Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Design Practice

Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

Design Your Future in the Arts

Propel your way to the top in the design industry, holding your head high as one of the best designers of your generation in Singapore and the region.

NAFA’s three-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Design Practice, which is validated by the world-renowned University of the Arts London (UAL), offers you the chance to master technical competencies in design domains, examine key trends in the larger context of global affairs, and broaden your perspective on design. In the process, you will develop a robust set of transferable skills that will help you confidently navigate the design landscape of today.

Like all our programmes, this degree programme is practice-led and industry-based, focusing on interdisciplinary research studios, internships, attachments and live client projects. It also includes a seven-week overseas placement at UAL.

Please watch this webinar to learn more about the BA (Hons) Design Practice programme from our faculty and students.

At the end of this programme, students should be able to:

Develop technical, creative and critical thinking skills in the planning, executing and managing of intradisciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary design projects
Utilise knowledge and understanding of materials, processes, techniques, and technologies to produce innovative design solutions while focusing on user-centricity
Plan and execute projects independently and in a team, and apply the principles of service design, experience design and business management to create experiences and products
Expand their understanding of the evolving roles of design that may transcend the creative and cultural industries
Analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information to initiate relevant design solutions that sustainably respond to current and emergent political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental issues and contexts, leading towards future trends
Articulate and communicate effectively through a range of media, to facilitate and document their design practice

Obtain Specialisation in a Design Domain

Acquire key knowledge, skills and professional attributes in one of four design domains: 3-Dimensional, communication, fashion, and spatial domain.

Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Learning

Explore interdisciplinary projects through classes in Design Insights, Design Futures, and Business Studies—which will deepen your learning to see design as a synergetic fusion of different perspectives. You will showcase all you have learnt in the final semester as part of a student-led transdisciplinary project.

Enjoy the Benefits of an Industry-led Curriculum

Gain valuable insights and knowledge of professional practice through internships, overseas immersions and live client projects, deepening and aligning your skill sets through industry application.

More Information

UAL Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the degree programmes, students are required to attain a total of 360 credits. For students admitted via direct entry into second year, they are required to attain a total of 240 credits, which comprise 120 credits for second year and 120 credits for third year.

Mode of Instruction

Lessons may be delivered face-to-face on campus or facilitated online. Lecturers employ a variety of teaching strategies and methods according to the needs of each module. Students are expected to attend every lesson as scheduled, either in the form of lectures, tutorials, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, practical exercises/classes, seminars, workshops, rehearsals, productions, laboratory/studio-based practice, screenings, field activities or e-learning/web-based interactions, which vary depending on the programme.

Assessment Methods

Each module is assessed by either class participation, written assignments, coursework, practical activities, performances, portfolio, oral presentations, peer reviews, projects, examinations, or any of these combinations which vary depending on the programme. Assessment methods may vary according to individual module requirements.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Design Practice programme are well-equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to thrive across diverse domains within the dynamic and evolving design industry. These opportunities extend beyond traditional design roles, offering students the chance to venture into exciting areas such as:

Interdisciplinary Designer or Multidisciplinary Designer
Content Creator
Content Writer
Creative Entrepreneur
Creative Technologist
Design Educator
Design Facilitator
Design Futurist
Design Researcher
Design Strategist
Digital Designer
Innovation Consultant
Project Manager
Service/ CX/ UIUX Designer

