Admission to the programme is by academic and practical evaluation. The practical evaluation requires applicants to submit a portfolio of work.

Portfolios
You should compile a portfolio of recent work that should be easy to look through and well presented. Your portfolio should demonstrate a high level of visual skill, creativity (ideas), commitment, and self-motivation. An edited range of work should be presented to include:

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Project work (set projects and self-initiated work) including notebooks, development work and finished pieces – showing in-depth visual exploration and creative thinking around a theme / object(s) / place / idea etc.
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Observational drawing from life/still life (not from photographs)

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Drawings/visual studies using range of different/mixed media and demonstrating colour exploration including: painting, collage, etc

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Photographic work (optional) or support work of personal interest

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Photographs of 3D work should submitted instead of 3D work.

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Notebooks or creative sketchbook indicating interest in this discipline.


Entry Requirements
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Leaving Certificate Examination (or an equivalent educational qualification) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects, to include English
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Alternative Mathematics is acceptable
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A portfolio of relevant work
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You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
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Applicants with FETAC (NCVA level II) awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. Please refer to the Admissions pages to see the FETAC Links for this programme.

Direct Entry
A small number of places may be available each year which allow for advanced entry or transfer to programmes, e.g. for direct entry to 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of the Visual Communications programme. Such places are typically taken by students who have completed relevant studies in other higher education institutions or at IADT.

Please note: the number of such places depends on vacancies arising on the programmes. Availability of places differ from year to year. To be considered for such places, if they arise, you must apply directly to IADT.

Please contact IADT admissions office:
T + 353 (0)1 239 46210
E admissions@iadt.ie

CAO Stuff
IADT is a member of the CAO (Central Applications Office) System. Application for Year 1 of any programme in the School of Creative Arts must be made through the CAO:

Central Applications Office (CAO)
Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland

T + 353 (0)91 509 800
F + 353 (0)91 562 344
www.cao.ie

The CAO application pack is available from the career guidance counsellor in your school or from the CAO directly. On-line applications are also available.


A portfolio is a sample selection of your best work and should be presented in a tidy and accessible manner.

Be selective, include only your best work.

Do not pack your portfolio. Include no more than thirty pieces, we appreciate quality not quantity.

Your portfolio should be expertly presented, easy to look through, and logical in its composition. Include a CV. If you have a broad range of experiences not evident in the portfolio.

Most importantly, your portfolio should demonstrate inventiveness, experimentation, curiosity, hard work and a commitment to quality.