Diploma in Arts Management

Modules

The following programme modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2025 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2024/2025 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Programme and Module Information Booklet on the Student Portal for the programme modules in your respective years of enrolment.

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.	10
School Core	Academic and Digital Skills There are 2 components to this module: In the first component, you will be introduced to the skills required for writing academic papers to support your studies at a tertiary level. You will develop skills such as sourcing and evaluating references, collecting and applying the research data to write a research essay and reviewing and editing your essays. You will learn to use the APA format for referencing and citation, and to avoid plagiarism. The second component of this module aims to build competencies in using digital tools and computer applications essential for your role as arts managers. You will be trained to use tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, and online collaborative platforms for teamwork and project management. You will also learn best practices in internet security to protect yourselves and your work as well as responsible use of GenAI tools. The knowledge and skills learned in this module will be applied across all modules where academic essays and digital content creation are required.	10
School Core	Arts Ecosystem 1 You will be introduced to the major forms of performing arts (both Asian and Western) and arts companies, with a focus on Singaporean artists and companies. You will gain an understanding of how music, dance, and theatre, as well as interdisciplinary works, are presented. You will learn about key local and international personalities who shape the development and evolution of the performing arts, major performing arts festivals and events as well as how the performing arts can engage the wider community. You will be required to attend performances and analyse the elements that contribute to their success from your perspective as an arts manager.	20
School Core	Managing the Arts 1 This module provides the context for your whole diploma programme, equipping you with a framework to navigate the diverse aspects of arts management, thus gaining essential knowledge and skills required to work within the arts sector. You will start with an exploration of arts management fundamentals, key concepts, and terminology. You will gain insights into the importance and relevance of arts management through an overview of the main areas of specialisation such as arts marketing, audience development, venue management, sponsorship, community engagement and arts policies. You will investigate various aspects of visual arts management from museum and gallery management to the business of art fairs and auction houses in the contemporary context and learn the functions of these institutions within the art ecology and society at large. You will learn about arts venues management. You will gain insights into their significance in arts and community development. Through an exploration of key arts venues in Singapore, both purpose-built and non-purpose-built, you will uncover their history and learn how they are managed. This would include their hiring process, safety and sustainability issues. You will also explore local, regional, and global landmark venues used to present the arts.	20

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 1 This module introduces you to a wide range of career options in the arts and related sectors, with the aim of guiding you in realising your career aspirations. You will be provided with an overview of Singapore's arts sector before exploring the different jobs available to arts management graduates and the skillsets required. In addition, you will be guided to start developing a professional portfolio. You will have the opportunity to explore your interests through various activities, including site visits, interactions with industry professionals, and practical work experiences. These activities will allow you to reflect on your interests and abilities, aiding in the planning of your professional development. The module also covers other aspects of personal development such as financial literacy, providing you with essential knowledge and life skills.	10
School Core	Business 1 This module will introduce you to effective communication in various business settings. You will develop your skills in composing business letters, emails, proposals, reports and create impactful presentation slides for business pitches and deliver engaging presentations. This module also introduces you to other essential business skills including data collection and analysis, which are vital for making well-informed decisions in business contexts.	10
School Core	Arts Ecosystem 2 This module covers the Visual Arts component of the Arts Ecosystem. It aims to provide you with a holistic understanding of the Visual Arts, equipping you with insights and skills necessary for effective arts management in this creative field. The module introduces you to art history, providing a comprehensive overview of key learning points relevant for arts management students. Both Asian and Western art forms are explored, with a specific focus on SE Asian Art. You will learn about local and international personalities who have significantly influenced the development of visual arts. Additionally, you will explore major festivals and events that showcase the visual arts, gaining insights into the pivotal role these play in shaping the arts landscape. You will learn how to read artworks by applying visual literacy skills and analyse the ways in which artworks and styles evolve over the course of art history. The module culminates with your proposal to curate an exhibition of artworks according to different themes.	20
School Core	Production 1 This module will introduce you to theatre vocabulary and terminology, theatre plans and equipment, venue specifications, technical riders, and staging procedures. You will learn about the production process and roles, and essential skills of stage management such as preparing and running rehearsals, spiking the stage, calling cues, and preparing a prompt script.	20

