Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic Design and Illustration

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Illustration is a 4-year course. It has a common first semester, after which students also have the opportunity to switch to another design programme if they wish (subject to available places). Applications for Advanced Entry from those with an appropriate FETAC Level 6 qualification (or equivalent) and/or relevant prior learning are also welcome.

Topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History & Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business & Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos. Graphic Design & Illustration students will learn about visual communications, illustration, typography, visual communications - major project, advanced digital design, and book arts for design.

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.

Graphic Designers & Illustrators may also specialise further as;

• Stationary Designer
• Art Director
• User Experience design
• Design for static/motion/product graphics
• Design for TV & Film

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.

Mature/FETAC Applicants

See How to Apply

Admission

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

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 GradeO6/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. 

Alternative Route

There is also a Level 7 entry route to the Level 7 Graphic Design & Illustration course in year 2, for students who choose Graphic Design & Illustration in semester 2 of year 1 of Design (Common Entry) AU519. Note that the level 7 course is the same as level 8 in Year 2 & 3. Level 7 students can apply to continue and transfer to level 8 year 4 after successfully completing year 3.

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 in will be considered for entry to Year 2 of this programme.

Flexibility

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Illustration is a 4-year course. It has a common first semester, after which students also have the opportunity to switch to another design programme if they wish (subject to available places). During the first semester lecturers will assist and advise students to help them choose the programme most suited to them. Availability of places on another programme is based on student demand and capacity. 

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