Diploma in Communication & Motion Design

Ranked among top motion graphics schools, this programme builds skills in visual communication and storytelling. Craft impactful narratives, master the latest technologies, and create engaging content for physical and digital platforms. Graduate ready to excel in design, media, and business.

View curriculum

Where ideas converge and narratives emerge. Bring compelling stories to life.

Net Aggregate Range

ELR2B2-D (2026 JAE) 9 to 19 points

ELMAB3 (2026 PFP) 4 to 10 points

diploma

Connect with audiences through brand stories, visual design and imagery using the latest digital technologies.

You will become professionals who are:

Imaginative. Versatile. Adaptable.

Connect with audiences using the latest digital technologies

Ranked top 6 creative school worldwide for motion graphics

Shape the future of creative media design with NYP, ranked among the world's top six for Motion Graphics by The Rookies Global School Rankings 2025.

Work with established brands like Nickelodeon and VML

Distinguish your portfolio through impactful internships and projects with VML (global creative agency), Nickelodeon, and more across local and international platforms.

Path your design future at top local & overseas universities

Gain expertise in brand strategy, experience design, motion design, storytelling, content marketing, and business innovation. Advance to NUS, NTU, SMU, and overseas universities.

Starting in AY26, Year 3 students will select one learning unit each from three electives to deepen their expertise and advance with a multidisciplinary edge.

At the end of this diploma course, you’ll gain the following course competencies:

Research & Content Design
Storytelling in Creative Media
Brand Marketing & Project Management
Communication Design
Motion Design

and one of the following four elective course competencies:

Gamification Techniques
Digital Painting
Service Design
Digital Prototyping

22 Competency Units (CmU)
Each CmU integrates skills and knowledge from different disciplines. This enables the students to fulfil specific work tasks upon completion.
4 Work-Integration Units (WIU)
A WIU is a workplace contextualised project. Students will tackle real-world work problems under the guidance of our educators, so that our students graduate ready for the workplace. Each WIU belongs to a Competency Canvas that helps you develop and demonstrate your abilities to perform work tasks at a higher proficiency.
7 Course Competencies
Each Competency Canvas consists of a collection of CmUs and a WIU. Competency Canvases help you develop and demonstrate your abilities to perform work tasks at a higher proficiency.
1 Internship Programme
In Year 3, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-week internship with our industry partners, gaining hands-on experience that will help them become confident in the workplace.
1 Final Year Project
In Year 3, all students will undertake a final year project. This is a final project to showcase the skills that they have gained in the diploma.
6 - 11 LifePRO Units ^NEW
These learning units will support your holistic development beyond your domain-specific studies.

Interested in applying for this course at EAE? Check out our customised Tips page.

Course Curriculum

This course adopts the new Professional Competency Model

Learning Units

Design Exploration Drawing & Rendering Design for Communication Storytelling Through Media Visual Narrative & Storyboarding Principles of Motion Design Typography in Media Infographic Design User-Centred Studio PracticeWIU Design Communication Studio PracticeWIU

WIU
Learning Units

Photographic Narrative Techniques 3D Modelling Motion Design Practice Brand Identity & Experience Cinematic Narrative Techniques Omnichannel Brand Strategy Motion Design Advanced Techniques Visual Communication Branding Experience Studio PracticeWIU Branding & Marketing Studio PracticeWIU

WIU
Learning Units

Personal Brand Management Creative Entrepreneurship ProjectWIU Internship ProgrammeWIU Final Year ProjectWIU

WIU

Elective Course Competencies

Choose one out of each elective group.

Elective Group 1
3D Motion Design Emerging Tech for Motion Design

Elective Group 2
Design for Sustainability Interactive Brand Experience

WIU

Choose one out of four learning units.

Elective Course Competencies
Service Design UI/UX Design Gamification Techniques Digital Painting

WIU
As part of your three‑year diploma journey at NYP, you will take LifePRO Units (LPUs)^NEWalongside your course learning units for a well‑rounded experience. Through a mix of prescribed and elective LPUs, you will build life skills beyond your discipline and prepare for work and life after graduation.

See LPU descriptions Go to

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Choose one out of each elective group.

Choose one out of four learning units.

LifePRO Units

As part of your three‑year diploma journey at NYP, you will take LifePRO Units (LPUs)^NEWalongside your course learning units for a well‑rounded experience. Through a mix of prescribed and elective LPUs, you will build life skills beyond your discipline and prepare for work and life after graduation.

