Graphic Design
Is this course for you?
Are you a visual thinker?
Do you love graphics in magazines or on the web?
Are you constantly doodling and drawing?
Do you want to do a degree in Visual Communications but have no time to prepare a portfolio before the Leaving Certificate?
Are you a mature student wanting to change careers?
Then consider a career as a Graphic Designer.
| 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 full-time. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Progression to Further Studies
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
BA (Hons) Visual Communication Design
IADT, Dún Laoghaire - www.iadt.ie
BA (Hons) Design (Visual Communication)
Technological University Dublin (City) - www.tudublin.ie
BSc in Multimedia
South East Technological University [Waterford] – www.setu.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs (under progression)
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in a range of areas including:
• Graphic Design
• Publishing
• Advertising
• PR/Communication Organisations
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.
VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie
Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.
For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)
Graphic communication is present all around us - every logo, every newspaper, and every food package. Designers take a concept and develop it into pictures and slogans so that it is reflective and remembered by the audience.
What will I study?
• Drawing
• Design Skills
• Typography
• Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design
• Graphic Design Skills
• Photoshop/Illustrator
• Work Experience
• Personal Effectiveness
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• Field Trips to sites, Museums, Conferences, and Design Projects are an integral part of the learning experience. Educational Tours are organised which may include a European trip.
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
Assessment is based on a combination of studio projects and assignments submitted throughout the year.
5M1995 - Graphic Design.
What qualification will I get when I finish the course?
• You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Graphic Design (5M1995).
• On course completion, you will have a portfolio of work to present for entry to third level institutions or to prospective employers.
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie