Courses

  • » Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design – Visual Communication

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design – Visual Communication
    CAO Code  LY408
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  4 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  20
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Visual Communication is one of the most rapidly changing design disciplines, demanding that the graphic designer continuously responds with creativity and ingenuity to the demands of a visually literate public whose expectations of what is possible continue to rise higher and higher. It is a continuous challenge to the designer to create inventive visual imagery.
    At Lyit, emphasis is placed at every stage on design-led thinking, generating design concepts and creative solutions. The importance of traditional skills and process is central to the course and while visual communication and digital skills are integral to one another, there is a clear distinction between strong design thinking and digital skills.
    The Design - Visual Communication course at Lyit aims to immerse the student in a wide range of design disciplines, from photography and image making to motion graphics and interactive design, allowing the graduate to creatively apply and continuously develop their knowledge in the professional world.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Applicants should have 6 Leaving Certificate Subjects with a minimum of Grade C3 in at least two higher-level papers and a minimum of grade D3 in the remaining papers, one of which must be English or Irish. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their own relevant design work.
    For entry in September 2012, portfolios will be assessed during the week of 8th May 2012. See Portfolio guidelines below.
    FETAC applicants click FETAC
    Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    Mature applicants
    Should apply via the CAO, making sure they tick the relevant boxes on pages 2 and 3 of the CAO application form. All applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of relevant design work.
    Portfolio Assessment
    All applicants must submit a portfolio of their own design related work to Lyit for assessment.
    The portfolio is a sample collection of your best work. It should be edited, easy to look through, and well presented.
    Be selective: include and highlight only your best work, excluding early works unless there are some exceptional pieces. Do not “pack” it with any more than 20 pieces. (We appreciate quality, not quantity)
    What to include
    • Design project work - include research and development work as well as finished pieces.
    • Notebooks, creative sketchbooks or visual diaries indicating your interest in visual communication
    • Drawings - studies in line and tone, based on your immediate environment. Include still life, life drawings or observational drawing in a range of media
    • Please submit any digital work on DVD or CD only
    • Clearly identify your role if team work is included
    • Please include a statement detailing technical skills and involvement in activities related to visual communication.
    What not to include
    • Do not include drawings or paintings copied from photographs, books or magazines.
    • Do not include any artwork which is a copy of someone else’s work
    • Do not include 3D work (Photographs of the work are fine.)
    • While some Institutes set a ‘special project’ for portfolio assessment, at Lyit, we believe the portfolio should show your individual interests and abilities. You can of course include any ‘special project’ you are working on but we really want to see work that demonstrates a real enthusiasm for design and visual communication.
    • For 2012, Portfolios will be assessed during the week of 8th May 2012
     
    What will I study?
    YEAR 1
    Semester 1 introduces the student to the fundamentals of design thinking and the creative process.
    Semester 2 looks at the Design process – exploring composition, layout and movement for a range of platforms.
    YEAR 2
    Semester 3 deals with branding and identity, formulating design solutions for print and screen.
    In Semester 4 the student explores design and image making in 3-dimensions.
    YEAR 3
    Semester 5 requires the student to problem solve in response to advertising briefs.
    Semester 6 allows for an Erasmus exchange or a work placement. If neither of these options is practical, the student engages in a series of live briefs and international design competitions.
    YEAR 4
    Semester 7 focuses on motion graphics, both spatial and time-based while Semester 8 is a self-directed personal response to an inter-disciplinary design problem.
    Year/SemesterProposed ModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Design Fundamentals Mandatory  10  8
     Image making fundamentals Mandatory  10  8
     Process – Research and Analysis Mandatory  5  3
     Communications Mandatory  5  3
     1/2  Visual communications – Layout Mandatory  10  7
     Image Making – Moving Image Mandatory  10  7
     Web Design 1 – Process Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 1 - Art and Design History Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Visual communications – Identity Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making – for Communications Mandatory  10  6
     Web Design 2 – Brand Identity Online Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 2 – 20th Century visual communication Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Visual communications – Spatial Design Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making in Three Dimensions Mandatory  10  6
     Web Design 3 – Grid & Type Online Mandatory  5  3
     Design and Marketing Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Visual communications – Advertising Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making in Advertising Mandatory  10  5
     Web Design 4 – Personal Promotion Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 3 – Advertising, Branding and the Image World Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  Professional Design Practice Mandatory  20  10
     Service Design & Delivery Mandatory  10  5
     4/7  Design & Image in Motion Mandatory  15  7
     Digital Screen Design Mandatory  10  5
     Contemporary Design Theory Mandatory  5  3
     4/8  Design Project Mandatory  25  12
     Innovation and Creativity Mandatory  5  3
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Graduates may go on to study on the MA in Motion Graphics at Lyit or on MA programmes in other institutes in Ireland or abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Graduates find employment in the visual commu¬nication industry both in Ireland and abroad. The skills learnt are highly transferable so graduate careers typically include
    • Graphic Design
    • Advertising and Art Direction
    • Web Design
    • Interactive Media
    • Motion Graphics
    • Print and Publishing
    • Freelance design and illustration.
    Employers range from brand, advertising and marketing agencies, to companies with in-house marketing teams, publishers, the media, graphic design consultancies and web design companies. Many designers also set up their own business.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203

