Graphic Design - Portfolio Preparation
Graphic Design is the art of explaining and communicating through visual image. We see the work of Graphic Designers in countless ways, including the products we buy, the images we see and the way we interact with objects and printed material. Graphic Designers use their talents to influence how the world sees and engages with such concepts, through developing imaginative visual imagery into working design solutions applicable to real-world contexts.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to bring a selection of recent artwork to interview in addition to the standard entry requirements.
The basic entry requirement to all Level 5 courses is as follows:
•Over 18 years of age and/or successful completion of the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent international qualification)
•Successful completion of a Level 4 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
The basic entry requirement to all Level 6 courses is as follows:
•Successful completion of a related Level 5 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
Some programmes may require specific subjects, or skills.
If you have completed a Level 5 course and wish to study at Level 6, please remember that you need to complete a new application.
Our teachers will assess if the course is the right option for you at an interview. All reasonable efforts are made to facilitate diversity and to support learners with additional needs. See the section Open Learning and Students with Additional Needs for more information.
Mature applicants who don’t meet the minimum entry requirements, but who have acquired skills or experience, are welcome to apply, and we make sure the course is suitable at an interview.
Students aged between 18 and 23 years who do not have the minimum entry requirement or RPL will be referred to career guidance.
Garda Vetting (Clearance)
Garda Vetting (police / criminal records clearance) is a requirement on courses where students have access to children or vulnerable adults. Students must be vetted for clearance by the Gardaí prior to attending work experience. It is your responsibility to obtain Garda Vetting Clearance / criminal records clearance.
Students who have lived outside the jurisdiction of Ireland /Northern Ireland, and for whom Garda vetting / clearance is unavailable, are required to provide verifiable evidence of criminal records clearance from the relevant police authorities.
We will provide you with information about making an application for clearance, but it is your responsibility to complete any necessary application and to obtain clearance. If you are offered a place on a course, you will be issued with information at registration.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Progress to further study and careers including:
Graphic Designer
Freelance Designer
Illustrator
Typography
Exhibition and Event Display
Editorial Design Creative
Technical and Illustration
Visual Merchandiser
Web Designer
Further information
These means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education, in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres.
Applications are made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie www.susi.ie
You will be invited to an interview – this is to make sure that you’ve made the right choice!
Applications are now open for September 2024
You will explore the Graphic Designer’s role in the context of branding, marketing, advertising and communication and develop practical skills in visual language, drawing, mixed media, illustration, design and image making. Using our professional standard iMac suite, you will create projects to develop your skills within logo design, concept development, image creation, photography, product placement and much more. You will build on these practical creative skills and generate and evolve ideas to finished projects. In addition, you will produce a portfolio of work for progression to Higher Education and your future career, becoming proficient in the Adobe suite of software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and more), building on these skills for real live projects and your art portfolio.
What Makes This Course Special
Build your art portfolio
Talented artists on our staff
Projects with professionals & VISUAL Carlow
Professional art studios to develop your work
Digital arts suites with Apple Macs using the Adobe suite of software
Excellent progression routes
Course Content
Graphic Design Skills
Desktop Publishing
Design Skills
Digital Photography
Combined Materials
Drawing
Communications
Work Experience
5M1995 - Graphic Design
Certification
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Graphic Design 5M1995
Costs
All course fees, from registration to exams and awarding body fees as well as course materials and equipment are covered.
(see costs, fees and finance)
Additional Costs
Students need to have access to a digital SLR camera
PLSS Code: 415426
Coordinator: Susan Murphy
Course is subject to minimum enrolment. The programme content shown is indicative and is subject to change according to Awarding Body requirements as well as enrolment and resources.
Phone: 059 913 4230
Email: Email: Info@CarlowInstitute.ie
Web: www.Carlowinstitute.ie