Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design (9 Months) | MAGES

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN

9 Month Full-Time

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Transform concept art into production-ready 3D game assets.

Build professional 3D game art skills for the entertainment industry.

Programme Glance

Qualification Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design
Awarded by MAGES Institute of Excellence, Singapore
Duration 9 months
Full-time schedule 5 days a week, 3 hours a day
Part-time schedule 3 days a week, 3 hours a day
Mode of delivery Classroom
Student-to-lecturer ratio 18 : 1
Minimum age 17 years
Modules 5 – Hard Surface Modelling, Asset Development (Studio), Character Sculpting, Environment Creation, Production Art – Organic
Software [3ds Max / Blender], ZBrush, Substance Painter, Marmoset Toolbag, Unreal Engine
Assessment Project-based across all modules
Fees — Singapore Citizens & PRs SGD 19,061.92 (incl. 9% GST)
Fees — International students SGD 22,113.92 (incl. 9% GST)
Application fee SGD 545.00 local / SGD 817.50 international
Next intake TBC
Campus 2 Orchard Link, SCAPE #05-11, Singapore 237978
Progression BA Computer Arts, Abertay University (Stage 3 Direct Entry)
Accreditation EduTrust certified — Cert. No. EDU-2-2054

Who This Advanced Diploma Is For

The Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design is built for students who want to work in 3D game art production rather than 2D concept design.

This programme suits you if you:

  • Have completed the Diploma in Concept Art & Entertainment Design, or a comparable qualification in art or design
  • Can already design characters, props or environments in 2D
  • Want to take your own concepts through to finished, engine-ready 3D assets
  • Are aiming at studio roles such as 3D game artist, character artist or environment artist

Consider a different MAGES programme if you:

Advanced Diploma vs Diploma: What’s Different

MAGES offers three art qualifications. They differ by discipline, duration and stage.

Diploma in Concept Art & Entertainment Design Diploma in 3D Modelling & Game Art Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design
Discipline 2D concept design 3D art, fundamentals to production 3D production art
Duration 12 months 12 months 9 months
Intended stage First qualification First qualification After a first qualification
Main output 2D concept portfolio Real-time 3D portfolio Advanced 3D production portfolio
Typical next step Advanced Diploma, or industry Advanced Diploma, or industry BA Computer Arts, or industry

The practical difference between the Diploma in 3D Modelling & Game Art and the Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design is the starting point.

The Diploma spends 12 months building 3D skills from the ground up. The Advanced Diploma runs 9 months and is designed for students who arrive able to design, so the time goes to production craft – sculpting, texturing, environment assembly and optimisation – rather than fundamentals.

Careers After the Advanced Diploma

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design are prepared for production art roles across games, animation and immersive media.

  • 3D Game Artist – models and textures assets to studio specification
  • Character Artist – sculpts characters and prepares them for real-time use
  • Environment Artist – builds game levels, terrain and architecture
  • Real-Time Environment Artist – assembles and optimises scenes inside a game engine
  • Prop Artist – produces weapons, vehicles, tools and set dressing
  • Asset Artist – delivers finished assets into a studio production pipeline
  • Junior Technical Artist – works between art and engineering on shaders, tools and performance

Students graduate with a portfolio built from five module projects. Recent student work is published on ArtStation.

Progression to a UK Degree

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design can progress to the BA Computer Arts at Abertay University, delivered in Singapore at MAGES.

The programme is a Stage 3 Direct Entry route, which means eligible diploma holders enter the third year of study and complete the degree in 12 months, building on prior qualifications in art, design, animation or games.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design (Progression from Diploma in Concept Art & Entertainment Design) is designed for graduates seeking to advance from 2D concept design into professional 3D game art production.

 

Building on the Diploma’s foundation in concept art, visual storytelling, character and environment design, and digital painting, the programme equips students with the technical skills required to create production-ready assets for the interactive entertainment industry.

Students develop expertise in 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, material creation, lighting, optimisation, and real-time asset integration using industry-standard software such as Blender, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter, and Unreal Engine.

 

Emphasising modern studio pipelines and collaborative workflows, the programme mirrors real-world game development, enabling students to transform concept art into optimised assets for games and immersive experiences.

 

Through industry-focused projects and mentorship from experienced practitioners, graduates build a professional portfolio showcasing both creative and technical excellence, preparing them for careers as 3D Game Artists, Environment Artists, Character Artists, Prop Artists, Technical Artists (Junior), Asset Artists, and Real-Time Environment Artists.

DURATION: 5 days * 3 hours a day per week. Duration of the course: 9 months. (Full Time)
3 days * 3 hours a day of Lecture classes in a week. Duration of the course: 9 months. (Part Time)

STUDENT-TO-LECTURER RATIO: 18 Students : 1 Lecturer

MODE OF DELIVERY: Classroom. Learners are not allowed to switch Modes after program commencement.