See LPU descriptions

Opportunities

Nurturing you to be future-ready

Internships

Secure internships with industry titans and learn from professionals who are shaping the future of visual communication. Get hands-on experience, hone your technical and soft skills, and build relationships that could propel your design dreams into reality.

Overseas Programmes

Expand your global horizons by exploring diverse business landscapes, international trends, and networking opportunities through our study exchanges and educational trips, international conferences, design festivals, and competitions.

Diploma-Plus Programmes

Broaden your horizons through out Diploma-Plus Programme, where you can acquire specialised skills and advanced knowledge for immediate workplace application or further university studies. This certified programme culminates in a Dip-Plus transcript awarded at graduation.

Industry Collaborations

Benefit from a curriculum co-created with our extensive network of industry leaders. The learning experience mirrors the interdisciplinary nature of design at work, so you’ll be ready for both the creative and business challenges ahead.

Refine your visual storytelling skills through industry projects, field trips, guest lectures and practical training, and emerge with the confidence and creative vision you’ll need to succeed.

University Foundation Programme

From critical thinking and professional writing to pre-university subjects, build the knowledge and skills you will need to help prepare for your university matriculation.

Post-graduation options

Pursue a degree

Get advanced standing for courses at local and overseas universities. Many of our graduates go on to pursue degrees at:

National University of Singapore
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts
University of the Arts, London
and more

Kickstart your career

Our graduates are highly sought after in dynamic industries, with rewarding careers in:

Advertising and Media Professional
2D/3D Motion Designer
Designpreneur
Brand Strategist
Brand Experience Designer
UI/UX Designer
and more

Advance your diploma

Pursue post-diploma opportunities, including specialist diplomas, industry-recognised certifications, and work-study programmes.

PARTNERS

Who's on board with us

The SDM programme stands as a beacon of excellence in shaping future workforce by providing students with a cutting-edge education that seamlessly integrates digital skills, design thinking, industry collaboration, and real-world applications. This visionary approach reflects the institutions’ commitment to fostering industry-ready professionals who will thrive in the dynamic landscape of the digital era.

The programme is something that is working and I hope we can continue this excellent partnership.

Benson Toh

Executive Creative Director, Tribal Worldwide

The PCM 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. Read more

Thomas Mouritzen

Managing Director, Accenture Song, ASEAN

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. Read more

Benjamin Kee

Executive Creative Director, Anomalyst Studio

Vicki Ng

Class of 2015 Class of 2015

The well-rounded curriculum has equipped me with analytical and entrepreneurial skills that complement my expertise, allowing me to excel in the working world.
Chong Shihui

Class of 2014 Class of 2014

NYP SDM has prepared me well for my undergraduate studies in Nanyang Technological University, particularly in the art of communication. Thanks to the school, I am able to convey my thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively, as well as interact with people of all ages.
Lau En Qi

Class of 2023 Class of 2023

The training I received at NYP SDM has helped given me greater clarity and confidence in my pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design Art, specialising in Visual Communication.

Testimonials

Real experiences, real results

Get the inside scoop – students’ insights, experiences, and stories! Learn about the heartbeat of student life at NYP in their own words.

Communication & Motion Design Showcase

showcase

Communication & Motion Design Showreel 2024

A compilation of communication & motion design works by the NYP School of Design & Media year 1 - year 3 students.

A Happy New Year, with Nickelodeon

Using a mixed-media approach, our final-year students produced a 30-second brand indent that captures the quirky and memorable narrative for Nickelodeon in South East Asia.

On parade, for the nation

For 13 years - and counting - our students turn words and emotions into stunning visual narratives that delight crowds at National Day Parades.

Journey with PUMA at 313 Somerset

A visual and captivating experience to celebrate Singapore’s spirit and fashion ethos.

Facilities

Explore. Learn. Grow.

BeyondReality Studio

Reimagine reality with emerging tech and motion capture tools. Master immersive technologies in this creative playground. Find out more >

360° SDM Facility Tour

Let our lecturers take you on a tour around the campus in our 360° SDM Facility Tour video!

Final Year Design Studio

A studio to create visually captivating and polished motion graphics that effectively communicate your ideas.

M3 Gallery

A gallery displaying exceptional final year projects from students at the School of Design and Media, recognising their outstanding creativity and innovation.