Bachelor of Arts Graphic & Digital Design Add-on

This one-year Level 8 add-on degree is a natural stepping stone for graduates on our current level 7 BA in Graphic Design to acquire an honours degree. The programme

integrates theory and practice to prepare students for a career as Graphic and Digital designers in an industry which is in a constant state of innovation. It is designed to

ensure that students acquire the latest industry standard technical skills and become capable of working across media platforms.

What will I experience?

The course is focused around contemporary design practices and aims to develop students' critical awareness of professional design practice. The environment is also conducive to aiding the realisation of a personal creative vision. The diversity of the peer group will both challenge and engage each designer to articulate their concepts coherently both in individual pursuits and those of a team-based setting in written and digital forms.

Each student will be encouraged to explore and take risks with static and moving imagery, sound and text while understanding and developing critical awareness of professional design practice. Students will take part in a live industry led project to develop their knowledge and skills to respond to client and audience complexities and to develop entrepreneurship and foster professional links.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The career opportunities currently being advertised include: graphic designers; user interface designers; motion graphics designers; editorial designers; creative advertising; production coordinators; and other career opportunities in the arts, film and television.

Our graduates will be regarded as creative, informed and highly skilled designers, ready to work and quickly progress their careers in design or confidently pursue further study in this or related fields. Graduates will be capable of working as a team member displaying up-to-date knowledge and skills across print and digital platforms.

BA in Graphic Design level 7 or equivalent qualification in Design will be required for entry to this programme.

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.

The career opportunities currently being advertised include: graphic designers; user interface designers; motion graphics designers; editorial designers; creative advertising; production coordinators; and other career opportunities in the arts, film and television. Our graduates will be regarded as creative, informed and highly skilled designers, ready to work and quickly progress their careers in design or confidently pursue further study in this or related fields. Graduates will be capable of working as a team member displaying up-to-date knowledge and skills across print and digital platforms.

Further Study

AIT is currently developing a new masters programme to facilitate student progression to further postgraduate education at level 9. Currently, our level 8 graduates progress to further study in other colleges including NCAD, IADT etc. Some of our graduates have progressed to further education in areas, such as, teaching (Art) in CIT Crawford College of Art & Design and in other colleges.

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/