- Code: DA (Year One); DB (Year Two)
- Certification: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design Level 6+ equivalence on NFQ
- Duration: Two Years
Description
Learners undertake a two year Higher National Diploma course which qualifies them to work in this industry. This course will enable learners to explore modern graphic design procedures and develop problem-solving skills. All learners have access to the most up to date computer design facilities using industry standard software such as Adobe suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design and Dreamweaver, internet access, a modern design studio and a well-stocked library of art and design texts. Final year learners will exhibit their work at our end-of-year exhibition in the Institute.
- Programme of Study
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HNC - Year One- Visual Communications in Art & Design
- Ideas Generation & Development in Art & Design
- Contextual & Cultural Referencing in Art & Design
- Professional Practice in Art & Design
- Corporate Identity in Graphic Design
- Interactive Media Web Authoring
- 3D Computer Modelling and Animation
- Digital Image Creation & Development
HND - Year Two- Project Design, Implementation & Evaluation
- Typographic Skills
- Editorial Design
- Packaging in Graphic Design
- Ideas in Context
- Visual Language Photography
- Business Practice in Art & Design
- Critical Study in Art & Design
Components subject to change - Entry Requirements
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- Leaving Certificate or equivalent with some higher papers
- QQI Level 5 award in a related discipline
- Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Places are offered following a successful interview. Learners should be computer literate. Applicants must bring a portfolio/collection of work to the interview. - Career Opportunities
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- Design
- Web and Graphics
- Page Design and Layout
- Interactive Media
- Packaging
- Higher Education Progression*
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UK and Northern Ireland Universities:
- Final year of an Honours Degree in Graphic Design (Apply through UCAS system)
- Irish Universities & IT’s: Learners may proceed via advanced entry to Honours Degree courses for eg:
IADT:
- Visual Communications Design Level 8 (DL826) (Year 3)
IT Tallaght
- Advertising & Marketing Communications (Year 2)
Carlow IT (Wexford Campus)
- Visual Communications & Design Level 8(CW088) Year2
DIT
- Product Design (DT001) Year 2/3;
- Visual & Critical Studies (DT533) Year 3;
- Design – Visual Communications (DT545);
- Print & Digital Media Technology Management (DT596) Year 3;
- Visual Merchandising and Display (DT598) Year 3;
- Course Co-Ordinator
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Louise Fortune
- Where are they now?
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Meet BIFE students who have graduated from this course..."My background in school was always technical so deciding to study graphic design in BIFE was a big step but from the initial interview to the graduation I was always shown that I would have the creative freedom to explore the subjects with a personal approach. I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at BIFE, students are like a small family in there.
The best part of all of this was that the graduation in graphic design opened many doors and even before I graduated I was able to secure a Web Designer position with a Silicon Valley ISP. I feel that I'm still learning every day and that for me is one of the most important aspects of this profession, it never gets boring. ." - Rodrigo Cunha