The Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Visual Communication & Motion Design) focuses on the application of creative design to develop visually appealing and functional solutions. You'll learn to combine art and technology to create impactful graphics, animations, and videos that effectively communicate ideas, solving real-world problems through design thinking and innovation.
Please note: Course structure is subject to change.
Your DMAD experience begins with the common programme in the first semester known as the Foundry, where you will build foundational skills across all media, arts and design domains. You will also take two pre-specialisation modules. With the exposure to different specialisations, you will be better equipped to select the ones that best match your passions.
In Year 1 Semester 2, you will deepen your learning in Visual Communication by learning the Visual Design, Photography and Motion Graphics.
Explore advanced areas of visual communication with modules Advertising Design, Advertising Design and Design Studio. Engage real client project briefs that lets you tackle real-world problems, preparing you for your internship and giving practical insight into the design industry..
In your final year, you’ll complete a 22-week internship and work on a Final Year Project. You’ll apply your skills on industry projects, gain hands-on experience, collaborate in teams, and develop resilience. Expect to enhance your communication and creativity while solving real-world challenges in a professional setting. By the end of Year 3, you’ll be ready to confidently enter the industry.
Electives
The SP elective framework offers students options to pursue their passion and/or meet different career needs, and is an integral part of the holistic education we seek to provide to our students.
Learn about SP Elective Framework
The Common Core Curriculum (CCC) prepares you for a changing world with essential human and digital skills. Through its 10 modules, the CCC also provides a wide learning experience to examine local and global issues based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These modules help you understand real-world issues and the impact on different communities, and equip you with skills to create a better, sustainable Singapore and world.
What are the eligibility requirements for visual communication and motion design?
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Visual Communication & Motion Design):
SP offers many scholarships to recognise talent and service, from Year 0 to after graduation. These scholarships provide tuition fee waivers and chances to represent SP. They are awarded for academic excellence, contributions to arts or sports, and community service. Edusave awards and external sponsorships are also available.
Visual communication and motion design at SP prepares me for the future.
Learning the industry comes through hands-on practice.
At SP, you’ll work in the Foundry, where you learn storytelling and design basics. In the Photography Studio, you’ll experiment with lighting and digital photography. The Motion Graphics Lab lets you create animations.
SP's modern facilities provide a place to test ideas and collaborate, allowing you to learn the basics and push your limits, preparing you for the industry.
Visual communication and motion design at SP prepares me for Singapore.
Singapore, a modern and connected society, relies heavily on visual communication and motion design to help brands communicate clearly.
In 2025, AI and automation are transforming how we design and interact with visual content. SP teaches you the latest tech, enhancing your creative design process.
People often think visual design is just about art, but it's about effective communication and making an impact.
Visual communication and motion design at SP prepares me for the world
Visual communication and motion design include many niche fields you can explore:
These areas offer a range of skills, so you can find the area that best suits your interests and career goals.
SP offers 22-week internships at various organizations, from startups to MNCs and government agencies. Students with a Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Visual Communication & Motion Design) have interned at top companies like Grab, Singapore Press Holdings, JWT, Esplanade, and BBH Singapore.
Many interns make notable contributions, often exceeding the performance of university interns, and are offered positions such as Junior Designer and Graphic Designer. These internships give you real-world experience and can lead to a successful career in the industry.
Internships connect you with professionals, offering insights, networking, and real-world experience to guide your career choices. SP’s coaching boosts your confidence and employability. Exposure to various industries enhances decision-making, raises starting salaries, and expands business knowledge. A valuable internship offers meaningful work, learning opportunities, clear goals, and strong mentor support for professional growth.
Overseas exposure helps broaden your horizons. Understanding globalization and working with diverse cultures is important in a global city like Singapore. Visual communication and motion design students and alumni have experienced international internships and exchanges, enriching their worldviews and career prospects. Students in other CCAs also have opportunities to represent Singapore abroad and gain international experience.
We know some of you want to take on more challenges and step out of your comfort zone. Being active and involved can help you stay competitive.
SP students in the Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Visual Communication & Motion Design) have won awards in competitions like The Crowbar Award and Creatives Assembly by Mediacorp.
Competing helps you see where you stand and grow from the experience.
Many students who complete their Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Visual Communication & Motion Design) continue their studies in related fields or explore new areas that complement their diploma. Here are some degrees our alumni have pursued:
These degrees are available at universities both locally and internationally. For more information on degree options and advanced standing, visit the Advanced Standing Database.
If you’re preparing for university and want to make the most of your diploma time, an SP diploma can let you fast-track your education by 0.5-2 years!
Boost your value as a visual communication and motion design professional with globally recognized industry certifications. Staying up-to-date with new tools and practices is essential.
Certifications like Adobe Certified Professional for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects can help.
The skills you gain at SP will give you a strong foundation on which to build, advancing your visual communication and motion design career.
Junior Art Director, Wild Advertising & Marketing (Class of 2019) | “My most memorable experience was definitely my final year project, which pushed me and my project partner to the limits of what we could achieve with motion graphics. It was not only one of my proudest work that I have done in VCMD, but it also made me bond much more with my classmates by spending long hours together in the studio.”
Freelance Photographer and owner of Studio Glin Gwee (Class of 2016) | "I’ve been fortunate to work with numerous brands throughout my career, including some I’ve admired for years, which has always felt surreal. My work has been featured on platforms such as Nowness Asia and Nylon Magazine."
Motion Director, Anchor Agency (Class of 2014) | "I benefited from a diverse curriculum that covered a wide range of mediums, allowing me to explore various aspects of the field. This exposure helped me discover what suited me best and guided my career path. VCMD’s teaching approach emphasised independence and self-discovery, equipping me with the skills and confidence to chart a clear course for my future."
Creative Director and Co-founder of 631 PTE. LTD (Class of 2025) | "This has been an enriching and joyful year for me. Stepping out of doing multiple pop-up booths in school to having a pop-up booth at SWITCH and at one of Singapore's largest streetwear and sneaker convention, which is called Sole Superior, this pushes both my team and I to be constantly adaptive, creative and innovative to think of new ways to showcase what we have to offer as a brand. One of my biggest takeaway was to adapt and react to the environment and the people."