Art College Portfolio Preparation (Art) (Level 5)

ART 5M1985 NFQ LEVEL 5
PLSS Code 370095 | Course Fees €296

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This full-time course provides a solid foundation in the necessary skills required for higher education or a career in art, craft or design. By covering a broad mix of disciplines, you will have the opportunity to find your own strengths.

We encourage the development of ideas through drawing and personal research. On completion of the course, you should have a portfolio reflecting a wide range of skills and experience but also a sense of focus and direction.

The Portfolio Preparation course is designed to prepare students for entry to colleges both in Ireland and abroad. Many of the students will apply to third level colleges of art and design. Emphasis is placed on research and development methods in both practical and academic subjects relevant to Art and Design practice. This approach facilitates the development of a balanced portfolio which acknowledges the student’s own individual ideas development.

This course also gives learners over the age of 18 the opportunity to be selected for an Erasmus+ European mobility project (subject to funding), which enables them to spend three weeks on work placement in Italy.

Entry Requirements

In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses. We will also accept samples of the applicant’s work in the entry requirements.

What Will I Study?

Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Communications, Work Experience, Image Processing
Work Experience, Photographic Techniques, Combined Materials.

What Qualifications Will I Get When I Finish The Course?

QQI Art 5M1985 NFQ Level 5

Career Opportunities and Progression

There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions including Universities, Institutes of Technology and private colleges offering places on a range of courses to QQI full award certificate holders. QQI’s information page Going to higher education using my QQI Award provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit visit cao.ie.

Full awards can also be used for graduates' progression to Further Education level 6 courses - visit cao.ie for further information. Full awards can also be used for entry to UK, European and International universities, on a case-by-case basis. Full information can be found here.

Past graduates have secure places in a range of art colleges, such as NCAD, TUD, IADT (Dún Laoghaire), and a variety of other colleges throughout the country. Graduates have also secured places at third-level institutions in the UK (UCAS).

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Routes for this Course