Diploma in Design & Media

Semester 1

In the first semester, students gain vital skills for their academic journey. They will explore fundamental Design and Media concepts, covering drawing techniques, idea generation, trend analysis, visual thinking, graphic design history, and introductory use of software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Modules

• Introduction to Graphic Design
• Drawing and Presentation Techniques
• Academic Research Skills
• Imaging/Production Skills for Design

Semester 2

Students will enhance communication prowess and grasp pivotal art theories and practices within the creative industry. They'll delve into advertising principles, honing effective communication techniques. Through marker renderings, they'll refine technical hand-drawing skills, while collaborative group work will foster innovative problem-solving aligned with provided project briefs.

Modules

• Visual Art Theory and Practice
• Introduction to Advertising
• Digital Image Manipulation
• Introduction to Creative Project
• Professional Communication

Semester 3

Students will delve into project management theories and diverse data collection research methods, crafting effective design solutions in larger teams. They will learn advance drawing methods for character and environment conceptual art, while exploring complex software like Maya and Toon Boom for theoretical and practical insights into 2D animation and 3D imaging.

Modules

• Animation Principles
• Illustration for Concept Art
• Introduction to Project Management
• Digital Illustration Techniques
• 3D Pipeline
• Integrity and Anti-Corruption

Semester 4

Students will delve into crafting animated graphics - merging visuals with motion for compelling narratives. They will employ tools to create imaginative visuals through digital illustration, while cinema film analysis will enrich their comprehension of visual language, narrative structures, and film's cultural context. The introduction to entrepreneurship equips students with crucial insights into the creative industry's business facets, nurturing innovation. Based on their chosen design pathway, they will propose ideations and concepts to be executed in their Final Project.

Modules

• Motion Graphics
• Cinema Film Analysis
• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Project Management
• Major Project Preparation

Semester 5

The final semester will focus on 3D animation techniques, teaching students how to bring objects to life through motion, as well as exposure to the evolving media landscape and communication theories, providing insights into modern message transmission. At the end of their semester, students will proudly showcase their chosen design pathway and demonstrate their mastery and creativity skills from their Major Project in a public exhibition. This will provide an opportunity for them to meet and present their portfolio to a panel of industry experts.

Modules

• Applied Movement
• New Media Studies
• Major Project

Elective Modules

In semester 4 and 5, students will get to select their elective modules based on their preferred pathway to further expand their foundations in technical specialisation and creative exploration within the field.

ROUTE A: LEADING TO DIGITAL ADVERTISING PATHWAY

Students will gain broad insights into the advertising realm, exploring client brief analysis, brand placement, and identity to craft design briefs informed by market research. They'll delve into foundational marketing principles and consumer behavior issues, expanding their understanding of the field.

Modules

• Design History and Context OR Introduction to Public Relations
• ​Client Brief Concept
• Marketing Fundamentals, Consumer Behaviour and Creative Practice

ROUTE B: LEADING TO ANIMATION PATHWAY

Students will delve deeper into advanced technical applications in 2D animation techniques and elevating 3D techniques. Students have the option to explore between art history aligned with industrial design or venture into the realm of public relations for a broader perspective.

Modules

• Design History and Context OR Introduction to Public Relations
• Digital 2D Animation
• Advance 3D Pipeline

ROUTE C: LEADING TO VISUAL EFFECTS PATHWAY

Students will delve deeper into gain insights into workflow of Visual Effects through compositing techniques and elevate their 3D techniques. Students have the option to explore between art history aligned with industrial design or venture into the realm of public relations for a broader perspective.

Modules

• Design History and Context OR Introduction to Public Relations
• Digital Compositing for Film
• Advance 3D Pipeline

ROUTE D: LEADING TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PATHWAY

Students will gain expertise through hands-on practical sessions, in utilising various workshop tools and working with raw materials like foam and wood. They'll also explore 3D software applications like Solidworks or Rhino to transform their 2D concepts into 3D models, primed for 3D printing applications.

Modules

• Design History and Context
• Design Style and Substance
• C.A.D. Project or Surface Modeling

ROUTE E: LEADING TO MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION PATHWAY

Students will immerse in the realm of media and communication, exploring concepts of public relations and communication theories. They'll delve into fundamental marketing principles and consumer behavior issues, expanding their comprehensive understanding of the field.

Modules

• Introduction to Public Relations
• Communication Theories
• Marketing Fundamentals, Consumer Behaviour and Creative Practice

*In addition to the above, all students are also required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-curricular activities.

Further Studies

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be eligible to progress into Level 2 of the following degree programmes offered at APU. Students will also have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme.

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies

Note: Switching to a different specialisation / pathway to Degree from Diploma requires the review of the respective Program Leaders to assess eligibility 

For the full listing of our Diploma Programmes, please refer to the Pre-University programme brochure.