Diploma in Design (Interior and Spatial)

Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

DESIGN SPACES FOR THE FUTURE

Spatial and interior design has evolved beyond the smart use of space—it’s about pushing boundaries and transforming environments into experiences with compelling narratives.

Through a practice-based curriculum built on strong industry insights, you will explore how design influences human behaviour and create spaces that are both visually stunning and user-focused. Beyond the classroom, you'll build a strong foundation and expand your network through real-world experiences and industry projects, propelling you forward in the dynamic world of interior and spatial design.

If you wish to further your career as a Ministry of Education (MOE) teacher, you may apply to the MOE when you are in Year 1 of your diploma programme. Find out more about the Art and Music Teacher Training Sponsorship here. Upon completion of your diploma programme at NAFA, you will continue with a 2-year Diploma in Education at the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University to acquire further skills in classroom management and teaching strategies.

Understand the Relationship between Design and Empathy

Develop an understanding of human behaviour and the relationship with interior spaces and exhibition experiences. Integrating design with empathy, you will learn to create user-centric spaces that blend beauty and mindfulness.

Apply Design Theories Critically

Gain a solid grounding in key design principles through hands-on studio projects. Learn to apply these principles analytically, ensuring that your implemented designs elevate the industry standards of functionality and aesthetics.

Cultivate Storytelling in Spatial Design

Master the strategic use of colour, material, and finishing (CMF) to convey narratives effectively. Enhance user experiences by thoughtfully integrating these elements, ensuring spaces are rich in narrative and context.

More Information

Graduation Requirements

Diploma Programmes (AY2025 Intake and After)

In order to graduate from a diploma programme, you are required to attain at least 360 credits (including exempted credits and credits for non-graded modules, but excluding credits associated with repeated attempts), and pass all prescribed core and elective requirements with a minimum Grade D for all modules

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, field activities, classroom practice or e-learning.

Assessment Methods

Each module is assessed by either class participation, written assignments, practical performances, portfolio presentations, projects, examinations, or any of these combinations. Assessment methods may vary according to individual module requirements.

Career Pathways

Upon the completion of this programme, dynamic careers in the creative industries await:

Drafter
Event Planner
Exhibition Designer
Interior Designer
Interior Stylist
Material Specialist
Merchandise Buyer
Project Coordinator
Retail Designer
Spatial Designer
Stylist / Visual Merchandiser
Trends Analyst