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 2) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
School Core	Business 2 This module will cover 2 important aspects of management, namely, Human Resource Management (HRM) and Organisational Behaviour (OB), providing you with a well-rounded perspective on effectively managing human capital within arts organisations. Beginning with an exploration of what HRM entails and its alignment with local employment laws, you will progress into examining the intricacies of the HR process. From identifying job needs and recruitment to performance appraisal and employee development. A specific focus of this module is on how HRM concepts are applicable to arts organisations, including the management of artists, freelancers, and other creative professionals in the arts industry. You will also gain insight into essential aspects of organisational behaviour in the workplace. You will develop skills in facilitating cooperation and conflict resolution. Topics such as motivation, team dynamics, power, and influence will be explored. Through case studies, you will be challenged to apply these concepts to real-world situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice in organisational settings.	10
School Core	Managing the Arts 2 This module covers two key components in arts management: 1) Arts Marketing and Audience Development and 2) Arts Law. 1) Arts Marketing and Audience Development: you will investigate the unique requirements of marketing the arts, centred around the marketing of an experience. A key component of this module is understanding the critical role that audience development plays in the sustainability of the arts and heritage. You will learn about consumer behaviour, market research, branding, pricing, and marketing communications. The concept of sponsorship will also be touched on as a function of marketing. In addition, you will learn how to leverage new technologies to market the arts. Practical skills such as drafting a marketing plan and budget, conducting a marketing pitch, drafting a sponsorship letter, developing, and implementing an audience development activity will also be covered. 2) Arts Law: you will learn about legal concepts and practices pertaining to the arts. Key topics include intellectual property, contract law, and licensing. You will examine statutes and legislation that regulate the arts ecosystem. Through local and international case studies, you will analyse issues such as copyright, agreements, and censorship and how they apply to the arts. You will have an opportunity to think critically about these legal issues and to present an argument based on research and evidence. You will also learn how to interpret contractual clauses and identify areas of concern.	20
School Core	Production 2 This module has 2 components: Lighting and Sound In the first component, you will be introduced to basic lighting concepts and practices tailored for various productions and arts events, including the visual arts, exhibitions, and entertainment. You will explore the history of stage lighting and understand its various functions. Practical skills will be developed, covering how to install, operate, and maintain simple lighting and sound systems. In addition, you will acquire fundamental skills in rigging and focusing lights, as well as plotting lighting cues. In the second component, you will also be introduced to basic sound concepts and practices essential for live productions and other art forms. You will learn about the factors that must be considered when approaching and achieving high-quality sound for artistic productions. You will develop practical skills on producing an audio composition using recording techniques and basic digital editing skills. The module will also cover the programming and operation of show control software such as QLab. You will practice planning, executing, and operating a basic audio system for performances.	20

