Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design QQI (Level 6 – 6M5150)

Course Description

This course aims to build on graphic design skills that students would have previously gained experience in art and design disciplines such as graphic design, photography, digital media and other related courses or previous work. The courses enabled students to enhance their approach to design thinking, conceptual development, and graphic design technical skills with a special focus on drawing, illustration, and typography. We also introduce students to motion graphics and web development. The course content provides a progressive approach to learning which includes working with real clients, delivering professional design pitches & presentations, industry workshops, regular trips to galleries, museums and design conferences.

The course concludes with a negotiated major project and group exhibition in a professional gallery space. Students will have developed the skills necessary to work in the graphic design industry or continued study and will have the opportunity to build a professional portfolio.

Course Content

• Design Skills
• Drawing
• Illustration
• Typography
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Web Authoring
• Work Experience
• Communications

*Course content is subject to change

We also organise professional workshops in areas of Printmaking, bookbinding, illustration techniques, motion graphics and other area so students can explore and experiment with different skills.
Museum, exhibition, and class excursions play an integral part of the course experience.

Professional Software

Adobe suite is included in course fees and students will build on skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Word Press.

Studio Virtual Tour

Entry Requirements

QQI level 5 award in Graphic Design /or Art and Design related qualification, mature and postgraduate students welcome.

Applicants will automatically obtain a provisional offer on application, but all-level 6 applicants must meet with the course team to present a sample of creative work completed at level 5 or other. A level 5 certificate or other will be required at registration. Work practice in art, design or other related disciplines will also be considered where a level 5 has not been obtained.

You will be notified in advance with a date and time to meet with the course team. This meeting will be held on our Raheny Campus.

Certification

Graphic Design – QQI Level 6 – Award Illustration 6M5150

Progression Routes

Level 6 Graphic Design graduates will be considered for advanced entry to Third Level Art Colleges such as NCAD, TUD, IADT, LSAD and ITs (Institutes of Technology) nationwide like Sligo IT, Crawford College of Art + Design, LSAD (Limerick School of Art + Design), TUS (Technological University of the Shannon), and IT Carlow; Students can also apply though UCAS to Universities in the UK and mainland Europe.

*All institutions have their own entry requirements and criteria may each year. It is important to review the most recent admissions information provided at each individual institution.

Career Opportunities

Graphic design, UI/UX, marketing and publishing studios, freelance design and illustration work, book design, motion graphics, film, and media. Web design and development companies, branding, and advertising agencies, print companies and large multinationals in Ireland and abroad.

Work Placement

We encourage students to complete work experience within a design company or as part of a real live project where they can gain experience working on a project from inception to completion. The work as part of a team and individually allowing them grow as a designer and gain transferable skills necessary for working in the design industry.

Each year some of our students have joined the Erasmus programme to complete a three-week work placement in a European city. The students are selected via an interview process and accompanied by a tutor for the first week of work placement. This is an exciting opportunity for our design students and the programme is fully funded.

Duration

1 year Full time course

Course Charges

Year 1: €50

Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.

Social Media

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Testimonials

Hi there, I’m Corrine. I am a recent graduate of QQI level 6 in Graphic Design from Coláiste Dhúlaigh. This place is not only a community but a family that welcomes everyone without judgement. From students to staff, you will find help, friendship, and guidance throughout your time here. You will find and make forever friends. During my time here I evolved from bewildered computer Adobe suite novice to the person everyone comes to I owe all these new skills to the Design Department staff. These people work tirelessly for their students because they genuinely care about each person’s future.” Each tutor has played a role in my development as a person. They were encouraging throughout my time here. With this encouragement, I am now doing a masters at TU Dublin in Graphic Design. I know without this college I would not have had the courage to reach this goal. Coláiste Dhúlaigh Help me find my passion, and I hope it helps you find yours. – Corrine Richards-Scully