Bachelor of Arts in Design (Communications)
Bachelor of Arts in Design (Communications)
| Duration | Mode | Level | Application to | Latest Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Full Time | 7 | CAO |
|
Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
Grade D3 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
Note: A B2 in Alternative Leaving Cert. Mathematics or Foundation Level Mathematics will be accepted as meeting the minimum mathematics requirements for entry to this course.
# Applicants for this programme must also present their portfolios for assessment by the institute. The points obtained from the portfolio assessment (600 max) are amalgamated with the Leaving Certificate (600 max) points and the overall score determines whether the applicant is offered a place on the course.
Applications for this course cannot be accepted after 1 February in the year of entry, and the applicant may not introduce this course as a new choice on their CAO application form after 1 February in the year of entry.
FETAC
Any FETAC level 5 qualification is acceptable. There are no specific module requirements.
FETAC applicants must also present their portfolios for assessment by the institute. The points obtained from the portfolio assessment (600 max) are amalgamated with the FETAC (400 max) points and the overall score determines whether the applicant is offered a place on the course.
PORTFOLIO
The work presented should have been carried out during the past two years and must be the result of your own observations. Reproductions i.e. drawings or paintings copied from magazines, books, etc. should not be included. Edit your portfolio – demonstrate your ability to be selective. Aim for quality, not quantity.
The portfolio should contain a minimum of 15 presentation sheets of art and design work, A1 or A2 size.
Drawing
Studies in line and tone, based on your immediate environment, including life drawing and still life, in a range of media which reflects the subject matter, should be included. Detailed studies from a variety of views are always relevant.
Visual enquiry
Explorations/investigations of an object or a place through studies in line, tone, shape, form, colour and texture should form part of the portfolio. These studies should be the result of careful observation. A wide range of media should always be considered. Full-size and detailed studies from a variety of views should be included. The use of photography, printmaking and collage is also recommended.
Design-based problem solving projects
Include projects demonstrating your ability to solve problems and develop ideas. Projects involving research and analysis, similar to those in the design syllabus of the Leaving Certificate examination, are suitable. Back-up evidence for final pieces of work (the research, analysis, initial sketches and the development of the work) should also be presented.
Sketchbooks
Two sketchbooks, showing the visual development of art and design techniques, design thinking and media manipulation which have become finished pieces in your portfolio. The sketchbooks can also contain work that didn’t make the final presentation as an example of your working process. Sketchbooks should reflect your interests and be a collection of visual information from your environment. A variety of media and approaches should be employed.
Photographic examples of three-dimensional work
Modules
Year1
Design Communications
Incorporating Graphic Form, Graphic Design, Typography and Image Making [Drawing, Experimental Mark making, Photography, Printmaking], Computer Studies
Complementary Studies
Design History, Communications & Personal Development
Year 2
Design Communications
Incorporating Graphic Design, Typography and Image Making [Drawing, Experimental Markmaking, Photography, Animation, Printmaking], Computer Studies
Complementary Studies
Design History, Small Enterprise Management
Year 3
Design Communications
Design, incorporating Typography and
Image Making [Illustration, Photography,
Printmaking], Computer Studies/Digital Media
Complementary Studies
Design History, Language Development.
Progression
As a graduate of this ordinary degree you areeligible to apply to join the add-on Bachelorof Arts (Honours) in Design in Digital Media(Level 8) programme, and the final year of theBachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design in VisualCommunications course (Level 8, subject toend of year results) at AIT or related Level 8programmes at other third-level institutions.Graduates of this programme of exceptionalstandard have been accepted for entry ontoMaster’s programmes at other collegeswithout the requirement of completing an honours degree.Professional Recognition
N/A
Career Opportunities
Employers are always on the look-out for creative, motivated individuals who are good all-round designers. They require somebody who can always come up with exciting creative ideas and present them well both visually and articulately – good visual and verbal presentation skills are a necessity in the design industry. Attendance, organisation, time management, adherence to deadlines and timekeeping are important life skills you can develop on our courses, and take into the industry with you.
Employment opportunities exist in design agencies, advertising agencies, general printers, freelance work, photographer/photographer’s assistant, banks and financial institutions, multimedia consultancies, public relations agencies, newspapers, publishing, the music industry, film, theatre and television.
Additional Information
N/A
