The Diploma in Design & Media is designed to develop students' creativity, technical design skills, and professional knowledge in visual communication, digital media, and creative design. The programme combines academic theory with practical studio-based learning, preparing students for careers in the creative industries or progression to bachelor's degree programmes.

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Comprehensive curriculum covering both academic and vocational aspects of design and media.
• Strong emphasis on creative thinking, visual communication, and problem-solving.
• Practical studio-based learning using industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Development of communication, teamwork, research, and project management skills.
• Opportunities to build a professional design portfolio throughout the programme.
• Direct progression pathway into APU's bachelor's degree programmes in design and creative media.
• Exposure to industry-relevant design practices and emerging creative technologies.

Programme Structure / Subjects

The programme is delivered over six semesters, with the first three semesters providing a common foundation in design and media, followed by more specialised creative practice.

Semester 1

Students develop essential creative and technical skills, including:

• Drawing Techniques
• Design Fundamentals
• Visual Thinking
• Idea Generation
• Graphic Design History
• Trend Analysis
• Adobe Photoshop Fundamentals
• Adobe Illustrator Fundamentals

Semester 2

Students learn to work on larger design projects through:

• Project Management
• Research Methods
• Data Collection Techniques
• Team-based Design Projects
• Creative Problem Solving

Semester 3

Students continue strengthening their creative, technical, and communication skills while preparing for specialised design pathways.

Later Semesters

Students undertake advanced projects covering areas such as:

• Graphic Design
• Digital Media
• Visual Communication
• Branding
• Typography
• Illustration
• Motion Graphics
• Multimedia Design
• Portfolio Development
• Professional Practice

Disciplines / Specialisation Areas

The Diploma in Design & Media provides broad exposure to:

• Graphic Design
• Visual Communication
• Digital Media
• Multimedia Design
• Illustration
• Branding
• Typography
• Creative Thinking
• Design Research
• User-Centred Design
• Motion Graphics
• Portfolio Development
• Creative Project Management

Graduates may later specialise further through APU bachelor's degree programmes such as:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising

Programme Highlights

• Ranked among the Top 2% of Universities Worldwide.
• Practical, studio-based learning environment.
• Industry-standard software training, including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and visual communication.
• Portfolio-based learning to prepare students for employment or further study.
• Development of research, teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
• Clear progression pathway into APU bachelor's degree programmes in design and creative media.
• International campus with students from over 130 countries.
• Modern creative studios and digital design facilities

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:

• Junior Graphic Designer
• Multimedia Designer
• Creative Designer
• Digital Media Assistant
• Visual Communication Assistant
• Illustration Assistant
• Branding Assistant
• Content Designer
• Layout Artist
• Marketing Design Assistant
• Creative Production Assistant
• Social Media Content Designer

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass (Student Visa) before beginning their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport
• Official APU Offer Letter
• Acceptance of the admission offer
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English language proficiency documents (if applicable)
• Portfolio or interview outcome (where required)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical examination and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) health screening
• Proof of sufficient financial support
• Student Pass application processed through APU's International Student Office

Latest Updates (2026)

• The Diploma in Design & Media continues to be offered as a 2-year full-time programme at APU's Technology Park Malaysia campus.
• The latest published intakes are 24 September 2026 and 20 November 2026.
• The programme requires applicants to pass an interview or submit a creative portfolio as part of the admission process.
• Students build a professional portfolio while gaining practical experience with industry-standard creative software and may progress to APU's bachelor's degrees in Industrial Design, Animation, Visual Effects, or Digital Advertising upon successful completion, subject to progression requirements.