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 1) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 This module will build on what you have learnt and experienced during the PDP 1 module in Year 1, bringing you closer to realising your career aspirations. A key focus is to prepare you for internship and enhance your digital skills to bolster your employability. You will develop an online profile and Curriculum Vitae (CV) based on the projects and experiences you have gained throughout your studies so far. You will develop more clarity with regards to your career path through career coaching exercises. Following from that, you will learn to write an impactful job application, compile a professional portfolio, and hone your interview skills so that you can get the job or the internship position of your choice. The second part of the module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilise digital spaces and platforms for the development and sustainability of the arts. This segment focuses on using digital platforms to communicate, present, reach out to, and engage with audiences on a broader scale. You will receive practical training on how to organise and set up digital events, as well as presenting visual and performing arts events on a digital platform.	10
School Core	Managing the Arts 3 This module builds on the knowledge and skills attained in Production 1 and Production 2 modules and complements the Production 3 module which is running concurrently. The main focus of this module is on managing productions. You will be introduced to understanding and interpreting designs, as well as spatial and venue awareness. With these skillsets, you will be able to assess the technical requirements of a design and the logistics necessary for its realisation within the performance environment. You will learn skills such as drawing up a production budget and production schedule, reading venue specifications, crafting technical riders, and preparing production meeting minutes and communication across all departments and stakeholders. You will also learn risk management and production control. These skills are essential to managing a production or event, and these attributes can be adapted to working in different performance environments. This includes traditional theatre environments, community projects, events, festivals, concerts, and site-specific environments.	20
School Core	Production 3 This module builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Production 1 and Production 2 modules. You will learn the theory and practice in relation to working backstage in the arts, events and entertainment industry. You will be introduced to scenic, costume, and video projection design fundamentals and construction, as well as guidelines for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). You will learn basic technical functions that are critical to a stage technician. Additionally, you will acquire basic 2D and 3D Computer Aided Drafting skills and realise a model box from a stage set plan. This module also introduces you to the fundamentals of video projection design, and how to collaborate with other creative departments. You will be introduced to technical skills required to realise a digital design ranging from image manipulation, editing, mapping, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and 3D modelling and animation. For students who are interested in visual arts, core options focusing on Exhibition Design, Curating and Conservation instead of the above will be made available.	20
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Students are encouraged to complete the elective requirement (totalling 30 credits) by the end of Year 2.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Industry Based Learning In this module, you have the option to choose: 1. Internship OR 2. Industry Project Internship: The internship aims to develop your capabilities and provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned in the Diploma in Arts Management programme in a real-world setting. It will offer you an authentic learning experience, help you build professional networks, and provide the chance to have your work professionally evaluated as interns in arts and cultural organisations. By the end of this module, you will gain a better idea of what it is like in the working world and be able to plan for your career upon graduation. Industry Project: The Industry Project aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to function in the workplace by allowing you to implement a live arts or cultural project for a client, supervised by a staff member. The module also provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills learned in the Diploma in Arts Management programme. By interacting with industry partners, you will also learn how to conduct yourself professionally and develop the right attitudes, mindsets, and expectations for work in the arts and cultural industry.	60

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Arts and Heritage Policy You will investigate how the government develops and regulates the arts industries and the role of cultural heritage in Singapore. The aim is to examine why and how the state intervenes in the production and consumption of arts, equipping you with knowledge and skills in managing heritage-related activities. The module will elaborate on the history of arts and heritage policy in Singapore from independence in 1965 to the present and discuss how it has affected artists, heritage institutions, and citizens. The formulation of arts and heritage policies pertaining to funding, censorship and the building of facilities will be critically discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on why a good knowledge of arts and heritage policy is important to arts and heritage managers, entrepreneurs, and administrators. You will also explore the purpose and function of community arts, investigating various methods to achieve the goals and objectives inherent in community arts initiatives. Your exploration will encompass enhancing audience accessibility to community arts projects and involving the public in co-creating community artworks. You will examine how community arts can play a significant role in community-building through the arts, particularly benefiting less advantaged segments of society such as the disabled, senior citizens, and youth at risk. As an integral part of your learning journey in the Arts and Heritage Policy module, you will be actively encouraged to volunteer with selected community arts initiatives. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of the practical implications of arts and heritage policies within community contexts.	10
School Core	Entrepreneurship This module aims to equip you, the arts management student, with the skills and knowledge to be a creative entrepreneur. You will be introduced to Singapore’s creative industries and key players. You will learn essential skills on how to be a creative entrepreneur and understand what it entails. Key topics covered in this module include recognising the relevant government agencies, identifying funding and financing opportunities, as well as the legal requirements. You will examine real-life case studies of successful local and international creative entrepreneurs and learn to identify business opportunities. The module will also train you on how to develop business proposals and conduct a pitch to stakeholders.	10
School Core	Final Year Project This module will allow you to put into practice what you have learned in the past five semesters, as well as current modules like Arts and Heritage Policy and Entrepreneurship, by designing and executing a final year project, which can be focused on either Arts Events (including Community Arts) or Heritage Programmes. Projects will be based on briefs assigned by the school, providing you with an opportunity to work on real-world scenarios and gain valuable insights into industry practices. By engaging in these projects, you will develop practical skills in managing arts, heritage and community activities.	20
Elective	Overseas Immersion Programme The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is a 2- to 3-week experience that provides students with the chance to immerse in a different culture and academic environment. Through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration, the programme fosters academic and professional growth, equipping participants to thrive in our interconnected global landscape. OIP participation can contribute towards fulfilling a portion of the 30-credit elective requirement.	20
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Students are encouraged to complete the elective requirement (totalling 30 credits) by the end of Year 2.	20