Students' Work

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	Year & Semester	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.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Art and Design Fundamentals This module equips students with fundamental knowledge of art and design principles that bridge both traditional mediums and contemporary approaches. Students will hone their making skills and visual language, focusing on essential artistic elements - merging theory with hands-on application. The module aims to build a solid foundation and encourage the integration of traditional and contemporary techniques for well-rounded artistic proficiency for creative expressions.	Year 1 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Creative Territories This module introduces key trends that shape the creative landscape by exploring the pivotal role of innovation that influences the creative industries, providing a platform for experimentation and idea generation. Embracing these concepts empowers designers and artists, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and socially conscious world.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
School Core	Drawing and Visualisation In this Drawing and Visualization module, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of 2D drawing principles and basic model making. Students will have the opportunity to gain the skillsets in perspective drawing, techniques of rendering and understanding tools and materials in 3d modelling within the workshop environment.	Year 1 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 1 Professional Development Plan 1 creates a platform for students to articulate their values, aspirations, and strategic choices in shaping their creative career. This module guides students in developing a plan to achieve their professional goals and align with their envisioned creative practice.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
School Core	Interior and Spatial Design Studio 1 As an introductory studio, Interior and Spatial Studio 1 will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental design principals through a studio project. Through an integrated approach including both Research and Design Studio, students will gain insights into the process of design, from concept to application. Students will be exposed to design theory and history, enabling them to situate their projects within a broader design milieu. With a foundational understanding of design processes, students can develop simple but innovative and purposeful interior and spatial experiences that are relevant to our contemporary world.	Year 1 Semester 2	30
School Core	Design Communication 1 In Design Communication 1 module, students are introduced to the basics of communicating designs and ideas via freehand drawing, modelling, measured drawing and computer-aided software techniques.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
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.	Year 1 Semester 2	10
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.	Year 1 Semester 2 (or Year 2 Semester 1)	20
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice 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.	Year 2 Semester 1 (or Year 2 Semester 2)	10
School Core	Interior and Spatial Design Studio 2 Interior and Spatial Design Studio 2 aims to broaden students’ understanding of spatial relationships and hone their sensitivity towards understanding user needs to generate innovative, user-centric solutions. Emphasis is also placed on developing narratives within real-world design environments. Students will engage in Research, Design Studio and Supplementary Studies focusing on Culture and Heritage. They will gain knowledge on the application of materials, colour, and lighting within spatial environments, as well as insights into different materials’ properties, processes and applications that are relevant to the building and design industry. The challenge for students lies in crafting thoughtful spaces, adeptly responding to a broader cultural and historical discourse, and creating meaningful and layered user experiences through their designs. The module will also introduce students to the different models of design entrepreneurship, allowing them to understand the design industry and business strategies and identify business problems or opportunities.	Year 2 Semester 1	30
School Core	Design Communication 2 The Design Communication 2 module will hone the digital capabilities of students in 2D and 3D software common to the design industry. Students will develop competence in producing drawings, infographics, and visuals as a medium for communicating design concepts.	Year 2 Semester 1	10
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.	Year 2 Semester 1	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 Building upon the foundation in Professional Development Plan 1, this module, Professional Development Plan 2, focuses on the practical execution of students' career plans and creative visions. Students refine their strategies and implement key choices towards navigating real-world scenarios.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
School Core	Interior and Spatial Design Studio 3 As students delve deeper into the design sphere, Interior and Spatial Design Studio 3 will provide them practice-led learning opportunities through engagement with industry experts, allowing them to integrate design with practice that is current. The focus of the studio will be on Technology and Sustainability through an integration of Research, Design Studio and Supplementary Studies. On the materials front, they will explore advances in material technology as well as investigate sustainable resources. Through the lens of Technology and Sustainability, they will also develop an empathy towards care for people and the environment, addressing challenges such as an ageing population and promotion of social equity through inclusive design practices, as well as advocating environmental stewardship through sustainable design strategies. Students will learn to negotiate the constantly changing cultural, environmental and technological landscapes of our time through contextual, yet adaptive and forward-thinking design.	Year 2 Semester 2	30
School Core	Design Communication 3 In this module, students are introduced to 3-dimensional digital design tools, providing them with the opportunity to appreciate and understand design processes through both 2D & 3D computer-generated design as a medium for communicating design concepts. Students will be introduced to the different types of innovative communication platforms through the exploration of new technologies.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
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.	Year 2 Semester 2	10
Faculty Core	Internship This one-semester module exposes students to real work environments through projects and practical training where they will gain a hands-on understanding of professional practices. All students must complete either the internship module or two industry-based learning (IBL) modules totalling 60 credits.	Year 3 Semester 1	60
Faculty Core	Industrial Attachment This one-term module exposes students to real work environments through projects and practical training where they will gain a hands-on understanding of professional practices. Students are required to complete either the Industry Project* module or Community Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Industry Project This module is project-based and provides students the opportunity to conceptualise, plan and execute a project. It will be a real live client project that will put their studies into practice, developing their sense of responsibility and interpersonal skills in a professional environment. Students are required to complete either the Industry Attachment* module or Community Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
Faculty Core	Community Project This module is project-based with the aim to improve the lives of the community at large. Students will work collaboratively with NGOs (Non-governmental organisation), non-profit organisations, etc, to effectively find initiative and art/design, in planning for the development for their communities. Students are required to complete either the Industry Attachment* module or Industry Project module to fulfill the IBL component (totalling 60 credits).*	Year 3 Semester 1	30
School Core	Final Year Project The Final Year Project is the culmination of the students’ 3-year diploma programme and is designed to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills gained through the course of study. This module enables students to demonstrate independence in research, analysis, and conceptualisation, through the development and execution of a Final Year Project with both visual and written outcomes. In this final module, students will be encouraged to further hone their critical thinking and analytical skills and focus on addressing real-world challenges creatively. It also demands a collaborative spirit in students, engaging in interdisciplinary exchange on various levels. Students will investigate a range of issues, whether rooted in community-based or commercially driven contexts, through a global perspective encompassing environmental awareness, inclusivity, and diversity with the aim of promoting well-being for both users and the environment.	Year 3 Semester 2	60

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:

Portfolio/Admission Test Requirements
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.

