Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Top-up) (RMIT University)

This is an advanced standing programme. Applicants should have a diploma in Graphic Design, Communication Design or a related field of study from a polytechnic or similar institution.

Diplomas in any other disciplines or from other institutions with good portfolio presentations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The following diplomas are accepted:

• Temasek Polytechnic
  • Diploma in Visual Communication
  • Diploma in Interactive Media Design
  • Diploma in Communication Design
• Nanyang Polytechnic
  • Diploma in Visual Communication
  • Diploma in Industrial Design
  • Diploma in Space and Interior Design
  • Diploma in Interaction Design
  • Diploma in Motion Graphics and Design
• Singapore Polytechnic
  • Diploma in Creative Media Design
  • Diploma in Experience and Product Design
  • Diploma in Interior Design
  • Diploma in Visual Communication and Media Design
• Republic Polytechnic
  • Diploma in Design for Interactivity
  • Diploma in Interactive and Digital Media
  • Diploma in Media Production and Design
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic
  • Diploma in Digital Visual Effects
  • Diploma in Film Sound and Video
• LASALLE College of the Arts
  • Diploma in Design Communication
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
  • Diploma in Graphic Communication
  • Diploma in Screen Media
  • Diploma in Illustration and Animation
  • Diploma in Interior and Exhibition Design

English Language Requirements

Applicants who have achieved one of the following qualifications/studies, where English is the language of teaching and assessment no more than two years prior to the RMIT program commencement date (unless otherwise advised), will meet the English language entry criteria to the program(s): 

• GCE ‘A’ levels at a Singaporean high school with 
  • Minimum C or better in General Paper at AS / H1 Level; or 
  • Minimum C grade in H2 subject (excluding language subjects and Mathematics and Music) for A level English – Singapore H2 (previously known as “A level” subject); or 
• SIM diplomas as approved by RMIT; or 
• Other RMIT approved local diplomas with duration less than 3 years; or 
• Candidates with 3-year full-time diploma qualification from a Singaporean Polytechnic, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts or B.C.A Academy, within 5 years prior to the commencement of the RMIT programme; or 
• A minimum of one-year full-time study in an award equivalent to an Australian diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree; or 
• One semester full-time of a postgraduate qualification (equivalent to an Australian graduate certificate or higher).

Note:

Applicants will be deemed to have met the English Language criteria with no time limitation; if they have completed one of the abovementioned qualification/studies and have a minimum of 6 years primary/secondary studies of which a minimum of 2 years of this study was undertaken at secondary / senior secondary level, and where the studies was taught and assessed entirely in English from Singapore or other English-speaking country recognised by RMIT. 

Visit course webpage to Learn more about recognised qualifications

All other applicants can meet the English language entry criteria through the completion of one of the following approved English language proficiency tests no more than two years prior to the RMIT program commencement date: 

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); 
• TOEFL (internet-based test) – iBT: Overall score 79 (with minimum score of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing); 
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PTE(A): 58 (no communication band less than 50); 
• Cambridge English (Advanced CAE): 176 with no less than 169 in any component; 
• RMIT English Worldwide (REW) Advanced Plus or equivalent; OR 
• The completion of other equivalent qualifications, as approved by RMIT University. 

Application Requirement

In addition to the online application submission, applicants are required to complete and submit a softcopy (pdf format) Selection Kit to present and explain their work to the selection officers.

While the main selection is done by the selection officers of RMIT based on the selection kit submitted by applicants, selected applicants may be required to attend an interview session at SIM to assess their suitability for entry into the programme.

These selected applicants will present their folio to a RMIT university panel comprising the RMIT University Offshore Programme Director or their nominee.

Visit course webpage to download the Selection Kit template and guidelines.

• Information not available

Structure

• The mode of delivery is classroom learning.
• This programme is taught in a combination of lectures and tutorials by the RMIT visiting lecturers and Singapore-based lecturers.
• Students are required to organise a graduation exhibition to showcase their work to the University and the industry at the end of the programme.
• This programme is taught by faculty from RMIT University, as well as local academics and practitioners in the industry.
• The average teacher:student ratio is 1:31.
• For modules taught by RMIT faculty, classes are conducted on an intensive mode: lectures are scheduled over 1 to 2 weeks consecutively.
• Modules delivered by local academics are run on a regular mode, with classes scheduled over 6 to 12 weeks, at least 3 to 4 times a week for a 4-month and 2-month durations.
• Classes are of 3 hours duration per session with 10 to 15 minutes break and are scheduled on weekday mornings or afternoons at SIM HQ, unless otherwise stated.
• Class requires a minimum of 50 students to commence.
• In the event that the above minimum number is not met, the intake will not commence. Students will be informed within 30 days before class commences.

Assessment & Attendance

• Assessment will be a combination of individual briefs and group projects to address communication design issues for a range of industry-based briefs as applied to Communication Design.
• The assessment requirements may include class tests, exams, assignments, essays, projects and presentations or other forms of assessment appropriate to the objective of the programme.
• Assessment is required for every module and is normally held every month in each term. It is subjected to changes by RMIT University.
• Students need to repeat the module which they have failed when it is offered in the same period the following year.
• As a culmination of the programme, a graduation exhibition show will be held to showcase the work of the graduating students. This enhances the students’ skills in organising a successful event comparable to the bona fide corporate world and showcases students for the industry.
• Attendance requirement: 
• Local students: 75% 
• International students: 90% 

Modules

This advanced standing programme is offered full time, comprises of 144 credit points, and can be completed in one year.

Applicants should have relevant qualification in Communication Design-related disciplines.

Students will undertake a Study Tour to RMIT Melbourne for the delivery and completion of the GRAP2250 Studio 4 Communication Design module, and to experience design in a different cultural context supported by the RMIT University’s faculty.

By undertaking the Study Tour to RMIT Melbourne, students will be responsible for all expenses. Costs for study trip will be advised in a timely manner.

• COMM2732 Making Media
• GRAP2262 COMMUNICATION DESIGN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
• GRAP2644 STUDIO 3 COMMUNICATION DESIGN
• GRAP2250 STUDIO 4 COMMUNICATION DESIGN
• COMM2490 CLIENT MANAGEMENT
• MKTG1266 MARKETING COMMUNICATION
• GRAP2252 STUDIO 5 COMMUNICATION DESIGN
• GRAP2263 EXTENDING COMMUNICATION DESIGN EXPERTISE
• GRAP2633 COMMUNICATION DESIGN CAPSTONE PROJECT

Visit course webpage to view list of modules and outlines and detailed programme structure.