Art, Craft and Design

Course details

The Art, Craft and Design course is one of the longest established art portfolio courses in the country. It offers a very wide choice of subjects giving the student an opportunity to sample core art & design before committing to a course of study at 3rd level. Past students have found the year invaluable in understanding the level of commitment that is required in pursuing a career in the industry. Students will be further aided in their career choice through the Work Experience programme which explores both the vocational area and the most appropriate course of study for the student.

AWARD

• QQI Level 5-FETAC Level 5
• Certificate in Art, Craft and Design
• 5M1984

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A small portfolio of work that shows your interests and ability in art or design. This should include some observational drawing. Work done for Leaving Certificate or art classes is perfect. Please photograph 3D or framed pieces.All applicants should have achieved Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard. Mature students without formal qualifications are most welcome to apply. All applicants will be interviewed.

COURSE CONTENT

The following subjects may be offered. Students will be examined in 8 subject areas.

Drawing

Drawing from observation is central to the course. Our students learn to observe and record from the world around them, thus developing creative thinking and concept building. Research through the use of sketchbook is also an important core element.

Design Skills

Students will begin to develop analytical and conceptual skills and will explore design ideas from the planning stage to execution, for both 2D and 3D outcomes.

Painting

Painting is designed to develop the use and understanding of colour. We work one to one with the students, to navigate the world of contemporary painting practice and help them to relate it to their own art process.

Ceramics

This subject introduces the student to core ceramic techniques; coiling, slab building, clay modelling etc. Students will also explore surface decorative techniques, glazing and kiln firing.

Sculpture

The sculpture student will be encouraged to explore 3D space through the design process and material manipulation to the finished piece. The student will use a wide range of materials.

Combined Materials:

This subject introduces the student to a wide variety of materials and techniques suitable for use in textiles, sculpture and painting.

Printmaking

Students will explore their creativity through a range of exciting printmaking techniques such as dry-point, mono-print, relief-print and more.

Digital Photography

This area of study gives the student the basics in the use of digital SLR cameras and basic computer skills using Photoshop. Students will develop their own personal portfolio of work.

Graphic Design Skills

This subject covers the fundamentals of graphic design practice. The student will develop their ideas from the initial thumbnails through the design process to the finished work. Students will learn image manipulation using Photoshop and text layout using Illustrator.

Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design

This subject is designed to give insight into the working process of contemporary artists and designers. Through practical application and research the student will apply this knowledge to the development of their own work.

Communications

In this subject students begin to build their personal profile as an artist or designer, from compiling a CV to analysing and talking about their own work.

Work Experience

This subject helps students to place themselves in a professional work environment. This gives them real experience in their chosen field.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

In the past 5 years our graduates have gone on to practice and work in the following areas: art teaching, painting, sculpture, printing and also in ceramic design, photography, textiles, fashion design, graphic design, interior design, architecture, advertising multimedia , animation, film making, make-up for TV and film, Arts Business Management, art therapy. Graduates of this course work nationally and internationally.