1. Application Matters
- What is the in-take number like for SIDM?
- What is the cut-off-point to get into the course?
- Why do I need counseling? Is it necessary?
- What kind of portfolio am I expected to have?
- I am Color Blind, can I apply to SIDM courses?
- Which course should I go for?
- How do I get into the courses?
- Can I use my CCA points for application into your courses?
- What are the admission criteria for ITE grads to SIDM courses?
- I am a foreigner. Can I apply to SIDM courses? What are the fees like?
- I really like to join SIDM courses, how do I increase my chance to enter the course?
- How do I transfer cases from other courses?
2. Course Matters
- How hard do I have to work in SIDM?
- Are the courses in SIDM tough?
- How established is the Digital Media Design(Animation/Interaction Design/Games) programs?
- What are the differences between DMD, MGBD, DVE & DET?
- What's the difference between DMD (Interaction Design) and Motion Graphics?
- What's the difference between Visual Comms and Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design?
- Are there short courses on MAYA or Max or other software in SIDM?
- I want to get into live-action film creation. Can I do that through your courses?
- Where do your lecturing staffs come from?
3. Prospects
- What are the skills the industry is looking out for? Does SIDM develop us in those?
- What’s the pay like for the graduates? Heard people in this line earn millions.
- After a SIDM diploma, can the graduates go for further education? What are the options? What advance standing do the graduates enjoy?
- Where the SIDM graduates are now and what are they doing?
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Application Matters
What is the in-take number like for SIDM?
At this moment, this is the approx. in-take numbers for the 6 courses we have:- DMD (Animation) -- approx. 85
- DMD (Games) -- approx. 75
- DMD (Interaction Design) -- approx. 75
- DET (Games) -- approx. 80
- DVE -- approx. 40
- MGBD -- approx. 40
What is the cut-off-point to get into the course?
It differs from year to year and is only announced after JAE is concluded, by MOE. If you need advice, please come down and visit us during Open house and JAE for counseling.Again, we emphasize the importance for the applying candidate to like drawing, design, and be passionate about either animation/games design/interactive design/motion graphics/programing. The focus is based on choice as well as relevant results.
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Why do I need counseling? Is it necessary?
Well, if you still have questions un-answered by the FAQ or has encountered a unique situation, you may write to us or approach us for counseling.Everyone has different talents and may do well in different subjects. To get a fair assessment of an individual, speaking to and looking at one’s work provides a good opportunity for us to understand the expectation and what the person wants to learn from the course. In return, an individual can get an in-depth explanation of the course that he might be doing for the next 3 years.
It is like a matchmaking process with the intention to find the best match of your learning interest.
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What kind of portfolio am I expected to have?
Hi, we know your anxiety. So we have this post just to explain in clear what we expect from your portfolio. Kindly read through carefully. Please remember that this is only a guide. If you feel that you have something special and it does not fall under our suggested form, please bring it, show it to us. We would love to see your passion and talent!OK. Ready?
- Do not show us stuff you did as homework unless it stands out from whatever your classmates did.
- Organize the portfolio based on what you want to tell us MOST about you. Meaning, your BEST works must be placed right in front.
- The portfolio MUST show THINGS OF YOUR INTEREST. Do not show us what your teachers wanted you to do. It is about you, not them. If you are obsessed with creating designs for Barbie dolls, show us that. If you are obsessed with drawing comic stories, show us that.
- Do not show us sketches or rendered pieces of images copied from someone else's art work, nor sketches done from photos of your idols. We want to see you draw using real-life objects or human beings or outdoor as reference.
- Bring your doodles, sketch book along.
- Make sure works you include in your portfolio are completed works. Do not submit things done half way. It shows badly on your attitude. To include one or two of your latest in-progress works are fine.
- Show your latest works. Not stuff you did 5, 10 years back.
- Keep it simple. Do not spend money and time decorating portfolio cover. We want to see your drawings, painting, designs, illustrations, story, ideas, photos, web site designs, etc.
- After you have assembled your portfolio, approach a few people whom you think can give you honest feedback. Ask them what their impression of the works is. What is their immediate emotional experience going through it. If it is not working the way you want it, make changes before you submit. If the impression is very school like, or textbook like, change it.
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I am Color Blind, can I apply to SIDM courses?
YES.We do admit color blind people depending on what degree/area of color blindness they have.
The standing rule is that all color blind students must be interviewed to determine suitability.
In fact, there are cases that color blind people doing exceptionally well in color! Besides, color is not everything of the courses we run.
Pls come to the School of Interactive & Digital Media booth in person during JAE or JPSAE to register for an interview and test.
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Which course should I go for?
To help with your decision process, here's a simple guide:- Do you want to be involved as a professional in the Digital Media industry (Animation, Games, Interaction Design, and Motion Graphics)? If yes proceed on question 2, else pls exit and try some other courses offered.
- Are you more the CREATIVE sort or IT-programming sort? if CREATIVE proceed on. If IT-Programming related to digital entertainment is preferred, pls check up the Diploma in Digital Entertainment Technology(DET) or Digital Visual Effects(DVE).
