Award Details

Progression

From this course, students are eligible to apply to 1st Year AND/OR 2nd Year of Level 7 and Level 8 degree courses. Below are our students most popular direct/advanced entry progression routes into 2nd Year.

Course Overview

This newly updated course provides a platform from which students can prepare high quality portfolios for entry into art and design degree programmes as well as gain confidence in developing ideas, critical thinking and creative problem solving, thus acquiring life skills that transcend the world of art and can be applied to areas such as business, technology and education.

On this course, reflective, critical and creative thinking are taught through the process of making. Through modules such as drawing and painting, tutors will teach students to see the world differently while utilising sculpture to teach students to engage with the world in new ways. The world we live in is surrounded by examples where creative, critical and independent thinking are prevalent. Artists and designers have for many years excelled in these areas because of the education that they received, demonstrating that a creative education plays an essential role in preparing individuals to make a significant difference in world we live in.

Students work in practical modules of drawing, painting, print, sculpture and combined materials. These modules last three to four weeks and are skills based modules where students are encouraged to investigate, experiment and explore.

Alongside practical work students are encouraged to engage in critical reflection and debate on their work and the work of other artists both historical and contemporary.

After completion of the practical modules the students develop work along an individual path, supported by tutorials, critical reflection and visiting artists.

The course provides student centered learning, focusing on the  practical needs of the individual student as they move through the year. For example we offer work shadowing at second level for students interested in art education. We offer studio visits for students interested in sculpture, painting and print. 

Learning how to look, question, think and engage in independent learning, are skills that make this course an attractive option for students interested in learning about  the creative process. 

From this newly updated course, students can apply directly to the first year of a degree programme in:

Fine Art, 
Fashion Design, 
Design for Stage and Screen
Visual Communications, 
Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Glass , Textiles) 
Art and Design Education

AND/OR

Make an application for direct entry to eligible Second year Degree courses. We successfully place students from this course every year into first and second year in colleges including:

National College of Art & Design
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology
Crawford College of Art & Design
Limerick School of Art
Glasgow School of Art

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this programme learners will have the skills, knowledge and competencies to work autonomously and independently in a fine art context and or to progress to higher education and training.

Entry Requirements

Applications to the Advanced Portfolio Preparation can be made by applicants who have completed a Leaving Certificate and/or a FETAC level 5 programme. 

Each applicant is expected to present a small portfolio showing examples of their original recent artwork at an interview. This interview is very informal and is designed to give the tutors an opportunity to determine whether this course is suitable for you. Please note that unsuccessful applicants will automatically be offered a place on our FETAC Level 5 Portfolio Preparation course.

Preferred academic requirements – In addition to the portfolio, it is preferred that applicants would have a minimum of a pass (Grade D3 or higher) in five ordinary level subjects and two honors (C3 or higher) in higher level subjects in the Leaving Certificate and/or a minimum of three distinctions from an art related FETAC Level 5 Certificate. Mature applicants (i.e. applicants over the age of 23) do not need to fulfil the academic requirements outlined above. However, mature applicants will need to present a portfolio for assessment and attend the interview.

Applicants are also welcome to call to the school to discuss any concerns they might have.

Suitable Learner Profile

It is expected that the learner availing of this programme will come from diverse social, economic and/or cultural backgrounds. The learner may have an existing vocationally specific skill­set and seek re­skilling/up­skilling in order to re­enter the workforce. The learner may have previously achieved certification at NFQ level 5. However if the learner has not achieved a previous formal qualification, it is expected that s/he will be able to demonstrate the levels of knowledge, skill and competence associated with the NFQ level 5 when accessing this programme.

The learner will be self motivated and have the ability to apply theoretical concepts within his/her chosen field of learning. It is expected that s/he will have a range of learning styles, strengths and needs related to the programme.

The learner will have expressed an interest in working in a supervisory capacity in their chosen vocational area and will have the capacity to work autonomously, take responsibility for the work of others in the workplace and assist others in identifying learning needs.

In order for the learner to have a realistic chance of achieving the standard of a level 6 award, it is expected that the learner should be able to:

• Fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex information that is personally relevant and reflects a broad knowledge base, for example, text and other information relating to abstract theoretical ideas, concerns or procedures

• Fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex quantitative information

• Assume full responsibility for consistency of self understanding and behaviour

• Solve problems, independently and as part of a range of different groups

• Demonstrate the use of a broad range of specialised skills and tools

• Act with substantial responsibility and autonomy

• Attend timetabled classes for the duration of the programme

• Complete self directed hours of learning in the form of practice time, preparation, study time and reflection time, as appropriate

• Participate in all programme related activities

• Participate in work experience, as appropriate