Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing

Awarded by: MDIS

Programme Objectives

The Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing is a diagnostic foundation programme to gain the necessary skill-set and knowledge to confidently apply to a suitable undergraduate course in the discipline of Fashion.

The programme objectives are:

  • To offer a holistic introduction to Fashion Design and Merchandising, combining technical expertise, industry awareness, design process understanding and visual communication skills.
     
  • To provide basic 2D and 3D design skills: sketching, technical drawing, coloring, fabric handling, drafting, draping, sewing and finishing.
     
  • To provide a sound knowledge base of concepts in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing and Branding, Fashion Communication and Fashion Management.
     
  • To provide the guidance to create a portfolio - suitable to apply for Bachelor of Arts programmes in Fashion-related disciplines - that shows creative research, wide cultural references, concept development, design development through mixed media work including digital work.
     
  • To provide first-hand experience of the Fashion Industry through live projects with industry partners, participation in local and international competitions, industry visits and events.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing are prepared for a wide range of exciting roles within the fashion industry. Key career opportunities include:

  • Fashion Designer: Create original clothing, accessories and footwear for fashion brands or start your own design label.
     
  • Fashion Marketer: Develop marketing strategies to promote fashion brands, manage campaigns and build consumer awareness.
     
  • Fashion Buyer: Source and select clothing and accessories for retail stores, ensuring trends align with consumer demand.
     
  • Visual Merchandiser: Design and implement store displays to attract customers and showcase fashion collections effectively.
     
  • Fashion Stylist: Work with designers, photographers and brands to create fashionable looks for photo shoots, advertisements and events.
     
  • Brand Manager: Oversee a fashion brand’s image, develop strategies for growth and ensure the brand’s market presence is strong and aligned with trends.

Graduation

Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded the Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing by MDIS, SG.

Methods of Assessment

All assessment is based on 100% coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in the form of verbal and visual presentations, written essays and reports, 2D visual research and development of work, 3D Prototypes and products, portfolio and exhibitions.

Why MDIS

The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), founded in 1956, is Singapore's oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS has two subsidiaries: Management Development Institute of Singapore Pte Ltd (MDIS Pte Ltd) to oversee its Singapore academic operations, and MDIS International Pte Ltd to further its globalisation strategy.

Progression

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will progress to the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Product and Promotion.

Hear from our Students / Graduates

"MDIS goes out of its way to ensure that the students are prepared for the industry upon our graduation. We have the opportunity to participate in The Audi Fashion Week 2014."

Hu Jing Wen
MDIS Alumna
Class of 2015


"The MDIS School of Fashion and Design has students from many different countries and cultures. The learning environment is fun and the lecturers always make the lessons such an interactive and enjoyable experience."

Ler Pei Wei
MDIS Alumna
Class of 2015

 

Programme Modules

Design Principles

Fashion History and Culture

Patternmaking and Production

Fashion Marketing and Merchandising

Fashion Experimentation

Design Development

 

The average lecturer/student ratio is 1 : 100 (lecture)

The average lecturer/student ratio is 1 : 40 (tutorial)

Click here to download profiles of lecturers.

For more course details and information Click here

Duration & Intakes

Full-time
Duration  Commencement  Completion
9 Months January 2025 October 2025
April 2025 December 2025
July 2025 March 2026
September 2025 May 2026

 

Part-time
Duration  Commencement  Completion
12 Months TBC TBC

Fees & Structure

Structure Tuition Fees (inclusive of 9% GST) Non-Tuition Fees (inclusive of 9% GST)
Full-time S$9,983.31 S$600.00 - S$1,000.00

Application fees: S$109.00

Note:

# All application fees are non-refundable.
# All fees quoted are inclusive of GST at the prevailing rate.
# Local: Non-tuition fees for full-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop, medical insurance and fee protection scheme.
   Non-tuition fees for part-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop and fee protection scheme.
# International: Non-tuition fees for full-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop, medical insurance, medical examination and administrative fee.
# Non-tuition fees for international students may vary.
# Non-tuition fees are non-refundable, refer to MDIS refund policy for more details.

 

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be of age 17 and above, and meet at least one of the following requirements:

1 GCE 'A' Levels

OR

International Foundation Diploma in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Arts

OR

Fashion-related foundation diplomas from local polytechnics or other Private Education Institutes (PEIs) with an entry requirement of 10 years of formal education

OR

International applicants must have completed 12 years of formal education

OR

Mature candidates who are 30 years old and above with at least 8 years relevant work experience

OR

International Foundation Diploma in Fashion and Design Marketing by MDIS

 

English Language Requirements

Applicants are required to possess one of the following:

C6 pass in English at GCE ‘O’ level or equivalent

OR

IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent

OR

Pass the MDIS English Entrance Test conducted by MDIS

OR

MDIS Professional Certificate in English

OR

Online English Placement Test conducted by MDIS

OR

Letter from College/University clearly stating the Medium of Instruction of the highest qualification to be English

OR

Achieve a minimum score of 95 and above in Duolingo English Test

 

Financial Assistance Scheme

Student loans from the organisations listed below are available to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Please contact the organisations directly to find out how you may benefit from their services.