Students' Work

Modules

Code	Title	Semester	Credits
DP1411	Drawing and Making A The unit introduces students to the fundamental design principles, techniques, and key skills in your chosen design domain. You will develop knowledge and skills across different mediums, acquire critical thinking and learn through discovery, material exploration, and processes to support ideas development within art and design.	1	20
DP1412	Design Studio 1A This unit introduces you to a multidisciplinary study of Design Theory and History, Design Thinking and Design Aesthetics. It comprises of various critical content to boost your current understanding of key methods and principles of design. You will also gain insights to Southeast Asian arts and design content and contexts conducted through masterclasses.	1	40
DP1421	Drawing and Making B This unit builds on the foundation from unit 1 and will further orientate you to the practices and knowledge within your chosen domain. You will continue to deepen and hone your technical knowledge, while learning the cross-application of specialised processes and methods.	2	20
DP1422	Design Studio 1B This unit continues to apply studio practice in a multidisciplinary environment. You will further explore practical and theoretical knowledge of design practice with focus on other design approach and processes. The projects will further strengthen your research skills in design development and professional practice.	2	40
DP2511	Design Insights This unit offers the opportunity to develop long-range strategic thinking towards designing for a sustainable future. Design Insights will deepen your awareness and critical understanding of ethical issues and sensitivities with critical and cultural matters of difference.	1	20
DP2512	Design Studio 2A Design Studio 2A will engage you in a multidisciplinary environment, developing skills that transcend normative design domains. Your practice as a designer will include experience and service design, with knowledge of tools in human-centred approaches, enabling your creative development of holistic user experiences.	1	40
DP2521	International Placement This unit will see you spending 7-weeks in the creative capital of London, UK. You will benefit from being immersed in a rich and lively cultural capital with opportunities to experience art and design from fresh perspectives.	2	20
DP2522	Design Futures Leveraging on your learning from Design Futures and Insights A, Design Futures and Insights B will continue to stimulate you to envision multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary futures scenarios strategically driven by forces likely to shape change in broader design and business operating contexts.	2	20
DP2523	Design Studio 2B Design Studio 2B is conducted in a studio-based learning environment to develop practical work to cultivate creative knowledge and attitudes.	2	20
DP3611	Live Client Project/ Internship This unit will provide opportunities to experience the working climate, pace, atmosphere, and professional disciplines of working within your subject area or related area. You will also broaden your practical experiences in the various roles, functions, and operations in the industry.	1	40
DP3612	Design Studio 3: Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Practice Initiating the student-led project (Graduating Project), this unit aims to expose you to an intensive month-long workshop engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration to critically research, plan and formulate a design proposal for informed alternatives for the future in various emergent Southeast Asian contexts. At the end of the unit, you will pitch your ideas to industry stakeholders.	1	20
DP3621	Student-Led Project The Student-led Project (Graduating project) will kick off from the design proposal developed in Design Studio 3. In discussion with your supervisor, you will decide on either collaborating with your fellow students from different practices to work towards a shared project outcome, or to work individually on a student-led project (or a combination of both). Culminating in a substantial body of creative work presented to a professional and the project partner, it will be showcased as part of your Graduation show at the end of the semester.	2	60

entry requirements

Find out about the entry requirements that apply to you.

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity

Portfolio and Statement of Intent

All applicants are to demonstrate their potential through the submission of the following:
1. A Portfolio which consists of 10-15 pieces of the applicant’s best works. These works should demonstrate creativity, passion, and curiosity and are a reflection of the applicant’s view of the world.
2. A Statement of Intent (250 - 300 words) which communicate the applicant’s purpose in pursing a Design Practice degree programme.

Group Interview

All applicants are to attend a group interview session where they are expected to communicate their motivations in applying for the BA (Hons) Design Practice programme, and share their views on specific topics given.

Interview Date
13 October 2023
10 November 2023
8 December 2023
26 January 2024
16 February 2024
6 March 2024
22 March 2024
5 April 2024
19 April 2024

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Local Polytechnic Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

Conditional Offers for Degree Admission
You may use the latest results available to apply for the programme if you have not received your final examination results. You will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following results, as applicable:

GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
IB Diploma certificate and transcript
Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity
Educational Qualification
Language Proficiency
Special Factor
Age Requirement

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Applicants who do not meet these programme entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases.

The programme team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit, but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. In such cases, approval by the University of the Arts London will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

English Language Proficiency

All classes are taught in English. The minimum English Language proficiency requirement: IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Click here for other acceptable English language qualifications.

Early Admission

GCE A-Level or Polytechnic/IB/NAFA/LASALLE students in their final year will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for UAL degree programmes at NAFA.

Eligible international students in their final year will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for UAL degree programmes at NAFA.

Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their GCE A-Level/year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

How to Apply

Get started on your quest to become an art & design professional today!

Apply online

Apply online here 2 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. The application is extended to 15 May 2024.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents for verification within five working days from the application date at:

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Campus 1 (Admissions counter at level 1)
80 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189655

Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

Alternatively, you can email a copy of the required documents to [email protected].

Required documents for verification:

NRIC for Singapore Citizens (SC) or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR), passport and valid Student’s Pass card (if applicable) for international students
English qualifications (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL iBT), if applicable
Certified true copies of academic certificates and transcripts:
- For NAFA Diploma students
  - If you are currently in your final semester, please submit your Year 3 Semester 1 academic transcript
- For Local Polytechnic Diploma students
  - If you are currently in your final semester, please submit your academic transcripts of your first 5 semesters. Subsequently, please submit your Diploma certificate and full academic transcript (all semesters) within 5 working days from the official release date
- For other international qualifications
  - Please submit your most recent school examination or preliminary examination results, which must be certified by your school if you have not received your final results. Subsequently, please submit your final results and certificate within 5 working days from the official release date

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents during application.

Upload portfolio

Upload your portfolio here.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Apply Now