Certificate in Art and Design
Course Overview
Develop fundamental skills in art and design on a flexible full-time or part-time basis.
Our Art and Design course is a comprehensive foundation-level programme, providing the perfect introduction to disciplines within interior design, fashion, and graphic communication design. Check out Griffith Creative 2025.
Why study the Certificate in Art and Design at Griffith College?
Our one-year Level 6 Art and Design foundation course offers an extensive introduction to various fields within art, design, and communication. This course serves as an ideal stepping stone towards any Level 8 design degree, providing exposure to a wide range of design disciplines, including Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Illustration, and Textile Design. Students can explore these areas before choosing their specialised pathway.
Success in this program is driven by creativity in design, effective communication across multiple media, technical drawing skills, and strong organisational abilities. Griffith College attracts students who are passionate about the cultural and social dimensions of design, innovative creative expression, and who demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
The purpose of this award is to
- Foster students' creativity through exploration and experimentation, while developing a comprehensive range of art and design skills.
- Provide personalised study pathways through elective projects in Interior Design/Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, and Illustration.
- Create a professional Art and Design portfolio, required for progression to the Level 8 BA (Hons) programme.
- Full access to the Student Adobe Creative Cloud (On-Campus) - All Apps plan, offering over 20 cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
Are you applying through the CAO?
Check out our CAO HUB for more information about applying through the CAO!
Why Study Art and Design at Griffith College?
Whether you like fashion, interiors, fine art, or even photography. I got the opportunity to find out what I love and what I dislike. The certificate is a perfect stepping stone as you have the option to finish with a level 6 or advance on to a level 7 or 8 in whichever field you desire.
Certificate in Art & Design
Course Details
Semester One
The aim of the module is to give learners a chance to explore their skills in new media and experiment with art and design tools and techniques and interdisciplinary approaches.
The objectives are to introduce studio practice portfolio production, fulfilling assessment objectives, health and safety, working processes, and the beginning of a portfolio of work. It also introduces the learner to group work and independent work.
The aim of the module is to enable the learner to develop skill in the use of analytical drawing as a means of communicating design ideas.
The objectives are to introduce: Freehand Drawing; Analytical Drawing and Painting; Using drawing in concept development; Freehand perspective drawing; and Presenting Visual materials. It also introduces the learner to independent work.
The aim is to enable the learner to develop skill in the use of selected software through experimenting with software through the use of montages, layout and other presentation skills.
The objectives are to introduce the learner to computer operating systems, internet and virtual databases and Word and PowerPoint.
The aim of the module is to enable the learner to appreciate more complex principles of design and to allow this learning is applied to specific design functions. The objectives are to enable the learner to understand the basic principles of design, encourage learners to write with clarity, precision and fluency, and develop an analytical approach to research methods and the written word.
Semester Two
The aim of the module is to draw upon the summation of knowledge and skills acquired during the first-semester experience. Learners will have the opportunity to foster and promote innovative ideas and practical work whilst extending their potential contextual and technical abilities in preparation for progression to higher education.
The aim of the module is to encourage learners to use freehand drawings as a means of communication and to develop the learners’ awareness of the importance of graphics in everyday life; to provide learners with an opportunity to develop a range of skills related to graphic communication; to familiarise learners with various drawing systems; and to provide an opportunity for learners to experiment with a range of materials to enhance presentation. The objectives are to explore and introduce: Colour optical illusions, draw/trace simple geometric sketches, freehand perspective drawing, Presenting Visual materials and technical drawing.
The aim of the module is to investigate the design complexities of compositional layered image-making using industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Image Ready, In-Design, Illustrator
The objectives are to introduce the learner to communicate their drawing skills using vector-based graphics.
The aim of the module is to enable learners to compare and contrast different historical periods and styles in art and design and understand their evolution through time. This subject area will also develop the learner’s skills in visual analysis that will be required in other modules in the programme.
The objectives are to introduce learners to key historical styles and periods in European art and design from Neoclassicism (c.1790) up to early Modernism (c.1914). Time will also be dedicated to academic referencing and essay research.
Timetables
Full-Time Timetable
The timetable will be made available closer to the course start date.
Part-Time Timetable
How to Apply
Entry Requirements:
There is NO portfolio requirement for this course.
All applicants must apply to Griffith College directly. You will be asked to submit a copy of your ID.
Applicants under 23 years of age will be asked for a copy of their Leaving Certificate results to ensure they meet the minimum entry requirements.
English language
Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Griffith College does accept the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please read more about our English language entry requirements here.
For more information on any of the above, please contact admissions@griffith.ie.
How to Apply:
CAO Applicants / Applicants under 23 years of age:
Applicants under 23 years old on the 1st January of the year the course begins must submit a copy of their Leaving Certificate results. Candidates must have obtained a minimum of five subjects at grade O6/H7. These results must include a language (English or Irish) and either Maths or Art.
Candidates with equivalent grades from FETAC colleges and those holding awards including BTEC qualifications will also be considered.
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
Applicants who are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January the year the course begins are considered mature learners and will be asked to submit a copy of their ID (passport or driving license) only.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 6,850.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin: EUR 4,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
EUR 7,000.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College. We offer many different options including:
- BA (Hons) in Graphic Design Communications
- BA (Hons) in Fashion Design
- BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture
- BA in Graphic Communication Design
- BA in Fashion Design
- BA in Interior Architecture & Design
If you would like to discuss your progression options, please email admissions@griffith.ie.
Career Progression
Throughout the Certificate in Art and Design, you will have gained valuable design experience, built a strong foundation of creativity, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Web Design and Development
- Design and Projects Manager
- Interior Designer
- 3D Visualiser
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Consultant
- Designs & Product Manager
- Management Consultant
- Interaction Designer
- UX Designer
