create contemporary illustrations. They will also develop skills to communicate information based on the principles of infographics and data visualisation.

Trend Forecasting [30 hours]

In an increasingly disruptive world, we can face the challenges of the future by advancing the ability to develop good foresight. Learners will develop forecasting skills and acquire foresight to identify signals and drivers of change that translates to compelling forecasts of trends in consumer behaviour. Through the lens of purpose-driven innovation, learners will take on an interdisciplinary approach in the creative process to generate multiple insights and perspectives.

Design Communication Studio Practice (WIU) [60 hours]

Design Communication Studio Practice simulates the design process and production environment that is common to the industry. Learners will acquire an understanding of visual perception, cognitive comprehension and responses while facilitating and developing critical creative thinking. They will be required to produce quality concepts, timing reels, and finished projects utilising available resources. Emphasis will be given to narrative, design aesthetics, sequential imaging and motion graphics skills to deliver a compelling message that may be related to contemporary societal issues. Projects will revolve around the theme of discovery. Each learner is required to incorporate the knowledge and skills learned during the course of studies.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 2

Studio Photography [30 hours]

Photography is a necessary skill to capture visually striking images. Through this CmU learners will uncover and explore the capabilities of professional photographic equipment/optics together with studio lighting to dynamic create mood. Learners can apply these techniques to multiple genres of image-making, like advertising/product/food or portrait photograph.

3D Modelling [60 hours]

For effective 3D production to take place, learners are required to have good knowledge of the 3D production processes such as modelling. Learners will be introduced to the 3D applications through the understanding of production process workflow. Learners will create assets for projects through basic modelling, UV unwrapping, high-poly onto low-poly mapping and texturing with real-time lighting.

Motion Design & Style Frame Development [60 hours]

Style frame development is crucial to motion design process. By developing style frame in the creative process, it allows learners to plan the design sequence accordingly and deliver an engaging experience to the target audiences. This CmU will equip learners with knowledge of animation techniques and the ability to plan sequences through the use of relevant industry-production techniques and software packages.

Branding Identity & Experience [60 hours]

Brand identity shapes the appearance and structure of how customers would recognise and experience a brand positively. Learners will develop branding designs and ideas to sustain or enhance an organisation's projected brand and reputation, incorporating customer's perspectives and the organisation's desired priorities, image and experience. They will conduct marketing and digital research and analysis to uncover market, customer, and competitor trends in order to extract useful business insights as a reference for their design proposals.

Experiential Design [60 hours]

Designers seek to create positive experiences for the audience in order to connect and establish good relationships. Learners will develop customer-centric strategy examining product/service marketing from the user experience perspective. Learners will explore innovative experiential design approaches to connect with the audience, draw attention to product/service, and amplify consumer experience.

Branding & Experience Studio Practice (WIU) [60 hours]

A key value a designer could add to a brand’s success is to design its identity with a strong concept that could translate to a positive experience for its audience. Learners will experience the complete design process to develop effective concepts and execute them to professional aesthetic and technical standards. Each learner is required to incorporate the knowledge and skills learned during the course of studies.

Cinematography & Editing [30 hours]

Designers with skills in cinematography and editing would be able to create professional quality film narratives that rise above the clutter of low quality videos made by amateurs. Learners will explore a range of technical and creative approaches, including pre-production planning, production and post-production techniques necessary to create a short piece of compelling cinematography for potential use in advertising or branding.

Marketing Strategy [60 hours]

Understanding marketing concepts enhances a designer’s ability to add value to business through strategically designed activities. In this CmU, learners will acquire essential concepts of marketing to research and identify critical customer segments, competition, emerging market trends, gaps and opportunities. They will use this to support the development of a marketing strategy to deliver cohesive messaging through content designed for various platforms. Issues that could influence audience behavior would be explored and considered in the strategy and content design to favorably persuade the audience to the intended cause of an organisation.

