Design - Visual CommunicationDearadh - Cumarsáid Amhairc

The work of the Design – Visual Communication graduate is all about breathing life into images, text and concepts, turning them on their head and communicating them in a fresh way to a wide audience.

This four-year course will suit you if you wish to become a graphic designer, illustrator, typographer or digital media designer.

Through examining how image and text work together, you’ll learn how to design and visually communicate through print and digital media. The course is mainly based in a studio where you’ll work on a wide variety of projects that explore typography, image-making (illustration and photography) and digital media.

Supporting the practice-based studio work, critical theory will introduce you to design practice and key issues in the history and theory of design.

Modules include Visual Exploration & Design Process, What is Design?, Drawing, Design Applications, Design and Contemporary Society, Design for Print Media, Design for Digital Media, Image-Making, Design & Career Management, Modernism in Design, and Visual Communication. You can also take a number of optional modules from Fine Art and Interior & Furniture Design.

In Years 3 and 4, several live projects are run with industry, cultural, not-for-profit organisations and community partners.

Summer internships are encouraged and supported.

Study Abroad Opportunities

We have a comprehensive Erasmus programme connecting with over 15 European schools of design.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates work in design consultancies, advertising agencies, publishing, media groups and in private practice.

• Graphic Designer
• Production Designer (theatre, television, film)
• Junior Designer
• Freelance Graphic Designer
• Marketing Administrator
• Desktop Publisher
• Illustrator and Designer
• Animator
• Medical Illustrator
• Printmaker
• UX Designer

My Qualification: What Next?

For more details about the career opportunities available after this course, please refer to our career-focused guide: “My Qualification: What Next?”

School of Art & Design Portfolio Webinar - 12 Feb 2025

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2026 are now open and will close in June 2026.

The closing date for Advanced entry to this programme is Tuesday 3^rd June.

Eligible applicants will be contacted to submit a portfolio and attend an interview then.

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.