Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Common Entry)

The BA (Honours) in Design (Common Entry) is the first year of a four year course. During Year 1 you will choose your specialist area. In Year 2 you will then transfer on to one of the degree programmes listed below:

• BA in Product Design
• BA in Interior Design
• BA in Graphic Design and Illustration
• BA in Textile and Fashion Design

Other topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History & Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business & Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos.

Career opportunities in Design are growing both nationally and internationally. The BA in Design, and its specialist degree pathways, emphasise both traditional and modern-day skills.

Our course also features a full year of professional practice (with some online tuition) that can be experienced as a year-long industry placement, or a combination of placement and international exchange, or on-campus industry projects that link with industry partners nationally and internationally.

Employers’ value our design graduates for their creative problem solving, good communication skills, IT literacy, flexibility, teamwork skills and visual presentation skills.

Design is a high-growth industry sector, offering graduates exciting career opportunities. Employers value design graduates for their creative problem-solving, good communication skills, adaptability, teamwork skills and visual presentation skills.

Following completion of one of the specialist degrees, graduates are on pathways to become:

• Product Designers
• Interior Designers
• Graphic & Illustration Designers
• Fashion & Textile Designers

Product Designers may also specialise further as;

• CAD Specialists within design practices
• Three-Dimensional Designers

Many Industrial Designers collaborate in design teams with other Designers to develop products and cross over into diverse areas such as;

• Theatre Film and TV design
• 3D Computer design
• Graphic design
• Interior design

Graphic Designers & Illustrators may also specialise further as;

• Stationary Designers
• Art Directors
• User Experience Designers
• Design for static/motion/product graphics
• Design for TV & Film

Fashion & Textile Designers may also specialise further as;

• Surface Designers
• Accessory Designers
• Pattern Cutters
• Stylists
• Costume Designers
• Retail Merchandising

Interior Designers may also specialise further as;

• Retail Store Designers
• Office Designers
• Home Interior Designers
• Film and Set Designers
• Hotel and Restaurant Designers
• Exhibition and Display Designers
• Interior Stylists
• CAD Technicians

Costs
Costs for additional and specialist materials will be incurred. Students will be briefed by lecturing staff at the beginning of all modules/projects on the wide range of specialist practice materials available to them. A list of required and recommended materials and equipment will be distributed by the Lecturer for each module. Students engaged in individual projects are required to supply their own materials or meet the costs of additional materials and equipment not supplied by the school, which may vary depending on the pathway and year of study. Field trips (not compulsory) may also incur some costs. Materials fees are not covered by Granting Authorities. Material fees are not applicable to Erasmus, Part-Time or Full-Time Non-EU students.

Admission
There is no portfolio or alternative assessment required for entry to the course.

Mature/FETAC Applicants
See How to Apply

*Admission to ATU - CAO Application
Leaving Certificate entry requirements for the Level 8 Honours Degree programme is Grade O6/H7 or higher in six (6) Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics, English or Irish. Two of the 6 subjects must be passed in higher-level papers at Grade H5 or higher with a minimum of 160 points.

Leaving Certificate entry requirements for the Level 7 Ordinary Degree Programme is Grade O6/H7 or better in five (5) Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics, English or Irish with a minimum of 160 points.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award with three Distinctions will also meet the minimum entry requirements for Level 8 Honours Degree.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award will also meet the minimum entry requirement for Level 7 Ordinary Degree.

Mature Applicants Mature applicants (EU nationals aged 23 on or before January in the year of entry) do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements. It is Institute policy to reserve a minimum of 10% of places on each programme for such applicants. Mature applicants holding the Leaving Certificate can also compete independently on points within the standard application group.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to gain entry to years 2 or higher, or gain exemptions in accordance with Code of Practice No. 6 (Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning). Prior learning can be certified or experiential and will be assessed in accordance with the code. Holders of relevant FETAC Level 6 qualifications will be considered for entry to Year 2 of this programme. Guidance for applicants is provided on www.myexperience.ie

Choosing a Specialist Degree Pathway
Students will choose a pathway after first year. During the first year Lecturers will assist and advise students to help them choose the pathway most suited to them. Every effort will be made to ensure that students can follow their pathway of choice. If student demand for a particular pathway is too high, or too low, (based on the feasible class group size) places will be allocated based on first year performance. An alternative pathway will always be available if a students first choice is unavailable.

Contact us

Kieran Egan - Programme Chair

Tel: +353 (0) 91 770661
Email: kieran.egan@atu.ie

School of Design & Creative Arts

Tel: +353 (0) 91 770661