NOTE: A Pass in all Modules within the maximum study period is required for Graduation.

SOFTWARE TAUGHT: Open Office, 3ds max, substance painter, ZBrush, Marmoset, Unreal Engine

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: Windows Laptop with a Minimum of i7 (13th Gen) Processor or Ryzen 7, 16 GB RAM (32 GB recommended), RTX 2060 or above, 500GB SSD (1TB recommended), Drawing Tablet (Wacom One recommended)

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT: Lectures & Practical (Hands-on Application), Project-based Assessment for all modules

9 MONTH PROGRAM

GRADUATE WITH AN INDUSTRY-STANDARD PORTFOLIO
Game Art Diploma
Game Art
Game Art
Game Art Diploma
Game Art
Game Art

HARD SURFACE MODELLING

This module provides students with a foundational understanding of 3D modeling concepts, techniques, and industry practices. Students will learn how to create, manipulate, and refine 3D models for use in interactive media and games.

 

The course covers essential topics such as modeling techniques for both organic and hard-surface assets, understanding topology for clean and efficient models, and the basics of UV mapping. By focusing on industry-relevant workflows, students will develop skills to produce game-ready models that adhere to quality and performance standards.

Term 1 Game Art
Term 2 Game Art
Term 3 Game Art
Term 1 Game Art
Term 2 Game Art
Term 3 Game Art

ASSET DEVELOPMENT (STUDIO)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the workflow involved in creating game assets, focusing on developing high-quality, optimized elements for interactive environments.

 

Students will learn the complete production pipeline, from concept and modeling to preparation for interactive environments, emphasizing efficiency, visual consistency, and adherence to performance standards.

Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling
Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling

CHARACTER SCULPTING

The design of a character plays a crucial role in connecting players to the game or story. In this module, students will learn the art of character creation, exploring anatomy, form, and intricate details to bring characters to life.

 

They will focus on developing organic shapes, with an emphasis on proportion, silhouette, and expressive details. The module covers the entire character sculpting workflow, from initial concept to refined output, emphasizing both artistic expression and technical precision to prepare students for character development across different media pipelines.

Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling
Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling

ENVIRONMENT CREATION

This module focuses on designing, modeling, and texturing immersive game environments that evoke mood and atmosphere, supporting narrative and gameplay elements. Students will learn how to create assets that align with a game’s artistic vision and bring environments to life.

 

The module covers the entire environment creation process, including concept development, modeling, and detailing, while emphasizing visual consistency and performance optimization to meet industry standards across various platforms.

Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling
Term 4 Game Modelling
Term 5 Game Modelling

PRODUCTION ART – ORGANIC

This module focuses on performing successfully while managing all the variables of a final project. With continued faculty support, students gain new insights into the components of the production pipeline.

 

This module introduces students to Game Art Projects, and is the start of the Live Studio Environment, where students are briefed, and work on separate Entertainment Design Projects. Each Game Art Project simulates real-world entertainment media, such as Games or Simulations, and covers multiple genres including science-fiction, fantasy, and hybridized genres. Advanced digital workflows and techniques are covered.

INSTRUCTORS

Kingston Chan is a Concept Development Artist, Art Director, and Educator with over two decades of experience in games, movies, animation, and art production design. Kingston commenced his role as an educator in 2005 when he was invited to develop curriculums for game art, conceptual design, and digital painting at top schools in the field, eventually serving as Senior Art Director at FZD School of Design for the past 14 years. Previously, Kingston has worked extensively in Japan as a Game Artist at SEGA Co. and Koei Tecmo. Upon returning to Singapore, he was appointed as Art Lead at several local game companies to set up next gen 3D pipelines. Kingston believes in the importance of learning art fundamentals and design problem solving, especially in our world of everchanging technology. His broad industry expertise combined with a persistent curiosity in new technologies and work processes shows his dedication in advancing our next generation of artists and designers.

Kingston Chan, a Concept Development Artist and Art Director with 20+ years of experience, is also an Educator. He formerly served as the Senior Art Director at FZD School of Design.
With a background in SEGA Co. and Koei Tecmo, he’s committed to nurturing creative talent by emphasising art fundamentals in our tech-driven world.

Kingston Chan

Head of Art Department | Program Director

Justin is a Master's Degree holder in Game Arts and Design from University of Hertfordshire with 7 years of working experience in the Creative Industry as a CG/3D Artist. He has also worked on a wide repertoire of projects with international renowned brands such as Japan Digital Entertainment (SGames), SAF and other Singapore Government linked companies in making 3D assets. With a passion to teach, Justin aims to inspire future artists to explore and expand the horizons of what is possible.