  • » Bachelor of Arts in Product Design

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts in Product Design
    CAO Code  LY417
    LYIT internal code  LY_DINDD_D
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  20
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Product Designers work in many areas of industry. They bring their imagination, creativity and technical knowledge to bear on real-life design problems to satisfy human needs. They design the products that people use every day, working in design teams with marketing and manufacturing experts. Product Designers are mainly concerned with aesthetics, usability and safety.
    In the course of their work, Product Designers
    • Work with clients to develop the design brief
    • Develop a Product Design Specification to guide the project
    • Research the technological implications of the product
    • Use sketching and visualisation skills to develop imaginative concepts
    • Use conceptual and practical design methods to search for innovative solutions
    • Test their ideas in 3D with mock-ups and models
    • Communicate their ideas to the design team and to the client
    • Use industry-standard technology like ProEngineer and SolidWorks together with Rapid Prototyping to finalise their design.
    Aptitudes: You are likely to enjoy this course if you:
    • Are passionate about the design of products
    • Like to understand how things work
    • Want to develop exciting, innovative, visual solutions to real problems
    • Want to use the most up-to-date design technologies
    • Feel deeply that everyone deserves better-designed, more sustainable and more user-friendly products.
    Skills: People who want to succeed in industrial design will have good interpersonal skills and like working in a team; good communication skills are also important:- written, spoken and visual. Interests:
    Students taking this Industrial Design programme will be interested in and curious about the world around them. They will be interested in how things work and will want to improve them. They will be concerned about the environment and will want to know how designers can design things better from an environmental point of view. They will want a career which offers lots of challenges and which keeps up with the changing world. They will also want a job that pays well and gives good job-satisfaction
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Students must have grade D3 or better in at least 5 subjects at Leaving Certificate, including Maths and either Irish or English. Art is desirable but not essential. Design and Technology, Engineering and Technical Drawing are other desirable but non-essential subjects.
    Entry is based on Leaving Certificate or FETAC/NCVA results only. There is no portfolio assessment or interview.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    • Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    • Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    Mature applicants
    should apply via the CAO before February 1st. Mature applicants who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC results for which points can be awarded will be invited to attend a creative test in April. In order to facilitate this, mature applicants who lack appropriate Leaving Cert. or FETAC results may not avail of the CAO’s late deadline and must apply by February 1st
    What will I study?
    Year/SemesterProposed ModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Visual Literacy Mandatory  10  6
     3D Studies Mandatory  5  3
     Orthographic Drawing Mandatory  5  4
     Design Drawing 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Learner Development & Study Skills  Mandatory  5  3
     1/2  Design Drawing 2 Mandatory  10  6
     Introduction to Design Software Mandatory  5  3
     Photography Mandatory  5  4
     Computer Aided Design Mandatory  5  4
     Design Theory 1 Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Design Drawing 3 Mandatory  10  6
     Creativity & Conceptualization Mandatory  5  3
     Ergonomics & Human Factors Mandatory  5  2
     Web Design 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Design Theory 2 Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Design Practice 1 Mandatory  10  6
     Rendering with Photoshop Mandatory  5  3
     Modelling Practice 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Digital Modelling 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Professional Practice 1 Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Modelling Practice 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Design Practice 2 Mandatory  15  8
     Digital Modelling 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Professional Practice 2 Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  Design Project Mandatory  15  9
     Digital Modelling 3 Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 3 Mandatory  5  3
     Display Design Mandatory  5  3
    Learning Outcomes
    Graduates will be able to:
    • Work in teams and appreciate the relationships between designer, client, manufacturer and the marketplace.
    • Respond creatively to the opportunities and challenges offered within a design brief
    • Employ appropriate research techniques to inform their decision making
    • Set out clear Product Design Specification defining their design goals
    • Propose alternative solutions to a specific design task
    • Use sketching/drawing to explore concepts and components
    • Use sketching/drawing and industry-standard technology to communicate concepts to clients and colleagues.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    On successful completion of this programme, students may apply to progress to the Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Design in Digital Media at LYIT.
    Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
    Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Industrial Design (CW088) at IT Carlow. A range of Post- Graduate Diplomas and Masters Degrees at DIT, University of Ulster and elsewhere.
    Career Opportunities
    Product Designers work in many areas of industry, in consultancy and as in-house designers for manufacturers. As companies respond to rapidly changing markets and competition, they need to employ designers who can give their product a ‘Unique Selling Point’, make it more cheaply, more sustainably and bring it faster to market.
    Graduates of this course have found employment in:
    • Product design
    • Furniture design
    • Interior and exhibition design
    • Multimedia and games design
    • Teaching.
    Prospects are good. Product Designers with 3 – 5 years experience can expect to earn between €35K to €45K, plus inducements.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203

