Creative Media
Unleash your imagination and master the art of creative media. The aim of this four-year honours degree course is to produce Creative Media professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to work within the varied Creative Media Industries in Ireland and abroad. This course will allow students to develop key skills in conventional and new media, by combining traditional communication and media production skills such as photography and video production, with high-level training in multimedia production and design.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Dundalk Institute of Technology | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate including
At least two H5 Grades
AND Mathematics Grade O6 or H7
AND English Grade O3 or H6
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level mathematics in the Irish Leaving Certificate examination. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total is 625. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.
The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the higher level mathematics subject (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for point’s purposes. Consequently, if higher level mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.
Foundation Level Mathematics
Foundation level mathematics will be accepted as a passing subject for Level 7 courses where Leaving Certificate Mathematics is not a specific subject requirement.
Foundation Level Mathematics does not meet the entry requirements for Level 8 courses.
The minimum Level 7 entry requirement in Mathematics is as follows:
F2 at Foundation Level
Or a O6 at Ordinary Level
Or a H7 at Higher Level
Where a grade of F2 or higher is achieved and Foundation Level Mathematics is acceptable for entry to a specific course, the following points scoring system will be used:
Grade Points
F1 20
F2 12
Maths Entry Exam
We have now introduced a Maths Entrance Examination to those CAO applicants who did meet the basic maths entry requirement but not the additional Maths Entry Requirements for the Level 8 BEng Hons) in Engineering (Common Entry), BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development. The exam aims to provide eligible applicants with a second chance to qualify for an offer. The exam is usually held at the end of August (after results have been issued) and applicants must pre-register to take the exam.
To find out more information about the Maths Entry Exam please visit: dkit.ie/maths-entry-exam
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate. The LCVP subject will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves at least a pass grade. This will apply to entry for honours degree (NFQ Level 8), and Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7).
The following points scoring system will be used
Grade Points
Pass 28
Merit 46
Distinction 66
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (LCAP) subjects do not meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to academic courses and are not considered as passing subjects. Holders of the LCAP may wish to undertake a QQI-FET course in order to gain eligibility for entry to third-level courses in DkIT
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Applicants must have obtained a full QQI-FET Level 5/6 major award with a minimum credit value of 120. A Component Award will not suffice.
A full QQI-FET major award normally contains 8 components. A full award may be accumulated over a number of years. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to apply to QQI-FET for a major award prior to release of QQI-FET results.
The minimum entry requirement for graduates of QQI-FET (Level 5 and 6) awards to:
Ab-initio Ordinary Degree (NQAI Level 7) courses (with the exception of Veterinary Nursing) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award, plus one Distinction or two Merits;
Ab-initio Honours Degree (NQAI Level 8) courses (with the exception of nursing & midwifery and Level 8 Engineering courses) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award including a Distinction grade in at least three modules.
In these cases, a general specific requirement for Mathematics or a language will not apply. Notwithstanding the minimum entry requirements listed above, relevant cognate courses and / or specific pre-requisite QQI-FET modules may be required for some courses. Details are available from the Admissions Office or the ‘QQI-FET Information’ section of the CAO website www.cao.ie.
QQI-FET has introduced a new awards system known as the Common Awards System, or CAS. All QQI-FET awards are part of CAS since 2014.
Common Awards System (CAS) Scoring
This scoring scheme only applies where all the requirements for the major award are met, i.e. when the named component awards specified have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits.
Each component is given a score based on the credit value of the component and the weighting of the grade achieved.
Most component awards have a credit value of 15 (the possible component credit values are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30).
The following weightings will apply to the grades achieved:
Pass 1
Merit 2
Distinction 3
To calculate a component score, multiply the credit value of the component by the weighting for the grade achieved. Add all of the component scores up to a cumulative credit value of 120. When adding up these scores begin with distinctions, then merits, then passes. Finally, multiply the total by 13 and divide by 12 to give the overall score (maximum 390).* Further information and examples of the scoring scheme are available on the ‘QQI-FET Information’ section of the CAO website (www.cao.ie)
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Future Careers:
⊲ Design: Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Web Design, Interaction/ UI Design, Motion Design, Creative Agency Designer
⊲ Planning & Strategy: Information Architect/User-experience Architect, Digital Media Strategist
⊲ Authoring: Web Developer, App Design/Developer, E-learning Developer
⊲ Management: Web/Multimedia Project Manager, Social Media Strategist, Communications Officer, Media Planner, Media Buyer, Digital Marketing, Head of Digital, Content Manager
⊲ Content Creation: Content Developer, Transmedia Developer, Copywriter, Content Editor, Digital Image Producer, Creative Video Producer, Digital Marketing, Sound Designer, Audio Consultant, TV Researcher, Copywriter
Further information
Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a full-time course is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on mature grounds and we reserve a minimum of 20% of places on all courses for applicants who access the programme via the mature entry route. Mature students register on all programmes and contribute positively to academic and campus life.
