The Mastery Pathway is an exclusive accelerated program that allows students to pursue their Advanced Diploma (Professional Undergraduate Level 4) together with the Professional Postgraduate (Level 7) qualification in a single integrated track. This unique pathway is designed for highly motivated learners who want to build strong technical foundations while simultaneously developing advanced leadership, research, and management skills that are typically achieved at postgraduate level.
Through the Advanced Diploma (Level 4) component, students gain practical knowledge in design principles, technical drawing, materials, construction methods, and project coordination, preparing them with industry-ready skills. At the same time, the Professional Postgraduate (Level 7) curriculum develops their ability to think critically and strategically, focusing on innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and advanced project management within the design and business environment.
This integrated learning approach means that students graduate with dual capabilities: the hands-on expertise of a trained designer and the advanced competencies of a postgraduate professional. The pathway significantly shortens the time to achieve a postgraduate qualification, making graduates highly competitive for senior roles in industry, entrepreneurship, consultancy, or further doctoral studies.
By completing the Mastery Pathway, learners position themselves at the forefront of the design and creative industries—equipped with both practical mastery and advanced strategic insight to lead projects, teams, and businesses in the local and global market.
The Mastery Pathway is a two-year accelerated program that combines the Advanced Diploma (Professional Undergraduate Level 4) with the Professional Postgraduate (Level 7), enabling students to progress from foundation to advanced mastery in a seamless track.
In the first year, students focus on the Advanced Diploma (Level 4), where they build strong technical and practical foundations in design principles, space planning, technical drawing, materials, construction methods, and project coordination. This stage equips learners with the essential industry-ready skills required for entry-level professional practice.
In the second year, students transition directly into the Professional Postgraduate (Level 7) modules, where the focus shifts toward advanced research, leadership, strategic design thinking, sustainability, and innovation in practice. Learners also engage in entrepreneurship, advanced project management, and industry-based projects, preparing them for leadership roles.
By completing this 1+1 pathway, graduates earn both an Advanced Diploma and a Professional Postgraduate qualification in just two years. This unique progression ensures students gain hands-on technical expertise and advanced strategic knowledge, making them highly competitive for careers in design, management, consultancy, entrepreneurship, or further doctoral studies.
Mastery Pathway: Course Modules (Level 4 + Level 7)
Year 1 – Advanced Diploma (Professional Undergraduate Level 4)
Focus: Practical & Technical Foundations
Principles of Design & Space Planning – Fundamentals of interior/architectural design, form, and function.
Technical Drawing & Drafting – Hand-drawing, CAD basics, layout plans, elevations, sections.
Materials & Finishes – Understanding properties, applications, and specifications of construction/interior materials.
Construction Technology – Introduction to building methods, detailing, and design integration.
Digital Visualization Tools – Basics of 3D modeling and rendering software.
Interior/Architectural Design Studio – Practical project applications combining technical and creative aspects.
Professional Communication & Presentation – Visual communication, client presentation skills, portfolio preparation.
Project Management Fundamentals – Introduction to scheduling, costing, and coordination in design projects.
Year 2 – Professional Postgraduate (Level 7)
Focus: Advanced Knowledge, Leadership & Strategic Application
Advanced Design Studio – Complex projects integrating sustainability, innovation, and real-world briefs.
Research Methods & Design Innovation – Developing critical thinking, research approaches, and innovative solutions.
Sustainability & Green Practices – Advanced sustainable design strategies, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development – Building, managing, and scaling a design-related business.
Advanced Project Management – Leadership, risk management, budgeting, and global project delivery.
Professional Practice & Ethics – Contracts, legal frameworks, and ethical responsibilities at a leadership level.
Specialized Design Applications – Urban design, digital futures, or advanced interior/landscape integration.
Capstone Thesis / Industry Project – Independent research or project demonstrating mastery at postgraduate level.
Focus: Practical & Technical Foundations
This stage equips students with strong technical and practical skills needed for design practice, combining creative thinking with applied construction and communication knowledge.
Principles of Design & Space Planning – Fundamentals of form, function, and spatial organization in interior/architectural design.
Technical Drawing & Drafting – Hand-drawing, CAD basics, and creating layout plans, elevations, and sections.
Materials & Finishes – Study of material properties, applications, and specifications for interiors and construction.
Construction Technology – Introduction to construction methods, detailing, and integration with design concepts.
Digital Visualization Tools – Basics of 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization.
Interior/Architectural Design Studio – Practical projects combining technical accuracy with creative design solutions.
Professional Communication & Presentation – Development of visual communication, client presentation, and portfolio skills.
Project Management Fundamentals – Basics of scheduling, costing, and coordination in design projects.
Focus: Advanced Knowledge, Leadership & Strategic Application
This level builds advanced expertise, leadership, and innovation in design practice, preparing students for managerial, entrepreneurial, and research-oriented roles.
Advanced Design Studio – Complex projects integrating sustainability, innovation, and real-world industry briefs.
Research Methods & Design Innovation – Training in critical thinking, research methodologies, and innovative design approaches.
Sustainability & Green Practices – Advanced strategies for resilient, eco-conscious, and environmentally responsible design.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development – Skills to build, manage, and grow a design-related business.
Advanced Project Management – Leadership in risk management, budgeting, and global-scale project delivery.
Professional Practice & Ethics – Contracts, legal frameworks, and ethical responsibilities for senior practitioners.
Specialized Design Applications – In-depth focus on urban design, digital futures, or advanced interior/landscape integration.
Capstone Thesis / Industry Project – Independent research or industry-based project showcasing postgraduate-level mastery.
Interior Designer
Architectural Assistant
Space Planner
3D Visualization Specialist
Design Draftsperson
Project Coordinator (Design/Construction)
Sustainable Design Consultant
Urban Designer
Design Entrepreneur
Design Researcher / Academic
Design Manager
Project Director
Business Development Manager (Design Industry)
Strategic Design Consultant
Senior Design Practitioner
Industry Specialist / Thought Leader
Basic computer skills are required; prior knowledge of design principles is beneficial.
To claim the course fees through HRD Corp, your company must be registered with HRD Corp. Once registered, your employer can submit a training grant application via the HRD Corp e-TRiS system. After the application is approved, the course fees can be claimed.
There is no strict limit to the number of courses an individual or company can claim. However, the total amount claimable depends on the available levy balance in your HRD Corp account. It’s best to consult your HR department or HRD Corp representative for specific details.
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