Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Visual Communications and Design CW088

Visual communication and design is a problem-solving practice that uses image, text, print and screen to communicate messages. This discipline originates from graphic design and now incorporates the traditional skills of drawing, printing, photography, typography and other graphic processes with the new digital realms of video, sound and animation.

Course Structure

This course is designed to facilitate a transition from novice student to creative practitioner. Students are taught a variety of skills to achieve this. This highly practical course features a studio environment where students complete projects in a variety of 2D design disciplines, such as branding; illustration; packaging; typography; advertising; layout; signage; websites; moblie devices; games; moving image; video and animation.

Is this course for you?

If you are interested in what images, typefaces, packaging sell products; in what interface makes tasks more efficient; in what visual problem solving can achieve, then Visual Communications and Design could be the course for you.

Special Features:

Studio-based course with skills training across all media. Students of the course will graduate with a portfolio of work in graphic design, digital media and video.

Annual industry showcase event for final year students to exhibit work to potential employers.

Students are encouraged to compete in a variety of national student competitions and have performed well in recent years. Students of this course have won first place at the Samsung Digital Media Award and and have been shortlisted for the Institute of Designer in Ireland (IDI) Graduate Awards.

Students have the opportunity to take international field trips in Years 1 and 2.

Exit awards: Higher Certificate in Visual Communications and Design (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2; Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications and Design (NFQ Level 7) after Year 3.

Leaving Certificate:

2H5 & 4O6/H7

Subjects required:

English or Irish O6/H7

Students must provide evidence of having reached the required standard in the English Language in reading, writing and communication. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 to 6 or equivalent completion of studies. Some programmes may require a higher standard e.g. computing. A certified statement of proficiency in English must be provided as a prerequisite to registration as a student of the Institute.

What will I be able to do when I finish the course?

Career opportunities for graduates of Visual Communications and Design are varied and in constant demand both in Ireland and internationally. Design careers exist across a wide range of industries including: graphic; web; motion pictures; computer games; interactive and multimedia industries and many more. Graduates also find careers in the broader marketing arena such as advertising, e-business and marketing.

• When completing the application form the student/agent should indicate the applicant's chosen course of study at the Institute of Technology Carlow by indicating the appropriate code and full course title.
• Non-First Year applications should also complete the application form, specifying the required year of entry and return to the above address accompanied by all certified transcripts.
• The International Department of the Institute will handle all application requirements and correspondence with the Central Application Office (CAO) of Ireland on behalf of the student. The Central Application Office handles all first year entry to all recognised State Universities in Ireland.
• Students who have satisfied the initial entrance requirements will be issued with a conditional letter of acceptance on the payment of their full first year fee. In the event of the applicant being refused an entry Visa for study purposes, the Institute will refund the fees paid in full on presentation of the official letter of refusal from the Department of Justice.
• Applicants should be aware that the Institute of Technology Carlow, as with all recognised Universities in Ireland, only intakes once per year. The academic year begins in September of each year. Therefore when submitting an application please take into account the time required by the student to obtain a Visa and also to reach the necessary standard of English.