  • » Bachelor of Arts in Creative Digital Media

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts in Creative Digital Media
    CAO Code  LY427
    LYIT internal code  LY_DCDMD_D
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  20
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Students on this programme are involved in the production and design of media: imagery; text; 3D models and animation; audio and video. They then deploy this media in a range of interactive and time-based forms. For example students will create videos, motion graphics, DVD's and interactive websites.
    The language of design in this course encompasses communication design, sound design and media design. Digital technology such as personal computers, the Internet, digital cameras and sound recording technology is central to these creative endeavours.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Applicants should have grade D3 or better in at least 5 subjects in the Leaving Certificate, including either Irish or English. Maths is not required. Leaving Cert Art is not required though desirable. Entry is based on Leaving Certificate or FETAC results only. There is no portfolio assessment – however, it should be noted that this is a highly creative programme and demands the artistic engagement of learners.
    Mature applicants should apply via the CAO before February 1st. Mature applicants who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC results for which points can be awarded will be invited to attend a creative test in April. In order to facilitate this, mature applicants who lack appropriate Leaving Cert. or FETAC results may not avail of the CAO's late deadline and must apply by February 1st.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    • Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    • Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    What will I study?
    Year/SemesterProposed Modules Mandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Visual Literacy Mandatory  10  6
     Audio & Video 1 Mandatory  5  4
     3D Studies Mandatory  5  3
     Introduction to Design Software Mandatory  5  4
     Communication skills for Designers Mandatory  5  3
     1/2  Image Making 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Audio & Video  2 Mandatory  5  4
     Screen Design & Prototyping Mandatory  5  3
     Animation basics Mandatory  5  3
     Information Technology Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 1 Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Image Making 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Audio & Video 3 Mandatory  5  4
     Web design 1 Mandatory  5  4
     3D Modelling & Texturing Mandatory  5  3
     Introduction to Scripting Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 2 Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Image Making 3 Mandatory  5  3
     Audio & Video 4 Mandatory  5  4
     Web Design 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Animation Mandatory  5  3
     Web Development Mandatory  5  3
     Professional Practice 1 Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Interaction Design Mandatory  5  3
     Audio & Video 5 Mandatory  5  4
     Motion Graphics Mandatory  5  3
     Web Design 3 Mandatory  5  4
     Application Scripting 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Professional Practice 2 Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  Play/Create Mandatory  5  3
     Audio & Video 6 Mandatory  5  4
     Digital Character Animation Mandatory  5  3
     Web Design 4 Mandatory  5  4
     Application Scripting 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 3 Mandatory  5  3
    Learning Outcomes
    The final examination for the Degree consists of a combination of project work, an extended essay or dissertation on an individually selected design topic, and continuous assessment. On successful completion of this programme the graduate will:
    • Demonstrate a broad spectrum of theoretical knowledge pertinent to Design
    • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding in the following specialist areas: typography, print specifications, photography, layout, on-screen publishing.
    • Use a range of technical and interpersonal skills and tools, both creative and technical.
    • Analyse problems and apply appropriate solutions
    • Apply critical evaluation and formulate relevant opinions
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    On successful completion of this programme, students may apply to progress to the Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Digital Media, Design & Production at LYIT
    Graduates from this programme may also apply to pursue further studies to relevant level 8 programmes at other Institutes and Universities in Ireland and abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Graduates from this programme are multi-skilled and may find employment with media and design companies, small creative enterprises or freelance in a range of fields including, web design, video production, sound design, animation, multimedia production or visualisation
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203

  • » Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Digital Media Design & Production

