• » Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
    CAO Code  LY407
    LYIT internal code  LY_DDESC_D
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  50
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Graphic Designers are creative people who, when presented with a design problem, produce ideas and develop them into design solutions. A designer works with ideas and sketches to form a concept, which is used to develop a final design. A finished design usually requires consideration of layout, fonts, visuals and colour. A graphic designer can design material for print (brochures, book jackets, posters, magazines, CD covers, stationery) and for screen (web sites, CD-rom, multimedia kiosks). A Graphic Designer could carry out any of the following tasks in a working day, either independently or as part of a design team:
    • Work with clients to cost and budget the brief
    • Research the design brief
    • Develop a concept using sketches and roughs
    • Communicate ideas to colleagues and the client
    • Evaluate and adjust the design as it progresses
    • Develop the design on screen using industry software
    • Proof read and check roughs
    • Prepare screen work for screen output and print output, adding specifications / bureau sheet where required
    • Aptitudes: An ability to observe and record
    • Skills: Good interpersonal / communication skills
    • Interests: Visual arts and popular culture
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    This course is being replaced by a level 8 BA (hons) in Design - Visual Communication. Applicants must have passed at least 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.

    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 ModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/2  Visual Communications 1 Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Technical Skills Mandatory  5  3
     Photography Mandatory  5  4
     Design Theory 1  Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Visual Communications 2 Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Web Design 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Digital Image Manipulation Mandatory  5  3
     Design Theory 2  Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Visual Communications 3 Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making 3 Mandatory  5  3
     Web Design 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Advanced Digital Image Manipulation Mandatory  5  3
     Professional Practice 1  Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Visual Communications 4 Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making 4 Mandatory  10  4
     Web Design 3 Mandatory  5  4
     Professional Practice 2 Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  Visual Communications 5 Mandatory  10  6
     Image Making 5 Mandatory  10  4
     Web Design 4 Mandatory  5  4
     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 learners may progress to the level 8 honours Degree in Graphic Design or honours Degree in Design in Digital Media (60 additional ECTS credits)
    Graduates from this programme may also apply to pursue further studies to Degree level at other Institutes and Universities in Ireland or abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Graphic designers may specialise in a number of fields including television, film and computer graphics, set and exhibition design, corporate design book and magazine design advertising and illustration.
    Graduates from this programme have found work in a wide range of job situations. Some now own and run their own business, some are employed as illustrators and designers in design consultancies and printing companies and many have gone on to obtain degrees, some at higher level. We continue to receive requests from employers for well-qualified and creative graduates. According to the feedback we received from our First Destination Survey, the starting salary for recent graduates is in the range of €25,000 Prospects for design graduates are therefore very good with the majority of graduates finding suitable employment immediately on successful completion of the programme.
    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