Graphic Design (Visual Communication & Illustration)
Year 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate Graphic Design (Visual Communication) 5M1995
Year 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Graphic Design (Illustration) 6M5150

Who?
Our Graphic Design (Visual Communication & Illustration) course will appeal to creative individuals interested in design, layout, and illustration for print and digital media. Starting with the basic principles of design and an introduction to the latest design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects, students will gain an understanding of the history and evolution of design and graduate with the core skills needed to begin a career in a range of creative industries.

@artanddesignatdhulaigh

Course Content
Year 1 Graphic Design (Visual Communication)

• Graphic Design Skills
• Design Skills
• Drawing
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Digital Photography
• Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design
• Personal & Professional Development
• Communications
• Printmaking

Year 2 Graphic Design (Illustration)

• Design Skills
• Drawing
• Illustration
• Typography
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Graphics and Animation
• Personal & Professional Development
• Communications
• Printmaking

*Course content is subject to change

As well as learning new software tools, students engage in practical workshops and real-world projects. We aim to explore the digital landscape, while also encouraging a more tactile approach to design, critical thinking and the development of a personal visual language.

Students work in a design studio equipped with Mac computers and have access to industry standard software. Colour printing and course materials are provided. The Adobe software suite is included in course fees.

Museum visits, exhibitions, and class excursions are an integral part of the experience.

Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, or a QQI Level 4 full award. Mature students are welcome. Students without formal academic qualifications who demonstrate the ability to successfully participate in the course will also be considered.

If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English language assessment.

Applicants will be required to meet with the course team to learn more about the course and to present a small sample of creative work – for example: drawings, sculpture, collage, 3D work, technical drawing, poster design, photography etc. – to ensure this course is a good fit.

You will be notified in advance of a date and time to meet with the course team. This meeting will be held on our Raheny Campus.

Advanced Entry
Advanced entry to Year 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Graphic Design (Illustration) is open to applicants with a related QQI Level 5 qualification, and to mature and postgraduate students. Applicants with work experience in art, design, or related disciplines will also be considered.

Level 6 applicants must meet with the course team to present a representative sample of creative work. A Level 5 certificate or equivalent qualification will be required at registration.

You will be notified in advance of a date and time to meet with the course team.

Certification
QQI level 5: Certificate Graphic Design 5M1995
QQI Level 6: Advanced Certificate Illustration 6M5150

Progression Routes
Level 5
Students who complete the full level 5 award will automatically gain entry to our Level 6 Graphic Design (Illustration) course. Students can also apply to other QQI level 6 or Higher National Diploma courses such as animation, fine art, photography, media and film.

Students can apply through CAO and submit a digital portfolio* to any of our national art colleges and universities to gain entry to year 1 of Level 7 and Level 8 degree programmes.

These include the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), TU Dublin, IADT, LSAD, TUS (Technological University of the Shannon), Crawford College of Art & Design, South East Technological University (formerly IT Carlow), Atlantic Technological University Sligo (formerly Sligo IT), as well as universities in the UK and mainland Europe.

*All institutions have their own entry requirements and criteria may change each year. It is important to review the most recent admissions information provided at each institution. Portfolio submission dates vary each year but are usually in early February.

Level 6
Graphic Design (Illustration) graduates may be considered for advanced entry to Third Level Art Colleges (see above).

*All institutions have their own entry requirements and criteria may change each year. It is important to review the most recent admissions information provided at each institution.

Work Placement
We encourage students to complete work experience within a design company or as part of a live project where they can gain experience working on a project from inception to completion.

Each year there is an opportunity for selected students to join the Erasmus programme and complete a three-week work placement in a European city. The students are selected via an interview process and accompanied by a tutor for the first week of the placement. This exciting programme is fully funded.

Career Opportunities
Graphic design, UI/UX, marketing and publishing studios, freelance design and illustration work, web design and development companies, branding and advertising agencies, print companies and large multinationals in Ireland and abroad. Illustration, book design, motion graphics, film, animation, and media.

Duration
2 Years

Course Charges
Year 1 Registration fee: €100 + additional charge of €50 for course materials
Year 2 Registration fee: €100 + additional charge of €50 for course materials

Applicants in receipt of a social welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.

Testimonials
‘Hi there, I’m Corrine. I am a recent graduate of QQI level 6 in Graphic Design from FET College Dhúlaigh. This place is not only a community but a family that welcomes everyone without judgement. From students to staff, you will find help, friendship, and guidance throughout your time here. You will find and make forever friends.

During my time here I evolved from a bewildered computer Adobe suite novice to the person everyone comes to for help. I owe all these new skills to the Design Department staff. These people work tirelessly for their students because they genuinely care about each person’s future.

Each tutor has played a role in my development as a person. They were encouraging throughout my time here. With this encouragement, I am now doing a Masters degree at TU Dublin in Graphic Design. I know that without this college I would not have had the courage to reach this goal.

Coláiste Dhúlaigh helped me find my passion, and I hope it helps you find yours.’

– Corrine Richards-Scully