Certificate in Motion Design
Course Overview
Learn the fundamentals of Motion Design from conceptualisation to design and creation.
The Level 8, 10 ECTS, programme is aimed at learners considering pursuing a career in motion design and multimedia. Motion design combines the fundamentals of graphic design and animation – it is the art of applying graphic design principles to create relatively simple pieces of animation, for the web, TV, or film.
This means working on 2D and 3D animation, using After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro software. This might be a credit sequence for a TV show or movie, or it could be a minimalist commercial or explainer video, such as an advertisement.
Course Highlights
- Studio classes are delivered live, with hands-on projects, and supported by blended and online learning.
- Taught and led by experienced designers.
- Be part of a multi-award-winning faculty
- The faculty has an excellent reputation for teaching and learning, with a student-centered approach
- The design department has strong industry links and projects are industry-led.
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - Giving you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
Why Study Motion Design at Griffith College?
This programme will equip you with the skills to achieve creative motion design solutions, by formulating a problem-solving approach, and to successfully represent your vision. You will work through project briefs, and understand the various stages of design; including research, concept, design development, selection, and presentation skills. You will be drawing on skills and appropriate design research methods to develop original concepts, inspire creativity, and apply personal creative ideas to projects. During the programme, learners will:
- Learn the principles of motion design.
- Learn to make static images come alive in motion, animating graphics, illustrations, and typography.
- Gain an understanding of After Effects’ most important functions.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - October 2025
Course Details
This programme is about creating animated motion graphics sequences from static, two-dimensional visual content. Learners are introduced to the fundamentals of animation from conceptualisation to the development of motion products. The learners develop a library of thematically linked visual assets and learn a workflow and process for animation, to enable the learner to animate the layered graphics creating motion graphics sequences.
On successful completion of this module, learners are able to:
- Describe and illustrate the fundamental concepts, principles, and techniques of animation.
- Discuss the development and history of animation aesthetics.
- Design and develop a pre-production solution for a piece of motion graphics for the screen using a range of advanced techniques.
- Apply a range of complex animation techniques to a brief involving interrelated concepts and methodologies.
- Execute the production of a motion graphics sequence using appropriate tools, methodologies, and post-production techniques to an advanced standard.
Timetables
This course is scheduled to commence in October 2025 at Griffith College Dublin's Main Campus.
Year 2025
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date.
Contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie for further information.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for this certificate must hold a minimum of an NFQ Level 7 qualification, in a cognate discipline, or equivalent. Mature learners over 23 may also apply for consideration.
Applicants also need to submit evidence of their having proficient skills in Adobe CC Photoshop and Illustrator. This is evaluated through provision of a portfolio of work and interview, to facilitate the applicant demonstrating their maturity and capacity to engage on this programme as a part-time, more independent learner.
Applicants without the academic entry requirements may also apply for entry to the programme. All applications involving the consideration of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), are managed by the College’s APL / APEL committee in accordance with its approved QAE procedures.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information, please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
Non-EU/Non-EEA applicants please note:
These Irish Government-funded programmes are only available to Non-EU/Non-EEA applicants who are currently resident in Ireland with an Immigration Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM, who have been living in Ireland with a valid Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM for 3 out of the last 5 years. The period of residency for holders of Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM is calculated from the date of receipt of the Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply to Griffith College directly.
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 on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin Main Campus: €2090.00
(Inclusive of Tuition Fee €1750.00, Academic Administration Fee €250.00, 2% Learner Protection Charge (€40.00) and €50.00 QQI Award fee)
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00, a 2% Learner Protection Charge and EUR50 QQI Award fee is applicable each academic year.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
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.
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
Successful completion of the certificate’s component module(s) entitles learners to exemption(s) from the related module(s) on degree programme(s) at Griffith College. Please contact the Admissions Office for information on progression options into degrees.
The parchment provided to learners completing the programme, plus their transcript of results and credits attained, may be used by the learner to confirm their achievement (and support their progression to another programme of study with another institution should they wish to do so).
Career Progression
- Motion Graphic Designer
- Visual designer
- Animator