entry requirements

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

Personal Statement Requirement
Educational Qualification
English Language Proficiency
Special Factor

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.

Personal Statement Requirement

Personal Statement and optional Testimonial
You are required to submit a 500-word personal statement here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.

Personal Statement
Your personal statement should articulate your interest for the arts and future career goals. Through your personal statement, you will be evaluated based on your:

Past experiences in artistic practice, arts management and/or attending arts events
Aspiration to work in the arts and cultural industries
Written communication skills

Testimonial (optional)
The testimonial should be written by an official (e.g. teacher, principal, advisor, etc.) of an educational institution you have attended. Through the testimonial, you will be evaluated based on your:

Personality traits
Participation in co-curricular activities
Leadership ability or potential

(Allowed document file type: .pdf. Maximum document file size: 10 MB)

The outcome of your application will be sent to you in 4 to 6 weeks after submission of all supporting documents and personal statement.

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level: Aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.
Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.
Types of bonus points No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2 2 points
Grades of B3–C6 1 point
Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE):
- Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec
- Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	1 point

Educational Qualifications - International

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma 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 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.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
TOEFL iBT 50
IELTS Academic Band 5
SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
Duolingo score of 80
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 42
Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

Special Factor

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

Early Admissions Exercise

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) August 2026 intake

The Diploma EAE application window for the August 2026 intake is from 16 June to 30 June 2025. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here for free.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process	Period
Application	16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission (for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)	By 14 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional (for School of Arts Management)	By 14 July 2025
Audition (for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)	14 to 18 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance	31 July to 14 August 2025

Applicants to:

Apply online here from 16 June to 30 June 2025 for free. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 7 July 2025, whichever is earlier.

Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design by 14 July 2025 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE.

Submit Personal Statement for Diploma in Arts Management by 14 July 2025 online here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.

Attend Audition for programmes under the Faculty of Performing Arts (Dance/Music/Theatre). Audition dates are from 14 to 18 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

Offer and Acceptance

Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 31 July to 14 August 2025. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement for each programme

Withdrawal

Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

Entry Requirements for EAE

For O-Level Students
Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE).

For ITE Students
ITE students who are in their final year of study of their Nitec or Higher Nitec courses. For the August 2026 intake, ITE students who complete their Nitec course in June or December 2025 and Higher Nitec course in September 2025 or March 2026 will be eligible to apply for admission.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission
Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following document, as applicable:

GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)

Applicant who fails to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemptions if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test.

Applicants with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.

How to Apply

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

For all programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

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

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Submit your Personal Statement

For Diploma in Arts Management: Submit a 500-word Personal Statement here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional. Selected applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

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

Diploma in Arts Management

Diploma in Arts Management

Bringing Artistic Vision to Life

Students' Work

Modules

entry requirements

Personal Statement Requirement

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply

Diploma in Arts Management

Diploma in Arts Management

Bringing Artistic Vision to Life

Students' Work

Modules

Year 1 Semester 1

Year 1 Semester 2

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 2 Semester 2

Year 3 Semester 1

Year 3 Semester 2

entry requirements

Personal Statement Requirement

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply