BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)Design (Visual Communications)
Code:
WD137
Delivery:
Full Time
2019 CAO range:
        253 - 484
Level:
8
Campus:
College Street
Duration:
4 years
Credits:
240 ECTS
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What is Visual Communication?

Visual Communication is often referred to as graphic design and it embraces symbols, type and images that appear in the commercial public domain.

Graphic designers work across a wide variety of print and screen disciplines and the end result is normally a creative output in 2D format. With the arrival of digital and mobile technology, visual communication now includes visual media, information design and screen-based design. 


What is the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)?

This is a four year degree course, which prepares students for employment in the advertising and design area.

The course reflects academic and creative input, which is required for the dynamic nature of commercial graphic design. The degree has been designed to be innovative, consisting of studio practice, design history, marketing, legal and visual culture.  The practice-based elements of the course include graphic design/typography in print and design, illustration, together with printmaking, digital media and photography

Special Feature of the Course

The primary learning curve is to develop strong creativity that will result in building confidence through experimentation. Other special features include legal aspects and entrepreneurial development.

Art and Design Showcase 2017 Video

See our more of our Design graduates' work here

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Design Core OneDesign Core Two
Design Technology OneDesign Technology Two
Illustration OneIllustration Two
Photography OnePhotography Two
Writing & Study SkillsResearch Methods
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Design Core ThreeDesign Core Four
Design Technology ThreeDesign Technology Four
Image-making OneImage Making Two
Design Culture OneDesign Culture Two
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Design Core FiveDesign Core Six
Image-making ThreeDesign Culture Four
Design Culture ThreeChoose two of the following electives:
Marketing*Legal Aspects
*Film Studies
*Independent Study
* = Elective
The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Design Core SevenDesign Core Eight
Design Culture Five (Thesis)Entrepreneurial Skills
Design Studio Practice

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications) 

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Art or Design & Communication Graphics: O3/H5

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications):

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications) find work in the following areas:

  • Advertising Agencies

  • Design Consultancies

  • Digital Media

  • Television

  • Screen & Web Design

  • Public Relations

  • Marketing

  • Illustration

  • Printing & Digital Output Design

  • Publishing & Editorial 

  • Photo & Image Libraries


Follow on Study for graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)

Graduates can proceed to postgraduate Higher Diploma in Art & Design in Education and to Masters Research.

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