Program Overview

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Design - Visual Communication

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design - Visual Communication is a four-year course that focuses on the creative and technical aspects of visual communication. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become graphic designers, illustrators, typographers, or digital media designers.

Course Details

TU Code

TU973

CAO Point Range 2024

847−1122

NFQ Level

Level 8

Award Type

Major

Award

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

ECTS Credits

240

Duration

4 years

Number of Places

35

Location

Grangegorman

What is Design - Visual Communication?

The work of the Design – Visual Communication graduate is all about breathing life into images, text, and concepts, turning them on their head and communicating them in a fresh way to a wide audience.

Course Structure

The course is mainly based in a studio where students work on a wide variety of projects that explore typography, image-making (illustration and photography), and digital media. Supporting the practice-based studio work, critical theory introduces students to design practice and key issues in the history and theory of design.

Modules

• Year One
  • ABCs of Typographic History [Mandatory]
  • Design Process 1 [Mandatory]
  • Professional Design Practice 1: What is Graphic Design? [Mandatory]
  • Visual Exploration 1 [Mandatory]
  • Virtual Environments: Is one life enough? [Elective]
• Year Two
  • Design Applications 1 [Mandatory]
  • Visual Exploration 2 [Mandatory]
  • Design Process 2 [Mandatory]
  • Visual Cultures of Natural Sciences [Elective]
  • Arts & Health [Elective]
  • The Value of Design [Elective]
  • Narrative in Visual Culture [Elective]
  • Everyday Objects [Elective]
  • Virtual Environments: Is one life enough? [Elective]
  • Theories of Interpretation [Elective]
  • Gender and Design [Elective]
• Year Three
  • Design 2.1: Design for Print & Digital Media [Mandatory]
  • Imagemaking & Drawing 1 [Mandatory]
  • Design Applications 2.1 [Mandatory]
  • Myth Today [Elective]
  • Theory Seminar: Art & Society [Elective]
  • Ireland, Film and Documentary [Elective]
  • Virtual Environments: Is one life enough? [Elective]
  • Exhibiting Memory: Cultures of Monuments and Museums [Elective]
  • Ornament and Culture [Elective]
• Year Four
  • Thesis (B) [Mandatory]
  • Professional Design Practice 5 [Mandatory]
  • Visual Communication 1 (B) [Mandatory]
  • Visual Communication 2 [Mandatory]
  • Professional Design Practice 5 [Mandatory]

Study Abroad Opportunities

We have a comprehensive Erasmus programme connecting with over 15 European schools of design.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
• Minimum Grade in Maths: NA
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: NA
• Other Grade Requirements: Submission of Portfolio

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Any full Level 5 or 6 award
• Additional Requirements: A distinction in 5 modules is required AND Portfolio is required

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Career Opportunities

Graduates work in design consultancies, advertising agencies, publishing, media groups, and in private practice.

• Graphic Designer
• Production Designer (theatre, television, film)
• Junior Designer
• Freelance Graphic Designer
• Marketing Administrator
• Desktop Publisher
• Illustrator and Designer
• Animator
• Medical Illustrator
• Printmaker
• UX Designer

Progression

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil, or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.