Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Visual Communications and Design at Institute of Technology Carlow

Visual communication and design is a problem-solving practice that uses image, text, print and screen to communicate messages. This discipline originates from graphic design and now incorporates the traditional skills of drawing, printing, photography, typography and other graphic processes with the new digital realms of video, sound and animation. 

The four-year course is designed to facilitate a transition from novice student to creative practitioner. Students are taught a variety of skills to achieve this. This highly practical course features a studio environment where students complete projects in a variety of 2D design disciplines, such as branding; illustration; packaging; typography; advertising; layout; signage; websites; moblie devices; games; moving image; video and animation.

Special Features:

• Studio-based course with skills training across all media. Students of the course will graduate with a portfolio of work in graphic design, digital media and video.

• Annual industry showcase event for final year students to exhibit work to potential employers.
• Students are encouraged to compete in a variety of national student competitions and have performed well in recent years. Students of this course have won first place at the Samsung Digital Media Award and and have been shortlisted for the Institute of Designer in Ireland (IDI) Graduate Awards.
• Exit awards: Higher Certificate in Visual Communications and Design (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2; Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications and Design (NFQ Level 7) after Year 3.

What will I be able to do when I finish the course?

Career opportunities for graduates of Visual Communications and Design are varied and in constant demand both in Ireland and internationally. Design careers exist across a wide range of industries including: graphic; web; motion pictures; computer games; interactive and multimedia industries and many more. Graduates also find careers in the broader marketing arena such as advertising, e-business and marketing.