Justin is a Master’s Degree holder in Game Arts and Design from University of Hertfordshire with 7 years of working experience in the Creative Industry as a CG/3D Artist. He has also worked on a wide repertoire of projects with international renowned.

Justin Ho

Lecturer

Alvin brings a wealth of expertise and teaching experience in the field of digital arts, with over 4 years of dedicated commitment to guiding students in their creative journeys. His extensive background as a Lead Modeller/3D Artist and Senior Lighter for studios, where he contributed to the production of short films and TV series, has honed his skills in delivering high-quality visual experiences.

Alvin offers abundant proficiency and 4+ years of teaching digital arts. His role as Lead Modeller/3D Artist and Senior Lighter enriched his skills, cultivated during the creation of short films and TV series. This background aids him in delivering top-tier visual experiences while mentoring students in their creative paths.

Alvin Gan

Lecturer

Rajesh Chakravarthy has worked in digital art, design and technology for 18 years, nine of them as an educator in creative media and tech schools. As Academic Director at MAGES Institute, he leads the school's work in artificial intelligence and immersive technology. Rajesh specialises in applying AI to real-world creative and business workflows, from generative AI tools for content production to AI-driven automation. He is also a veteran AR/VR developer and an Unreal Engine Authorised Instructor. His work sits where design, technology and business meet, through ventures in prototyping, product development and education. His students have gone on to careers with prominent companies around the world.

Rajesh Chakravarthy has worked in digital art, design and technology for 18 years, nine of them as an educator in creative media and tech schools. As Academic Director at MAGES Institute, he leads the school’s work in artificial intelligence and immersive technology.

Rajesh specialises in applying AI to real-world creative and business workflows, from generative AI tools for content production to AI-driven automation.

He is also a veteran AR/VR developer and an Unreal Engine Authorised Instructor. His work sits where design, technology and business meet, through ventures in prototyping, product development and education. His students have gone on to careers with prominent companies around the world.

Rajesh Chakravarthy

Academic Director | AI & Immersive Technology Specialist

As the lecturer of Animation and Motion Graphics at MAGES, Rakesh brings with him a plethora of experiences. As an immensely creative artist, he has extended his animation, 3D modelling and VFX expertise into building Virtual Reality Environments and Experiences. Rakesh has been working in the education field for the past 7 years with various film and creative media schools. Rakesh has successfully trained students for employment in animation and the creative technology industry. He completed his Advanced Diploma in Animation from MAGES Institute of Excellence, Singapore.

As the lecturer of Animation and Motion Graphics at MAGES, Rakesh brings with him a plethora of experiences. As an immensely creative artist, he has extended his animation, 3D modelling and VFX expertise into building Virtual Reality Environments and Experiences. Rakesh has been working in the education field for the past 7 years with various film and creative media schools.

Rakesh has successfully trained students for employment in animation and the creative technology industry.

He completed his Advanced Diploma in Animation from MAGES Institute of Excellence, Singapore.

Rakesh Shrinivas Gowda

Animation and Motion Graphics Designer

STUDENT GALLERY

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ArtStation

Where creativity meets industry excellence-explore cutting-edge concept art, 3D designs, and entertainment visuals from Singapore's top-ranked creative media school.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

UPCOMING INTAKES

TBC

 

HOW TO APPLY

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Age:  17 years old or above (based on date of birth) at point of start class.

 

English Proficiency:

Local Students:

  • GCE ‘O’ Level English – Requires a minimum of C6 English grade
  • Pass interview with the Academic Director and assessment by Academic Board (if student does not meet the above English requirement.

 

International Students:

  • IELTS 5.5
  • Minimum of 10 years senior high school education where the medium of instruction is English with
    minimum score of 65% in English.

 

Mature Candidates Entry
Applicants must be at least 30 years of age with 8 years working experience

READ MORE

PROGRAM FEES

(Incl of 9% GST)

International Students

SGD 22,113.92

 

Singapore Citizens & PRs

SGD 19,061.92

 

Grants and Scholarships are available.

Message us at enquiry@mages.edu.sg

FEE DETAILS

FAQs

Who is this programme suitable for?

The Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design is designed for students who already have a strong foundation in art and design and want to progress into professional 3D production and entertainment design.

It is particularly suitable for aspiring concept artists, character and creature artists, environment artists, 3D artists and entertainment designers who want to strengthen both their design thinking and production skills.

Do I need the Diploma in Concept Art & Entertainment Design to apply?

No, but applicants would ideally come from a Diploma in Concept Art & Entertainment Design or a closely related background, as the training approach and foundation taught at MAGES may differ from other institutions.