Omnichannel Marketing [30 hours]

Understanding the multiple touchpoints and platforms for a business to connect with their audience allows a designer to craft an integrated solution effectively. Through this CmU learners will explore omnichannel marketing strategies that enables brands to connect consistently with their customer's own buying experience across different channels. This is achieved by leveraging on customer data, technological innovation and design systems to make sense of the complexities of the marketplace to develop opportunities that seamlessly deliver the best customer experience across all channels.

3D for Motion Design [60 hours]

Motion design in 3-dimensional space creates an illusion of depth and graphics simulation to produce dynamic content design. Through this CmU, learners will be competent in dealing with temporal sequence by applying the principles of animation and motion design techniques in the 3-dimensional space. Learners will understand how the use of software tools can be integrated to create an effective production workflow.

Motion Design & Compositing [60 hours]

Compositing in motion design is an essential part of the post-production phase as it establishes the final stages of editing. This CmU will equip learners with advanced effects simulation techniques and create seamless composition to achieve realistic visuals. Learners will synthesize, plan and edit contents through best practices and techniques to meet professional production requirements.

Visual Communication [60 hours]

Approximately 65% of the population perceive information visually. Good visual communication would help audience navigate the world of information clutter and retain the messages effectively. In this CmU learners will develop the skills to design visual content to maximise the audience’s experience by demonstrating an understanding of content creation for both print and digital formats. Current and emerging trends in content creation will be considered, including storyscaping visual and written narratives, formats, composition, grid structures, copy and images handling, materials, printing methods and preparation for production.

Design for Interactive Media [60 hours]

The increasing consumption for online contents on multiple devices demand web designers to be competent in creating responsive websites and online media. In this CmU learners will research on trends of online connectivity and develop essential knowledge and skills for the creation of interactive web media. Learners will apply core design principles on web design and development, including evaluating design efficacy of websites, internet standards, user interaction (UI) and site planning concepts.

Business Design Innovation Studio Practice (WIU) [60 hours]

With a growing demand from non-design/media-related companies employing designers to value add to their businesses, this WIU places emphasis on core critical skills in I&E to assist designers to transit smoothly into the world of business. Learners are required to incorporate the design of creative professional quality outcomes into business proposals. It aims to connect their knowledge, understanding and skills that were acquired through their course of studies, to create a meaningful connection with their target audience through their proposed designs.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 3

Personal Brand Management [60 hours]

Having a personal brand identity allows a professional to show the world his or her skills and qualities for prospective partnership and employment. This CmU enables learners to acquire skills in branding design and strategies to enhance their desired personal brand identity. Learners will explore the process of branding design and acquire business insights and negotiation skills to communicate and present a professional portfolio that is contextually relevant to the design and media industry.

3D Rendering Techniques [60 hours]

Rendering Technique is an essential component in enhancing the aesthetics and creating a realistic and/or stylised imagery in a production process. Through this CmU, learners will be competent to produce realistic and/or stylised imagery by applying third-party renderers to achieve professional rendering output.

Motion Design for Emerging Tech [60 hours]

The future of Design and Media industry is continuously evolving with new trends and technologies emerging. These emerging trends/ technologies are platforms that can help business and provide a differentiating factor from their competitors. This CmU will equip learners with a broad understanding of different emerging trends and technologies platforms through market research. Learners will be competent in providing an immersive experience to content design and enhance the user experiences through engaging storytelling.

Design for Sustainability [60 hours]

Designers play an integral part in creating sustainable designs that reduce negative impacts on the society and environment. Through this CmU learners will acquire the skills to design products and services with sustainability and ethics in mind throughout the design process. They will test and create designs that consider limitations, regulations and guidelines on intellectual property, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility.

Phygital Design [60 hours]

With technology weaving our physical and digital worlds tightly together, it is crucial to consider the customer experience journey to ensure a seamless, holistic and substainable approach in our design solution. This CmU explores phygital design through experimentation of integrating the physical and digital worlds to create an immersive experience. Learners will develop an understanding of how substaiinable materials, emerging technology and trends are integrated into business design innovation that reinforces empathy and improves user experience.

