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

We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. 

If this course opens for advanced entry, the following will apply:

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.