About BA (Honours) in Design in Visual Communications

What is Visual Communications?

Visual Communications (graphic design) includes the design
of diverse and complex information for both print and screen based media.
It includes design of communications and literature for public and private organisations, corporate identity, editorial design, exhibition design, interactive design, websites and motion graphics. All of these call for creative thinking and
an eye for detail.

Our programme aims to produce designers who can develop and design information that is visually innovative, accessible and meets and informs the demands of contemporary graphic design practice. Teaching is based around practical projects that are openly assessed by staff and student peers, both
during and at the end of each project.

Aims and Objectives

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Careers may arise in print design, branding, web design, motion graphics for film/TV, education, publishing, exhibition design, advertising and interactive design, as well as opportunities in the Semi-State sector.

Many graduates have established their own companies.

Recent graduates have started careers in companies such as Design Factory (Dublin), Design Works (Dublin), Zero-G (Dublin), Piranah Bar (Dublin), Windmill Lane Studios (Dublin), Why Not Associates (London) and SO Design (Amsterdam).

What subjects will I study?

The programme is structured around three pathways, which include the application of design concepts to:

• Typographics (Print media) – editorial design, corporate identity
  and information graphics
• E-Graphics (Screen media) – web design and motion graphics
• 3D Spatial (Environmental Graphics) – exhibition design,
  signage systems, and 3D packaging.

These core subjects are complemented by support studies in Drawing
and Image Making, Photography (Analogue and Digital) and Screen Printing.

The Visual Communications programme is 80% practical and 20% theoretical. Academic subjects include Design History and Theory and Visual Culture.

As you progress through the programme, you are encouraged to apply your understanding of theory developed in academic studies to your studio practice.

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects,
  to include English. Foundation level Maths (D3) is acceptable
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
• Applicants with FETAC awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. FETAC
  Links for this programme are:

AACDX:Art, Craft, Design

AAXXX : Art

ACADX: Computer Aided Design

ADESX: Design

AGDXX: Graphic Design

EMMPX: Multimedia Production

EMPXX : Media Production

What should my Portfolio include?

You should compile a portfolio of recent work that is 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:

• 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
• observational drawing from life/still life (not from photographs)
• drawings/visual studies using range of different/mixed media and demonstrating colour exploration including: painting, collage, etc
• any photographic work (optional) or support work of personal interest
• photographs of 3D work should be submitted instead of 3D work
• notebooks or creative sketchbook indicating interest in this discipline.

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

Approx. €1,250 per year. This figure excludes exceptional purchases
and field trips.