 

Study Loans

 Organisation  Contact Number  Website
 TCC Limited  +65 6319 3700   http://www.tcc.org.sg
 DBS Bank  1800 111 1111  http://www.dbs.com.sg
 Maybank  1800 629 2265  http://www.maybank2u.com.sg

 

0% INTEREST CREDIT CARD INSTALMENT PLANS
For All Programmes (Available in 6 or 12 months)

 Organisation  Contact Number  Website
 Standard Chartered Bank  1800 747 7000  http://www.standardchartered.com.sg
 Maybank  1800 968 2265  http://www.maybank.com.sg
 UOB  1800 226 6121  http://www.uob.com.sg
 OCBC  1800 363 3333  http://www.ocbc.com.sg
 DBS  1800 111 1111  http://www.dbs.com
 POSB  1800 339 6666  http://www.posb.com.sg
 AMEX (Only 24 Months)  -  https://www.americanexpress.com/en-sg

Duration & Intakes

Full-time
Duration  Commencement  Completion
9 Months January 2025 October 2025
April 2025 December 2025
July 2025 March 2026
September 2025 May 2026

 

Fees & Structure

Structure Tuition Fees (inclusive of 9% GST) Non-Tuition Fees (inclusive of 9% GST)
Full-time S$13,625.00 S$1,130.00 - S$1,450.00

Application fees: S$490.50

Note:

# All application fees are non-refundable.
# All fees quoted are inclusive of GST at the prevailing rate.
# Local: Non-tuition fees for full-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop, medical insurance and fee protection scheme.
   Non-tuition fees for part-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop and fee protection scheme.
# International: Non-tuition fees for full-time programmes include MDIS membership entrance fee, membership subscription fees, MDIS experience workshop, medical insurance, medical examination and administrative fee.
# Non-tuition fees for international students may vary.
# Non-tuition fees are non-refundable, refer to MDIS refund policy for more details.

 

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be of age 17 and above, and meet at least one of the following requirements:

1 GCE 'A' Levels

OR

International Foundation Diploma in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Arts

OR

Fashion-related foundation diplomas from local polytechnics or other Private Education Institutes (PEIs) with an entry requirement of 10 years of formal education

OR

International applicants must have completed 12 years of formal education

OR

Mature candidates who are 30 years old and above with at least 8 years relevant work experience

OR

International Foundation Diploma in Fashion and Design Marketing by MDIS

English Language Requirements

Applicants are required to possess one of the following:

C6 pass in English at GCE ‘O’ level or equivalent

OR

IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent

OR

Pass the MDIS English Entrance Test conducted by MDIS

OR

MDIS Professional Certificate in English

OR

Online English Placement Test conducted by MDIS

OR

Letter from College/University clearly stating the Medium of Instruction of the highest qualification to be English

OR

Achieve a minimum score of 95 and above in Duolingo English Test

 

Student Pass Application

International students are required to apply for a student pass if he/she wishes to study full-time in Singapore. Please click here for detail information.

For any diploma in fashion design programme enquiries, please contact our friendly consultants:

Ms Aishah | Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 8033 0048 | Email: noraishah_me@mdis.edu.sg

To enrol in the Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing, you must have completed your GCE O-levels or an equivalent qualification. No prior fashion experience is required, but a passion for fashion and creativity is essential.

Yes, the Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance part-time work with your studies. The programme provides hands-on experience, but you can also gain practical insights through internships or freelance opportunities in the fashion industry.

Graduates of the Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing can pursue various roles, including fashion designer, fashion marketer, fashion buyer, visual merchandiser, stylist or brand manager, in both local and international fashion industries.

Quick Information

Duration of Course
Full-time: 9 month
Part-time: 12 month

Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face

Award
DIPLOMA 

Commencement Dates

For Full-time Programme
January 2025
April 2025
July 2025
September 2025

For Part-time Programme
TBC

Contact Details

Local students:

+65 6247 9111

International students:
Main Hotline:

+65 6278 8000

+65 6796 7005

+65 6796 7009

NORTH ASIA

SOUTH EAST ASIA

SOUTH / CENTRAL ASIA