Certificate in Graphic Design

Course details

This course is aimed at students who have a particular interest in Graphic Design, but it is also for those with a general interest in design disciplines. Students are offered the facility of spending the year exploring aspects of design with a view to identifying strengths and evolving a strategy toward achieving their aims, be it in assembling a portfolio to gain entry to a degree course, or to proceed to employment.

Work Experience:

An annual exhibition of student work is organised. This is an important event in the calendar of O’Fiaich Institute of Further Education. It provides the opportunity for students to show work carried out over the year which is often of a good standard and would not otherwise be seen other than by teachers and assessors. The exhibition is part of the work experience module. Students advertise, set up and host the entire exhibition themselves. Students may also take work placement with various specialists - graphic designers, printmakers, textile designers etc.

Entry Requirements:

This course is aimed at students who have completed the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational and mature students with an interest in Graphic Design with suitable candidates being invited to a short interview at which they will be asked to present some samples of work.

Certification:

This is a one year certificate course. Successful students will receive a FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) level 5 award in Graphic Design. A system of continuous assessment operates throughout the year.

Career Progression:

Most students who attend this course come with the intention of assembling a portfolio of sufficient quality and quantity to get them a place in a third level college. Although this course does not guarantee such an outcome, the placement rate has been very high over the years. While some go straight into employment, the majority of students completing the course proceed to third level study in such disciplines as animation, film making, photography, model making and special effects,interior architecture, graphic design, multimedia communications, art and design education as well as traditional fine art and craft areas. Successful completion of the FETAC award may meet the academic requirements for entry to a range of courses through the Higher Education Links Scheme. O’Fiaich Institute of Further Education enjoys a relationship with the West Wales School of the Arts, affiliated to the University of St. David, whereby successful students may progress to arange of Honours Degree courses.

Modules

• Drawing
• Design Skills
• Graphic Design Skills
• Painting
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Photography
• Image Processing
• Combined Materials
• Printmaking
• Appreciation of Art,Craft and Design