If you are applying from another school or programme, you will need to submit a portfolio for assessment. Your portfolio should demonstrate a strong foundation in areas such as drawing, design, form, structure, perspective and visual development.

Admission is subject to portfolio review and approval by the Programme Director.

Can I apply with a diploma from another school?

Yes. Applicants with relevant qualifications from other institutions may be considered.

As different schools may teach art and design differently, we will review your portfolio to ensure you have the foundation required to progress into the Advanced Diploma.

Admission is subject to review of your qualifications, portfolio and approval by the Programme Director.

How is this different from the Diploma in 3D Modelling & Game Art?

The Diploma in 3D Modelling & Game Art is designed to build your 3D skills from the ground up and is suitable for students with little or no prior 3D experience.

The 9-month Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design is designed for students who already have an established art and design foundation. This allows more time to focus on advanced 3D production, sculpting, look development, real-time workflows and portfolio development instead of repeating foundational training.

Do I need prior 3D experience before joining?

Prior 3D experience is useful, but it is not the main requirement.

What matters more is that you already have a strong foundation in drawing and design, and are comfortable developing ideas through form, structure, perspective and visual communication.

Applicants without significant 3D experience may still be considered, subject to portfolio review and Programme Director approval.

What if I am stronger in 2D than 3D?

That is completely fine.

The programme is designed for students who already understand how to design in 2D and want to learn how to translate those ideas into 3D.

Your 2D foundation becomes an advantage because you are not simply learning software. You are learning how to use 3D as another tool to develop, refine and communicate your designs.

What should my portfolio show?

Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to design and communicate ideas visually.

This may include character, creature, prop, vehicle or environment concepts that show your understanding of form, structure, function and design intent.

Previous 3D work is useful, but your ability to develop and communicate strong design ideas is more important.

What if I am not sure whether my portfolio is good enough?

You can submit your portfolio for an initial review with our Course Advisor.

We can help you understand whether your current foundation is suitable for the Advanced Diploma and identify areas you may need to strengthen before progressing.

Final admission remains subject to assessment and approval by the Programme Director.

Book a consultation here

Is 9 months enough to build a studio-ready portfolio?

The programme is structured over 9 months because students enter with an existing creative foundation.

Instead of spending time repeating basic art and design fundamentals, you will focus on advanced production skills and project work, allowing you to develop portfolio pieces that demonstrate both your design thinking and technical execution.

What will I have by the end of the programme?

Throughout the programme, you will work on projects across different areas of entertainment design and 3D production.

The aim is to graduate with a stronger body of portfolio work that demonstrates your artistic ability, design process, technical execution and understanding of professional production workflows.

Will this programme help me build a stronger industry portfolio?

Yes. Portfolio development is an important part of the programme.

Rather than producing isolated software exercises, you will work towards projects that demonstrate your design process, technical development and final presentation.

This helps you build a portfolio that more clearly communicates your abilities to studios, employers and universities.

Can I focus on areas such as characters, creatures or environments?

You will be exposed to a broader entertainment design and production workflow throughout the programme.

As you progress, your project and portfolio work can begin to reflect the areas that best match your strengths, interests and future career direction.

What software will I learn?

Students work with industry-relevant tools including:

3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Marmoset Toolbag and Unreal Engine.

The focus is not simply on learning individual software, but on understanding how these tools work together within a professional entertainment design and 3D production pipeline.

What kind of career direction can this programme support?

The programme is relevant to students interested in creative roles across games, animation, collectibles and entertainment production.

Depending on your portfolio, strengths and specialisation, you may explore areas such as concept art, character and creature design, environment art, 3D modelling, digital sculpting and related entertainment design roles.

Can I progress to a degree afterwards?

Yes. There is a progression opportunity to the BA Computer Arts degree at MAGES, awarded by Abertay University, Scotland.

The BA Computer Arts is a Stage 3 Direct Entry programme for applicants with relevant prior qualifications in art, design, animation, games or related creative disciplines.

Degree admission remains subject to the relevant entry requirements and academic assessment.

Is the programme available part-time or online?

No. The Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Design is offered only as a full-time, classroom-based programme.

There is currently no part-time or online delivery option.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International applicants may apply for the full-time programme, subject to the programme’s admission requirements and relevant Student Pass requirements.

Our Admissions team can guide you through the application process and required documentation.

I am deciding between the Diploma and Advanced Diploma. Which should I choose?

It depends on your current skill level and foundation.

If you are still developing your art and design fundamentals or are starting 3D from the beginning, the Diploma pathway may be more suitable.

If you already have a strong foundation in art and design and are ready to move into more advanced 3D production and portfolio development, the Advanced Diploma may be the better progression route.

Not sure where you fit? Let’s have a chat and review your background and portfolio together:

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