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Digital Media Design & Production
    CAO Code  Add-on programme, not available via CAO
    LYIT internal code  LY_DDIGM_B
    Duration  1 year, post Level 7 Bachelor Degree
    Standard Code Places:  30
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Digital technology is now pivotal to the creation and deployment of media information. Digital Media is a term that reflects the changing media landscape resulting from the digitisation of information. The digital media industry encompasses web design, game design, video and sound production, post-production, animation and interactive multimedia. Digital Media Designers create and manipulate sound and picture for time-based (video and animation) and interactive media (websites, games, information kiosks). A Digital Media producer may undertake any of the following tasks during their working day:
    • Liaising with clients to develop and cost a brief.
    • Researching a brief.
    • Preparing pre-production documents such as storyboards to outline the agreed concept.
    • Content creation such as capturing and manipulating still imagery, designing a computer based interface or creating, editing and post-producing time based
    • Authoring and editing digital media product for DVD, broadcast or Internet delivery .
    • Project managing the development, implementation and delivery of the digital media product.
    • Liaising with related production, business and technical experts.
    Specialisation is common in the industry, although digital media personnel are often highly multi-skilled and may perform a combination of roles, especially in smaller enterprises.

    Web Designers

    design interactive web based experiences. This involves creating websites to fulfil client's expectations, often in order to promote, market or sell products or services. Designing interactivity is important and creating a "look and feel" that reflects, the goals of the service, product or organisation is central.

    Multimedia Producers

    will work in creating organising and editing a range of media. This may be in order to create a new interactive multimedia product or to repurpose existing media in new and innovative ways.

    Sound Editors

    edit and manipulate sound for music production, radio or for putting sound to picture. They often work under instruction from directors. Their job may include making decisions with regard to the mood and pace of sound pieces. Music and music technology is also an important part of the work.

    Game Developers

    produce games for computers, games consoles and increasingly mobile devices. They may work on new games or update existing titles. The development team may be small, but as a games project nears completion, 30-40 people may be involved, each with specialist roles. These roles may include: Game Producer/Project Manager, Designer, Graphic Artist, Audio/Sound Engineer, Software Programmer and Game Testers.

    3D Designers

    work with 3D software to create 3D models or animations. They may work in visualisation (such as medical or architectural) or in games or effects animation. Often 3D designers will work on only one part of the production process say modelling, but smaller companies rely on the 3D designer to be multiskilled and also texture, light and animate the models.

    Instructional Designers

    design and develop teaching materials for textbooks, training CDROM"S and Internet based training. Their job is to organise the material is such a way that learning becomes easier. When they design digital learning they often include self-testing tools and make the most of the flexibility offered by digital technology to target specific learning objectives and audiences. Designers are also employed in what is called e-learning and e-commerce, particularly in relation to web based media.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    The programme is offered in full-time mode for one year. Applicants must have a relevant Level 7 award with 180 ECTS credits and appropriate learning outcomes in graphic design or a related area. Equivalent qualifications will be considered.
    What will I study?
    Year/SemesterProposed ModulesMandatory/
    Elective     		No of creditsClass hours per week
     4/7  Advanced Image Making1 Mandatory  5  3
     Advanced Web Design 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Advanced Design Theory Mandatory  5  3
     Audio Video Design & Production 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Effects Animation Mandatory  5  3
     Interactive Design Mandatory  5  3
     4/8  Advanced Image Making 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Advanced Web Design 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Advanced Professional Practice Mandatory  5  3
     Audio Video Design & Production 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Motion Graphics Mandatory  5  4
     Interactive Narrative Mandatory  5  3
    Note: Special Regulation: Learners must select either the Audio/Video or Interactive Media/Animation stream
    Learning Outcomes
    The final examination for the Degree consists of a combination of project work, an extended essay or dissertation on an individually selected design topic, and continuous assessment. On successful completion of this programme the graduate will:
    • Demonstrate a broad spectrum of theoretical knowledge pertinent to Design
    • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding in the following specialist areas: typography, print specifications, photography, layout, on-screen publishing.
    • Use a range of technical and interpersonal skills and tools, both creative and technical.
    • Analyse problems and apply appropriate solutions
    • Apply critical evaluation and formulate relevant opinions
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    On successful completion of this programme, students may apply to progress to the Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Digital Media, Design & Production at LYIT
    Graduates from this programme may also apply to pursue further studies to relevant level 8 programmes at other Institutes and Universities in Ireland and abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Graduates from this programme are multi-skilled and may find employment with media and design companies, small creative enterprises or freelance in a range of fields including, web design, video production, sound design, animation, multimedia production or visualisation
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203

  • » Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design
    CAO Code  Add-on programme, not available via CAO
    LYIT internal code  LY_DDESC_B
    Duration  1 year, post Level 7 Bachelor Degree
    Standard Code Places:  30
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Students on this programme are encouraged to communicate creatively and critically through experimentation. The Programme invites analytical thinking with an emphasis on solving visual communication problems through the development of original solutions, aided by technical media. Students are encouraged to develop their creative practice according to their interests and strengths
    If you would like to define your goals, experiment with ideas and challenge current practices in design communication, this programme is for you.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    The programme is offered in full-time mode for one year. Applicants should have a relevant Level 7 award in graphic design. Equivalent qualifications with 180 ECTS credits and appropriate learning outcomes will be considered
    What will I study?
    Year/SemesterProposed ModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     4/7  Advanced Visual Communications 1 Mandatory  10  6
     Advanced Image Making 1 Mandatory  10  4
     Advanced Web Design 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Advanced Design Theory Mandatory  5  4
     4/8  Advanced Visual Communications 2 Mandatory  10  6
     Advanced Image Making 2 Mandatory  10  4
     Advanced Web Design 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Advanced Professional Practice Mandatory  5  4
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Graduates from this programme may pursue further studies to Postgraduate level at other third-level colleges in Ireland or abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Students gain employment as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Web Designers, Studio managers, Advertising creatives, Screen-based designers, Content creators
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203

  • » Master of Arts in Motion Graphics

    Programme Title  Master of Arts in Motion Graphics
    CAO Code  Add-on programme, not available via CAO
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  1 year
    Standard Code Places:  15
    National Framework Level  9
    Award Type Major
    Awarding Body LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    The M.A. in Motion Graphics is a unique course in Ireland that offers students an opportunity to explore novel and exciting ways of communicating through the moving image. Traditionally the role of the graphic designer was to work with a static image. However, digital technology has enabled the designer to add sound and movement and today motion graphics is used in diverse areas such as advertising, animation and music videos as well as websites, tv graphics and dvd menus.
    The development of motion graphics has posed unique challenges to the modern graphic designer. Acquisition of new skills such as sound design, cinematography and animation are now needed together with an understanding of how best to utilise them in order to enhance communication.
    Connections between the student’s area of study and contextual, historical and professional issues will be emphasised. Semester 1 will focus on developing the advanced skills, theory and techniques that will allow them to negotiate an individual major communication project linked to a final thesis in Semester 2.
    This course should be of interest to graduates from design related subjects such as graphic design, animation and creative media.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Applicants must have attained a 2nd class honours or higher at honours degree level (Level 8) in graphic design or a related area.
    An interview with portfolio will be offered to shortlisted candidates. The portfolio should display evidence of drawing, design, visual research and creativity.
    What will I study?
    Year/SemesterProposed ModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     5/9  Theme Based Motion Graphics Mandatory  25  12
     Academic Writing Mandatory  5  1
     5/10  Self Initiated Motion Graphics Mandatory  25  10
     Dissertation Mandatory  20  2
    Learning Outcomes
    Students who have successfully completed this programme will have:
    • A systematic command on creative motion graphic theory, concepts and methods undepinned by an advanced comprehension of historical contexts and trends
    • Demonstrated an advanced critical approach to motion graphics and proposed new creative insights into motion graphics work.
    • Shown a creative mastery of motion graphics in creating a comprehensive portfolio of original work that demonstrates professional knowledge and engagement reinforced by a critical awareness of the interdisciplinarity and diversity that constitutes motion graphic design
    • Selected from complex and advanced skills in the creative design and mediation of motion graphics work and developed new skills, including novel and emerging techniques.
    • Worked effectively in a creative production environment adapting to the varied needs of clients, the public, and fellow professionals in the demanding but often ill-defined contexts of the motion graphics professional.
    • Justified and defended creative motion graphic work giving reference to the historical and cultural framework of motion graphics and current developments and debates in motion graphic practise.
    • Demonstrated an advanced level of scholarship, self-direction and originality in defining and enacting motion graphic problems and solutions.
    • Scrutinised, reflected and will aspire to influence cultural and ethical norms.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression is possible to Research Masters and Doctoral Programmes in Institutes and Universities within Ireland and abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Motion Graphic Designers will find opportunities within graphic design, multimedia, web design, broadcast television, film, advertising, arts and corporate communications. Graphic designers who wish to pursue a traditional print career will also find their employability enhanced with this MA.
    This course begins in September each year. Apply: Postgraduate Programmes Application Form
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Cormac O Kane, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: Cormac.okane@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6203