Program Overview

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BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design is a three-year level 8 degree course available on a full-time basis. This challenging degree will teach you how to continuously respond with creativity, and create innovative visuals while developing a keen understanding of consumer culture and market trends.

Why Study Graphic Communication Design at Griffith?

• Achieve an honours degree in Graphic Communication Design in three years.
• Investigate up-to-the-minute tools and trends of the trade, including introductory and advanced web design.
• A broad range of modules, including business and marketing aim to prepare the students for the Design industry.
• Receive a solid foundation in traditional design practices alongside modern concepts of graphic design and develop your skills and style across multiple media.
• Learn to think creatively when faced with design challenges, adapt to industry changes, and recognise key trends and the integral role of target markets and consumer culture in their design.
• The practical nature of the course encourages students to learn by doing while small class sizes ensure you can work closely with your tutors.
• The calibre of work produced by the Design Faculty has been recognised numerous times through industry awards and exhibitions.
• 100% continuous assessment means learners do not need to sit written exams.
• Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud (On-Campus) - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web.

Course Highlights

• Class Field Trips - Every year classes travel to current and historical places of design importance, both nationally and internationally. Previous trips have included London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Bilbao, Barcelona, and Venice.
• Industry Links- You will be taught by practising architects, designers, buyers, and art historians. Professionals from the industry regularly give guest lectures.

Intake Dates

• Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

Are you applying through the CAO?

• Check out our CAO HUB for more information about applying through the CAO!

Course Codes

• Dublin: GC462

What our students say

• The course was so broad and offered a lot of options for the future. We went on several field trips and had industry experts come in to speak, which was really valuable. We gained great insights and learnt so much from those experiences. - Nicola Brennan, Graphic Communication Design
• I really enjoyed the process, especially seeing CoLab Packaging to see how different items are produced. I also liked all the talks from the different guest speakers. Working alongside my classmates and getting feedback from Ashland was great for tailoring and improving our future designs. The feedback we received was always very constructive. - Hannah McKenna, Graphic Communication Design

Related Courses

• BA in Animation
• Certificate in Art and Design
• Diploma in Desktop Publishing
• Certificate in Desktop Publishing

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• Launching Griffith College’s Creative Show for the Design Students
• The Design Faculty's Creative Show Launching the 22nd of May!
• Designing for Inclusivity: Altro Visits Griffith College

Course Details

Core Modules:

Year One

• Communication Design 1
• Typography 1
• Design Graphics 1
• Illustration 1
• Contextual Studies for Visual Communication
• Communication Design 2
• Advertising and Editorial Photography
• Design Graphics 2
• Illustration 2
• Design Culture and Theory

Year Two

• Communication Design 3
• Typography 2
• Web Design
• Design Futures
• Brand and Marketing
• Communication Design 4
• Interaction Design
• Photography and Video
• Entrepreneurship and Business

Year Three

• Communication Design 5
• Advanced Web Design
• Motion Graphics
• Thesis
• Major Project
• Professional Practice & Portfolio

Timetables

• Full-Time Programme: Monday to Friday from 10 AM - 5 PM.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• All applicants for this course must submit a general art and design portfolio.

Portfolio Requirements:

• All applicants to this programme are required to submit a general art and design portfolio, demonstrating creativity and observational drawing skills through the development of creative project work.

Deadline:

• Candidates will have the opportunity to select an assessment date when uploading their portfolio. You must upload your portfolio by your chosen date.

Advanced Entry:

Level 5 holders:

• Candidates with a Level 5 qualification who obtain 3 distinctions and 5 passes (plus a portfolio) may be eligible for entry into year 1 of this course. Candidates under 23 years of age still need to apply through the CAO. Mature students can apply directly.

Level 6 holders:

• Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in a related discipline may be eligible for advanced entry into this course. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant transcripts and a portfolio of work in support of their application. Pending the strength of the portfolio, candidates may be eligible for entry into year 1 or year 2 of this programme.

English Language

• Applicants from countries where English is not the first language will also be required to provide evidence of sufficient English language abilities.

Fees

Tuition Fees

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland

• Study Mode: Full-Time
• Dublin: EUR 6,850.00

Irish/EU citizens, living abroad

• Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

International

• Study Mode: Full-Time
• Dublin: EUR 6,850.00

Flexible payment options

• Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme.

Sponsorship

• Is your company paying for your course?
• They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form (PDF file) and send this to the Student Fees Office.

2% Learner Protection Charge

• All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

• Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses.

Progression

Academic Progression

• You’ll have gained a unique knowledge of traditional design, graphic design, business, and marketing, as well as created an extensive practical portfolio upon completion of this course. Following on from your undergraduate studies you may wish to pursue postgraduate study in other academic institutions in Ireland or abroad. Graduates may consider progressing within Griffith College onto the following programme:
• MSc in Applied Digital Media

Career Progression

• Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design gain valuable experience, a strong creative foundation, and diverse skills. They work across various fields, including design agencies, graphic design, advertising, web design, game design, broadcasting, TV/film post-production, illustration, and promotion. With the growing importance of visual experiences across multiple platforms, demand for skilled designers continues to rise, expanding career opportunities in the industry. Career options include:
• Web Designer and Developer
• Communications and Marketing Officer
• Game Designer
• Materials Consultant
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Art Director
• App Developer
• Content Creators
• UX/UI Designer
• Social Media Experts
• PR Manager
• Creative Director
• Search Specialists
• Project Managers
• Media Officer
• Communications
• E-Commerce Advisors
• Experiential Specialists
• Telecommunications Network Designer
• Retail Store Designer
• Film and Set Design Associate
• Photographer