Diploma in Building Information Modelling (BIM) & Graphic Illustration
Course Overview
This two-semester course creates opportunities for learners to take individual professional design responsibility of their product and their process and develop an ability to lead teams within their disciplines.
The Diploma in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration programme consists of six modules taught over two semesters, with modules in Semester Two being linked to successful completion of Semester One. The modules fall into three categories: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Rendering, and Graphic Illustration.
Why study BIM and Graphic Illustration at Griffith College?
Through the course, students will:
- Explain key topics and principles surrounding BIM and the benefits to be gained from its adoption.
- Devise and plot design details in a holistic manner with competence, fluency and sensitivity demonstrating a good understanding of the principles of interdisciplinary communication required in presenting projects generated by BIM.
- Use BIM software to produce 2D documentation plans, sections, elevations and to construct complex 3D models to include and building services efficiently, to industry standard.
- Use BIM software to produce specifications of work, time schedules, and costings for the construction industry
- Produce photorealistic images of BIM models and project proposals.
- Light and render buildings to a high degree of expertise while achieving an accurate and aesthetically pleasing visualisation of a proposed design.
- Use Bitmap and Vector Graphics applications to produce graphic illustrations to a required degree of proficiency in order to visually communicate proposals, drawings and specifications to high standards.
- Identify, select and apply appropriate products, materials and fittings based on an understanding of technology and specifications to a professional standard. • Independently manage BIM projects assigned by others in the built environment.
- Develop advanced building modelling skills relating to protected structures/ historic buildings
- Learners carry out cloud-based daylight and performance analysis.
- Working with teams using BIM 360 (collaboration), develop BIM Management and clash detection skills
- Learners develop an awareness of the BIM relating to costing for Quantity Surveyors.
The Certificate in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration is an embedded special purpose award in this programme. Learners on this programme who complete the 30 ECTS may choose to exit with the embedded award.
Course Highlights
- Designed to meet the skills required by industry
- Provides a foundation for participants who wish to progress in the workplace
- Option to further your study with a pathway BIM 3D Modelling
- Friendly, approachable staff provide a supportive learning environment
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
What our alumni & industry professionals say
Program is amazing. I have learned more about Revit in these past couple of weeks than I did on the course before. It's so nice to have the zoom option to play the recording again on my own time and really get the hang of it.
Diploma in in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration
Course Details
Course Modules
This module enables the learner to develop basic skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit. Within the module, learners are facilitated (learning by doing) to develop the skills to construct basic 3D models relating the built environment, and for interiors to include lighting. In completing the model, learners will be facilitated to research and select appropriate products, materials and fittings using their understanding of technology and professional standard specifications gained through the programme.
This module enables the learner to develop basic rendering skills using Revit. Using 3D model views and computer-aided software, learners will develop the skills to create aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior renders and walkthroughs. They will develop an understanding of the importance of researching, specifying and including appropriate materials, textures, natural and artificial lighting in generating renders. This will be facilitated by the learners’ awareness of property location, material properties and daylight analysis.
This module enables the learner to develop their technical and computer application skills to support their engagement with BIM projects. Basic graphic illustration skills using Photoshop and InDesign are facilitates Having produced their basic presentations, learners will then work in 2D, 3D and Photoshop (learning by doing) to illustrate their designs. They will additionally be enabled to develop their workflow skills to complete the projects.
This module enables the learner to develop advanced skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and BIM Collaboration using Revit. This module builds on the technical and computer application skills developed by the learner in Introduction to BIM (using Revit) to further support their engagement with BIM projects. In this module, learners develop an awareness of advanced building modelling relating to protected structures/ historic buildings. They learn how to export the BIM model from a BIM tool to use in other tools applications. Learners carry out cloud-based daylight and performance analysis. Learners also develop skill in BIM 360 (collaboration), BIM Management and clash detection. In addition, learners develop an awareness of the BIM relating to costing for Quantity Surveyors.
This module enables the learner to develop advanced rendering skills using rendering software. They will be facilitated to research and specify materials, textures, natural and artificial lighting to support an accurate and photorealistic visualization of a proposed design. Learners will focus on the generation of interior and exterior renders from 3D model views, and produce a walkthrough, using advanced rendering techniques. Work-flow skills will be developed through learning by doing.
This module enables the learner to develop advanced skills using Photoshop and InDesign. These skills will be utilised to produce branded presentation boards to support the 3D models and client interactions within the other modules. Additionally, the learner will develop the skills to import rendered images for post-production and enhancement to enhance visualisation aesthetics.
Course Contact
Britt Berentzen
- Dublin Main Campus
Timetables
This course is scheduled to commence on September 2025 at Griffith College Dublin's Main Campus.
This part-time programme runs two evenings per week from 6.30 pm-9.30 pm and every second Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, over two semesters.
Year 2025
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Applicants to the programme must meet normal QQI requirements, Level 7 or equivalent, award on the National Framework of Qualifications. The applicants require a background from building design and construction-related programmes or a cognate discipline and require prior knowledge in the following areas:
- Proficient in 2D CAD or other architectural technical tools.
- Experience in 3D CAD or other architectural technical tools.
Applicants will be asked to provide a sample of their work/ portfolio.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.
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
Total Fee: €4487.00
(Inclusive of Tuition Fee EUR4100.00, Academic Administration Fee EUR250.00, 2% Learner Protection Charge (EUR 87.00) and EUR50.00 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.
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards
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: [email protected]
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
This course provides a pathway to BIM-related postgraduate programmes.