- Which are you more interested in:
- Creating Graphics in animated form, for short narratives like commercials or TV shows or Special Effects for film titles, advertisements etc -------------> check out Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design
- Doing stuff like Up, Bolt, Monsters vs Aliens, Anime etc ----------> check out Digital Media Design (Animation)
- Creative interactive web, user interface with mobile media like ipod, phones, unique information presentation platform ---------> check out Digital Media Design (Interaction Design)
- Creating Games Art – like games character design, animation, 3D characters, games environment design and games level design --------> check out Digital Media Design (Games)
- Games programming – writing games code that control the response for different platforms like online games, Sony PS3 & PSP, Nintendo Wii & DS --------> check out Digital Entertainment Technology (Games).
- Creating visual effects (like explosion, flooding, collusion and flying etc) with effects software & programming for use in game, animation, video and movie --------> check out Digital Visual Effects (DVE).
For those interested in CREATIVE stuff, pls proceed on:
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How do I get into the courses?
For entry requirement in detail, please visit this link: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/studentApplicants/entryrequirements.htmlThere are 5 ways to apply for SIDM courses: DPA (Direct Poly Admission), JAE (Joint Admission Exercise), JPSAE (Joint Polytechnics Special Admission Exercise), JPAE (Joint Polytechnics Admission Exercise) and SDAE (Special Direct Admission Exercise).
- DPA - is conducted in July and only for secondary school students who are taking “O” level exam at the end of that year. Applicant is required to present a portfolio of creative works, sit for aptitude test and put through interviews.
- JAE - is for valid 'O' level students.(Singaporeans/PRs who have not studied in any poly before and foreign students taking 2009 'O'level exam in mainstream schools) We will look at the aggregate of your five “O” subjects (EL1, Math, Science/Design/Art and 2 additional subjects) and the 2009 cut-off-point is to be used for reference. Those who meet the Minimum Entry Requirements(MER) & net aggregate of 26 or less will be able to apply but there will be no guarantee of an offer as it depends on the number of applicants and vacancies allocated. The 2010 COP is determinded by the number of JAE applicants and JAE vacancies available.
- JPSAE - considers fresh 'O' level students who have special aptitude, talents and achievements, but the aggregate of five “O” subjects might not meet the cut-off-point. Applicant is required to present a portfolio of creative works, sit for aptitude test and put through interviews.
- JPAE – is for Malaysia SPM/UEC Holders. Applicant is required to present a portfolio of creative works, sit for aptitude test and put through interviews.
- SDAE – is for past years 'O' Levels holders,ITE graduates/graduating batch and Malaysian SPM/UEC holders and foreign qualifications candidates who possess a strong inclination for creativity, design and drawing. Applicant from Malaysia interested in our other SIDM Diploma must apply through SDAE.
'A' level Holders will apply through the Direct Admission Execise(DAE) (opens especially for them upon release of 'A'Level exam results) in early March. Applicants will need to register with the Student Admission Office at NYP.
:back to top:Can I use my CCA points for application into your courses?
For SIDM courses, you cannot make use of your CCA point for enrolment.:back to top:
What are the admission criteria for ITE grads to SIDM courses?
First, your GPA must be 3.5 and above for NITEC; 3 and above for Higher NITEC. All applicants from ITE will be required to show us your portfolio. The deciding factor will be based on the Aptitude Test and 2 rounds of Interview.Secondly, make sure your portfolio demonstrates strong passionate works. Do NOT show us works you did for your school exercises especially if everyone is doing the same thing in your class and they do not stand out as something very unique. We want to see you, your unique talent, and your voice.
Thirdly, make sure you have researched on what you are applying for. Is it something you really really want to do for the next 3 years of your life? You have to be prepared to work much harder than you ever had inclusive of reading, writing and math, in order to perform well in DMD/MGBD.
Good luck.
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I am a foreigner. Can I apply to SIDM courses? What are the fees like?
We Welcome foreign students to apply to our courses. If you are eligible and meet our requirements, you could either make an appointment to see us personally at our school premises with your portfolio and curriculum vitae or email a copy of your portfolio and curriculum vitae to one of our course managers for our assessments. Foreign students who are granted admission to our courses will normally need to pay full fees.For more information, please visit - http://www.nyp.edu.sg/studentApplicants/coursefees_index.html
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I really like to join SIDM courses, how do I increase my chance to enter the course?
A good collection of drawings and design works to showcase your talent is definitely a must when applying for DPA/JPSAE/JPAE/SDAE. Except for DPA which is conducted in July, for a fair assessment of your talents, bring your work with your results during the NYP Open house and JPSAE/JPAE/SDAE to talk to our staff. They’re able to advice on the best approach to apply for the course.For your portfolio, bring original works -- life drawing, still life, outdoor sketches or paintings, original illustrations, original and experimental photography, stories, idea sketch book/journal, etc. One thing to avoid is to bring copied Manga illustrations or traced photographs of celebraties or some cuties.
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How do I transfer cases from other courses?
Are you from NYP?Yes ------> Kindly approach your Course Coordinator or Program Manager to arrange for transfer request. Do note that we are very strict with granting transfer so as to be fair to others who are applying externally.
