Course Details
Why choose APU?
Requirements
Admission Requirements
- 3 Credits in at least 3 subjects at SPM level, with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 3 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 3 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC;
- Pass relevant Certificate Programme or its equivalent;
Portfolio or Interview Required
A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
- IELTS : 4.5
- TOEFL IBT : 33
- Pearson (PTE) : 43
- MUET : Band 3
** Credit in English is required at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent.
For more information please click HERE
Diploma in Design & Media Programme
Diploma with elective routes to Degrees in:
Animation & VFX
Industrial Design Tech
Digital Advertising
Media & Communication
Programme Outline
What We Teach
This APU Diploma in Design & Media is designed to provide:
- Provide a programme that covers the academic aspect as well as the vocational aspects of Design and Media.
- Prepare students for careers in the Design and Media environment.
- Provide students with academic and professional skills to develop solutions requiring a holistic outlook in Design Studies.
- Provide students with critical, independent and cooperative learning skills so as to facilitate their response to continuous future international change.
- Develop students’ intellectual skills, communications ability and team working capability.
- Provide students with opportunities for progression into Degree Programmes of Design and Media standard in relevant areas.
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Common Modules
The initial first three semesters lay the cornerstone, imparting vital theories and technical aspects in design and media. These foundational stages prepare students with essential skills, paving their way to diverse creative pathway options.
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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
- Academic Research Skills
- Drawing Fundamentals
- Introduction to Creative Project
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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
- Professional Communication
- Digital Image Manipulation
- Visual Art Theory and Practice
- Drawing and Presentation Techniques
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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
- Introduction to Advertising
- Illustration for Concept Art
- Animation Principles
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Semester 4
Students will explore creating animated graphics that blend visuals and motion for engaging stories. They’ll use digital illustration tools to craft imaginative visuals and analyze cinema to deepen their understanding of visual language, narrative structure, and cultural context.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
- 3D Pipeline
- Motion Graphics
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Semester 5
The final semester emphasizes 3D animation techniques, teaching students to animate objects and explore the evolving media landscape and communication theories. Students will conclude by showcasing their chosen design pathway and demonstrating creativity and mastery through their Major Project.
Modules
- Cinema Film Analysis
- Introduction to Project Management
- Major Project Preparation
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Semester 6
Students will study project management and research methods to design effective solutions in larger teams. They’ll master advanced drawing for character and environment concepts and gain practical and theoretical skills in 2D animation and 3D imaging using tools like Maya and Toon Boom.
Modules
- New Media Studies
- Applied Movement
- Major Project
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Elective Modules
In semester 4, 5 and 6 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
- Digital Illustration Techniques
- 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
- Digital Illustration Techniques
- 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
- Digital Illustration Techniques
- 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 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
- Digital Illustration Techniques
- 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 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
- Digital Illustration Techniques
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Communication Theories
- Marketing Fundamentals, Consumer Behaviour and Creative Practice
ROUTE F: LEADING TO GAMES ART PATHWAY
Students will deepen their understanding of game development workflows, focusing on advanced game art techniques and interactive design. They’ll refine their skills in the fundamentals of Game UI/UX, as well as Games Technology and Development. This provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development with a Game Art Specialisation.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Games Technology
- Design History and Context OR Introduction to Public Relations
- Fundamentals of Games Development
- Fundamentals of Game Design with UIUX
*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 Visual Effects
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development (Game Art Track)
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.
APU Design Showcase 2022 - Birth of Golden Meat by Tan Chun Xian
Dual Degree
APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme
Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.
Ready, Set, Go.
Whether you are locals or traveling here, we have the options for you to pursue your dreams.
RM49,200
Total for Malaysian
RM52,600
(USD12,235)
Total for International
Programme code : (R2/0211/4/0096)(12/29)(MQA/FA4392)
All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.
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