In recent years, mature students have represented approximately 15% of all first year entrants. The Student Learning and Development Centre provides a range of learning supports designed to assist mature students reach their full potential.
How do I decide on a course?
It is important that you make an informed choice. Our Undergraduate Handbook provides contact details of academic staff in each department. You should make contact with the relevant person – ideally, arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss. It is important to make sure that the course is in line with your career plans and that you are academically prepared for and suited to that particular area of study. Talking with academic staff on the course is also an opportunity for you to find out the level of demand for certain courses (among mature applicants) and to find out what the minimum criteria may be.
When do I have to apply?
To be considered as a mature applicant, you must apply to the CAO by 1st February. If the mature student quota is not filled with 1st February applicants, the decision may be taken to assess late applications to the CAO (i.e. those who apply to the CAO after 1st February). However, there is no guarantee that late applications will be assessed on mature grounds as the quota on each course may
be filled with 1st February applicants.
For further information go to dkit.ie/mature
Have a question about applying as a mature student?
Contact Eileen Lynch Access Officer
T +353 (0)42 937 0236
E access@dkit.ie
W dkit.ie/maturestudents
https://www.dkit.ie/admissions/how-to-apply/cao-first-year-entry.html
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Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
What is Creative Media?
Creative Media is about telling stories in a way that resonates with people. It is all about sharing information with others in a unique effective way, be it with an article, podcast, photograph, graphic, animation or video. Every company within every industry needs creative content to get their brand, product and story told. Digital content is one of the most in-demand and ever-evolving mediums in industries such as marketing, advertising, entertainment and education.
Course Description
This course develops media and communication theory as well as professional and technical skills through lectures, tutorials, studio workshops, exhibitions, presentations and group work. Individual and team-based project work are essential to acquiring the skills to be successful on this course and in industry. This course will build competencies in key skills in both conventional and new media. Throughout this course students are also challenged to consider design and media production from a variety of cultural perspectives.
In Year 3 there is a major group project where students work on an interactive media product. There is also an opportunity to go on work placement during this year. In Year 4 students focus on their chosen speciality area to create a substantial body of work in this area preparing them for a professional career in this field. Students also carry out a large piece of research which culminates in a dissertation.
What will I study?
Year 1
Media and Communication Studies | Introduction to Visual Concepts | 35mm Photography | Introduction to Web Authoring | Communication, Research and Core Study Skills | Creative Collaborative Development | Communication Design and Illustration | Introduction to Sound and Vision | Storytelling, Creativity, and Interactive Narrative
Year 2
Media and Society | Editorial and Branding Design | Intermediate Sound and Vision | Authoring for the Web | Creative Code for Interactive Applications | Media Law and Ethics in the Creative Industries | Design in Motion | Interactive Sound and Vision | User Experience (UX) Design | Group Project Method and Production
Electives:
Study Abroad
Year 3
Media and Society | Physical and Pervasive User Experience (UX) | Design for Creative Advertising and Digital Marketing | Immersive Technology Concepts | Creative Media Group Project | Work Placement for Creative Media
Electives:
Front-End Web Development | Advanced Digital Photography | Narrative Design | Radio and Podcast Production Concepts
Year 4
Creative Digital Culture | Media Literacy and Analysis | Individual Major Project | Research Methods for Creative Media | Research Methods for Creative Media | Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries
Electives:
Print, Type, and the History of Graphic Design | Server-Side Web Development | Vlogging and Live streaming | E-Learning
* All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only. The provision of electives each year is subject to numbers enrolling on each elective and available resources.
Work Placement
Work placement in Year 3.
Fiachra Ó Cuinneagáin
E Fiachra.OCuinneagain@dkit.ie