No ------> Pls check out the Direct Admission Exercise process. You will need to come down to campus to register using the form plus submit your portfolio. If you are from another polytechnic, pls explore options internally with your poly first before applying. You will have to start afresh here in SIDM courses as modules are unlikely to be transferable. All educators in all polys are very helpful always in guiding their students on internal transfers.
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Course Matters
How hard do I have to work in SIDM?
Tricky… do you want to learn the rope of the industry and be hired by big names?:back to top:
Are the courses in SIDM tough?
Well, how else do you think we can win in international competitions and get our graduates working for big names like: Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, WETA (the guys who made LOTR & King Kong), Blizzard (developer of WOW), Koei, and Scrawl … just to name a few?Yeap. The staffs here ARE really professionals. Thus we know what it takes to develop our students to become one.
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How established is the Digital Media Design(Animation/Interaction Design/Games) programs?
The DMD diploma programs were started in 1996, and have been winning awards in both local and international competitions. It is a preferred course by the industry recruiters for its creative, quality and relevant program. We have been pioneers since 1996. Those were days when Digital Media as in Animation or Games were practically non-existant in Singapore. We sure pushed and learnt lots from the experience over the last 10 years. You can be the judge and see the standard of our works yourself: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/sidm/sidm_showcase.html:back to top:
What are the differences between DMDs, MGBD, DVE & DET?
The DMD(Animation), DMD(Games),DMD(Interaction Design) and MGBD focus on the creative, content and visual aspects of animation, games design, interactive media and motion graphics. Students applying to the course must love drawing and design, and be passionate about doing creative work.The Diploma in Digital Entertainment Technology (DET) focuses on the programming of games engines, while Digital Visual Effects (DVE) focuses on programming of visual effects. They are specialized courses designed for those who love the technology and programming side of the creative industry. The students need to be very innovative, good in math and have a keen sense of appreciation for the creative imagery.
The strength of DMD, MGBD, DVE and DET lies in the fact that the courses are closely integrated and feed off the strength of each other.
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What's the diff between DMD(Interaction Design) and Motion Graphics?
To best illustrate the difference, take a look at some of the... best designed Interactive Media under:http://www.apple.com/iphone/
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/dashboard/
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.flickr.com/
and motion graphics works under:
http://www.motionographer.com/
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What's the difference between Visual Comms and Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design?
Visual Comms deals mainly with the static media, prints, packaging design etc. Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design deals with dynamic media advertising, commercials, edu-tainment, broadcast graphics etc.Motion Graphics also deals mainly with creating short form narratives for stuff like commercials, podcasting, mobil-casting, broadcast stations etc.
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Are there short courses on MAYA or Max or other software in SIDM?
Sorry. Our philosophy and focus is on developing professionals who are able to execute both the creative/artistic work as well as manipulate the high-end technical digital media. For software specific technical courses, kindly check with the local vendors for available packages.Just for information, Digital Media in Singapore is in its 3rd phase of development. It means guys who learn the software as operators without properly developed creative and artistic foundation will not get any job even with the smallest of companies.
However if you are already well developed in the art-creative foundation, to get a digtal media boost in specific software may work out fine for you.
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I want to get into live-action film creation. Can I do that through your courses?
Though we do teach editing, digital sound creation and a few related subjects, you might wish to look at other institutes if you want to major in live action filmmaking.:back to top:
Where do your lecturing staffs come from?
We hire them from both local and international creative industries. Many are award winning professionals.:back to top:
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Prospects
What are the skills the industry is looking out for? Does SIDM develop us in those?
The fact is, each company has different needs when recruiting staff. Nevertheless, on top of the technical skills - creativity, good attitude, hardworking and the ability to pick up new knowledge are definitely part of the criteria. You bet - that has been our direction in the training of our students.:back to top:
What’s the pay like for the graduates? Heard people in this line earn millions.
We love what local celebrity animator Nickson Fong said when he was asked the same question. “Are you willing to spend million more hours than others working on it?”The potential is there; it is yours to earn it. That said, our graduates are among the highest earners in the digital media industry. Again, it is tied in with how good you are.
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After a SIDM diploma, can the graduates go for further education? What are the options? What advance standing do the graduates enjoy?
For more information, please visit - http://www.nyp.edu.sg/NYPStudents/furthereduc_univlist.htmlFor reference only, our DMD graduates made it to:
3rd year BFA in CalArts with 2 years advance standing; straight to a 2 years Masters program in Savanna College of Arts and Design, 1 year Master Program in Bournemouth University, 1 year exemption in Academy Art University and etc. Our Diploma in Digital Entertainment Technology is the ONLY Singapore diploma programme that allows graduates to advance directly into Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) prestigious Masters in Entertainment Technology (MET) programme. These are just some of the top Universities in U.S. and U.K. For Australian university programs, it usually requires 1 year to a BFA or BA. Importantly, the duration is non-indicative of the skill and knowledge one can pick up.
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Where the SIDM graduates now and what are are they doing?
Our graduates are working in Animation Studios, Games Design companies, Post Production Studios, Web and Interactive Media design companies. Some have set up and are running their own companies, while some are working overseas.:back to top:
