Bachelor of Arts Graphic Design

The role of the graphic designer is a hugely exciting and varied one, working across a variety of media and utilising different communication tools to convey a message or an idea. The new four-year BA (Hons) in Graphic Design was developed to equip design students with the necessary skills to work in this fast-paced world. Of particular note is the work placement, which you will undertake in the second year of the degree. The programme itself comprises a series of core modules in studio and professional practice and critical theory.

In this episode, lecturer John Benton discusses portfolio requirements for graphic design applicants. He also covers the Virtual Project Day which applicants can choose as an alternative assessment.

What will I experience?

The theme of the first year is Fundamentals and this is shared across the core areas of Design Methods, Visual Research and Exploration, Professional Practice, and Visual Culture and Contextual Studies.

The theme of year two is developmental design, which engages closely with content and the interdependencies of form and content. The Graphic Design Visual Word module sees a design focus centred on typography and the integration of typography and image. Visual Culture and Contextual Studies reinforces this notion by examining the cultivation of ideas in art and design in the 20th century and its influence on contemporary graphic design.

Professional Practice in Corporate Identity further examines these formal relationships and structures corporate visual communications through case studies and project work.

In the second semester, you will undertake a placement for one day each week for a period of ten weeks and a block three weeks commencing in May. The first-hand industry experience will give you a valuable insight into the workings and requirements of industry and inform your learning in year three.

The theme of third year is Live Focus whereby a contextual understanding of design as an outwardly focused activity is practiced. This is underpinned in Visual Culture and Contextual Studies.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Design students at AIT have a track record of winning awards at local, national and international students assessment schemes and competitions. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in Ireland and overseas, and are employed in graphic design companies, advertising agencies, publishing houses, printing, the arts, the film and television industries and in teaching roles in second level, PLC and third level courses.

Assess to staff members with a very-wide ranging body of knowledge and experience in both visual communications and fine art practice, both at national and international levels. You are guaranteed one-to-one learner/ lecturer interactivity, in a purpose-built environment with excellent personal studio space and production facilities.

Assessment requirements

In 2021, due to COVID 19, all Portfolio assessments will be carried out remotely/electronically.

Applicants can choose to be assessed via one of the following options:

1. For assessment, we require that each applicant selects three of their best pieces of work. Each individual piece has a weighting of 200, the work submitted should represent the best traits of the candidate, the work can be in individual or related pieces. If the candidate's strength is in problem solving, they may submit research as one of the three. Again, work submitted reflects the strengths and personality of the candidate: illustration, typography, photography, research etc. When you have selected your three pieces mount them on an A3 or A2 sheet of paper. Photograph your work and save it as pdf. Preferably, combine the three pdfs into one pdf file for submission.

Or alternatively

2. Applicants may choose to participate in an applied project. Applicants who choose the applied project option will be issued with the project brief on the assessment day, (12th March 2021). Staff will guide you in the process through workshops and dialogue online. Completed work will be submitted by 5pm Monday 22nd March. The resultant project will subsequently be assessed.

Assessment date is Friday, 12 March 2021. Click here for further details and FAQs.

Mature Applicants

The institute considers applicants who are 23 years or over on 1 January in the year of entry to be mature applicants. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, the institute will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant's ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken in account. Such applicants should apply through the CAO system, and will be required to present a portfolio and attend an interview at AIT as part of the selection process.

Grade H5 in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish). *For all applicants, portfolio presentation is required.

QQI:

Any QQI level 5 qualification is acceptable.

Mature applicants:

Mature applicants are not required to meet minimum entry requirements. For all mature applicants, portfolio presentation and interview is required.

Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.

Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in Ireland and overseas, and are employed in graphic design companies, advertising agencies, publishing houses, printing, the arts, the film and television industries and in teaching roles in second, PLC and third level courses.

Work Placement

In the second semester, you will undertake a placement for one day each week for a period of ten weeks and a block of three weeks, commencing in May. The first-hand industry experience will give you a valuable insight into the workings and requirements of the industry and inform your learning in year three.

Further Study

An honours degree (level 8) is an effective basis for postgraduate training and research leading to master's and PhD (level 9/10) qualifications. Staff in the department and in the Careers Office can advice on the range of opportunities available at AIT and elsewhere for such postgraduate programmes. Full details of all postgraduate programmes at AIT are contained in the postgraduate prospectus.

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Athlone Institute of Technology on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

• Completed AIT application form;
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
• Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)

• Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of Department of own institution
• Any other relevant information regarding qualifications or previous work experience.

Students from non-EU countries must apply for a valid study visa for the duration of the programme of study in advance of registration at AIT. Visa application guidelines can be found on Department of Justice & Equality website: http://www.inis.gov.ie/