Portfolio/Admission Test Requirements

All applicants are to demonstrate their artistic potential through portfolio submission/admission test/audition as specified in each programme, in order to be considered for admission.

Applicants may select either (A) Portfolio Submission or (B) Admission Test.

(A) Portfolio Submission
You are to submit 10-15 images of recent art or design work, which should include a range of finished artwork as well as development work in preparing the finished artwork (sketches, mood boards, etc). Portfolios are assessed with the aim of identifying your creative and technical potential to undertake a programme in art and design.

(Allowed image file types: .pdf,.jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.tif,.tiff,.bmp. Maximum image file size: 10 MB)
(Allowed video file types: .mpeg,.mp4,.mov,.m4v,.avi,.wmv,.flv,.asf,.mpg,.mp3. Maximum image file size: 200 MB)

The work submitted should preferably be not more than two years old. It may be the result of assigned class projects or independent exploration. It is recommended that the selected examples of work reflect your interests, experience and competencies in art and design.

Your portfolio should contain your original works from at least two of the following categories: paintings, drawings, collages, posters, sculptures, digital images (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc), photographs, and/or video clips.

Guidelines on taking photographs of artworks:

A clean background with no visual clutter distracting the artwork should be used.

The artwork should be evenly lit and there should not be any shadows cast on the artworks

You are also expected to write a statement of intent of about 100 words, stating your reasons for pursuing a programme of study in art and design. Please include your goals, interests and aspirations for the future.

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

(B) Admission Test

The test consists of three sections (test duration: 2.5 hours):

Written Ability
Ability to express and rationalise in writing
Drawing from Observation
Ability to draw from observation
Creative Visualisation
Aptitude in creativity and visualisation

Admission Test Date
23 January 2025
27 March 2025
29 May 2025

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

The last admission test for August 2025 intake is on 29 May 2025. If you missed the last admission test, you are required to submit your portfolio here within the next 5 working days from the application date.

Selected applicants may be asked to attend an in-person or online interview.

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.

The application will commence in June for the following year’s intake. Please check this page again in June.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemption of up to 180 credits, 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. Application for module exemption may be subject to a Portfolio Interview or Audition.

Applicants with GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)

Applicants who have completed GCE A-Level or IB Diploma will be eligible to be considered for module exemption (up to 120 credits) in the relevant programmes. Applicants from SOTA who have completed Year 4 and above are eligible to receive advanced standing (Year 1, Semester 2 or Year 2, Semester 1) in relevant Diploma programmes subject to their final or preliminary examination results.

Applicants with Higher Nitec/ Nitec:
Full-time ITE graduates from the following courses are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Higher Nitec in Architectural Technology
Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising
Higher Nitec in Architectural Technology
Nitec in Interactive Media Design
Nitec in Interior & Exhibition Design
Nitec in Product Design
Nitec in Architectural Technology
Nitec in Interior & Exhibition Design
Nitec in Visual Communication
Nitec in Visual Effects

How to Apply

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

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 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.

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory

Submit your portfolio/personal statement or receive test advisory, according to the option you have chosen in Step 1.

Option A (Portfolio Submission): Submit your portfolio here after completion of the online application.
Option B (Admission Test): Receive a test advisory on the date of the Admission Test from the Student Admissions Office after verification of the required documents and payment of the Application Fee. Attend the Admission Test at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory

Please note that you will be notified of the confirmed admission test date upon submission of your application, all supporting documents and application fee payment.

^ For Diploma in Arts Management: Submit personal statement and optional testimonial here. 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.

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