Creative Entrepreneurship Project (WIU) [180 hours]

Successful entrepreneurs think outside the box to create opportunities for new ventures where others fail to uncover. This WIU requires learners to independently design, manage and develop industry co-creation through pitching and solution marketing to achieve business success. Learners will be tasked to utilise design thinking processes to identify, define and analyse market data to garner effective industry insights in order to propose and conceptualise real-world creative business ideas and solutions.

Internship Programme (WIU) [480 / 960 hours]

Through this Internship Programme, learners will be assigned to real-life workplace environments to receive On-the-Job Training (OJT) where they can apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course. The learners will be guided by the supervisors or mentors at the workplace to develop the relevant competencies at the same time their learning will also be facilitated by school internship mentors throughout the internship period. This will allow learners to develop competencies and experiences at the workplace. In addition, they will acquire important work values and ethics which include being responsible and positive, as well as taking initiative and exercising integrity. Through this internship programme, learners will be industry and future-ready.

Final Year Project (WIU) [480 hours/960 hours]

This 12-week/24-week WIU simulates the industry expectation of a designer to apply critical core skills as well as acquired technical skills to address challenges with effective solutions. Learners will exercise critical thinking to integrate and consolidate all or part of the principles and applicable skills learnt during their first and second year. Learners will be tasked to complete different types of projects, which may involve collaboration with industry partners. Learners are expected to present their work at various points throughout the development cycle, where there will be opportunities to gather feedback on their performance. Through this process, learners will develop confidence to effectively present their thoughts and ideas, exercise professional conduct as well as the essential critical core skills needed to establish themselves as competent designers.

Four Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You are required to choose, and complete all four Competency Canvases to graduate.

The following list reflects the Competency Units and Work-Integration Units mapped under each Competency Canvas.

User-Centered Research

Design Exploration
Drawing & Rendering
Design for Communication
Storytelling Through Media
User-Centred Studio Practice (WIU)

Design & Communication

Design Exploration
Design for Communication
Content Development & Storyboarding
Communication with Typography
Illustration & Information Design
Trend Forecasting
Design Communication Studio Practice (WIU)

Branding & Experience

Content Development & Storyboarding
Motion Design
Communication with Typography
Illustration & Information Design
Brand Identity & Experience
Experiential Design
Branding & Experiential Studio Practice (WIU)

Communication & Motion Design

Content Development & Storyboarding
Brand Identity & Experience
Motion Design & Style Frame Development
Marketing Strategy
Cinematography & Editing
Omnichannel Marketing
Business Design Innovation Studio Practice (WIU)
3D for Motion Design and Motion Design & Compositing or Visual Communication and Design for Interactive Media

Collaboration with Industry Partners

Why Our Partners are On Board

Phil DallCreative Director, Design Bridge"The Professional Competency Model (PCM) is a great step forward in equipping learners for the industry. The breadth and modular nature of the course do a great job of providing a deep understanding across many topics within the ever-changing industry landscape."

Thomas MouritzenManaging Director, Accentures Interactive, ASEAN"The Professional Competency Model is a major step in the right direction to equip learners with the right skills and mindset to perform and navigate the evolving economic landscape.

The curriculum is well-considered. It strikes a good balance between equipping learners with digital skills and building strong fundamentals in design and aesthetics. The ability and readiness to adapt and collaborate across multi-function disciplines is crucial to their success in their career. Getting industry partners to be involved in co-developing the training materials would bring benefit to both learners and the industry."

Benjamin KeeCreative Director, Anomalyst Studio"This is a bold initiative to overhaul the conventional approach to education. It moves away from teaching subjects in silos to a solution-based model that mirrors the seamless synthesis of interdisciplinary work practice of the industry, and a real-world reflection of business focus and creative expressions.

The contemporary outlook of the curriculum covers a good breadth of design for communication through a wide range of creative disciplines that allows graduates to pursue the wider gamut of creative roles across different industries."

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Communication & Motion Design (C30)