Graphic Designer Courses


Many print shops and design houses require applicants to have a third level degree, and there are a good range of courses out there that provide formal training in graphic design.

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
B.Des. Design in Visual Communications is a four-year course.
Requirements are the Leaving Certificate with 2 subjects at Grade A1-C3 on higher-level papers and 4 other subjects at Grades A1-D3 on Ordinary or Higher Level Papers to include a language.
After year one students can decide to specialise in the Department of Visual Communication.

For Year two and three students develop their skills in all of the Graphic Design disciplines.

In the third year the course emphasis moves from the development of the skillset to an emphasis on theory and problem solving and presentation of concepts and ideas. The final year largely deals with how to interpret complicated design briefs, and is very much focused on analysis, research and communication, and the application of all of the skills in design developed over the term of the course.

  • The National College of Art and Design
    100 Thomas Street
    Dublin 8

    Telephone: (01) 636 4200

    Email: fios@ncad.ie

    Website: http://www.ncad.ie

The Dublin Institute of Technology,
Mountjoy Square
- B.A. Design in Visual Communication:
This is a 4 year course offering options that include Graphic and Multimedia Design, Illustration, Photo Imaging.

Dublin Institute of Technology,
Admissions Office, Fitzwilliam House,
30 Upper Pembroke St.,
Dublin 2.

Telephone: (01) 402 3445

Email:

Website: http://www.dit.ie


Ballyfermot College of Further Education
- Certificate course in Art, Graphics and Printmaking
This is a one-year course that offers a good introduction to Graphic Design.
Requirements for the Certificate Course are the Leaving Certificate with five passes and they must submit a portfolio and a special drawing project. This course awards the NCVA (National Council for Vocational Awards) Certificate Level 2

Ballyfermot College of Further Education,
Ballyfermot Road,
Dublin 10

Telephone: (01) 626 9421

Email: info@bcfe.cdvec.ie

Website: www.bcfe.ie

Institute of Art Design & Technology - Dun Laoghaire
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication
This is a four-year course based on design for print, design for screen, and design for environmental graphics.

Requirements for this course are the Leaving Certificate with a minimum of Grade C3 in two higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects of the Leaving Certificate Examination to include English.
Alternative Ordinary Mathematics is acceptable.
Applicants must be able to submit a portfolio of work for review.


  • Institute of Art, Design and Technology - Dun Laoghaire, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

    Telephone: (01) 214 4600

    Email: info@iadt.ie

    Website: http://www.iadt.ie

FAS Training Centre - Cabra
Graphics and Print Media
The Grahics and Print Media course covers 34 weeks, and upon completion graduates will receive the FAS/City & Guilds certification.

FAS Cabra Training Centre, Bannow Road, Cabra, Dublin 7.

Telephone: (01) 882 1400

Email: carecruit@fas.ie

Website: http://www.fascabra.com


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