Bachelor of Arts in Design (Common Entry)

The BA in Design (Common Entry) course is the first year of a three year (Level 7) course. Following exploration of design disciplines in the first semester, you will begin to focus on your preferred specialist area in the second semester. In Year 2 you will then transfer on to one of the following level 7/8 degree courses;

• BA in Product Design
• BA in Interior Design
• BA in Graphic Design and Illustration
• BA in Textile and Fashion Design

Other topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History & Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business & Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos.

Career opportunities in Design are growing both nationally and internationally. The BA in Design, and its specialist degree pathways, emphasise both traditional and modern-day skills.

Our course also features a full year of professional practice (with some online tuition) that can be experienced as a year-long industry placement, or a combination of placement and international exchange, or on-campus industry projects that link with industry partners nationally and internationally.

Employers’ value our design graduates for their creative problem solving, good communication skills, IT literacy, flexibility, teamwork skills and visual presentation skills.

Following completion of one of the specialist degrees, graduates are on pathways to become:

• Product Designer
• Interior Designer
• Graphic & Illustration Designer
• Fashion & Textile Designer

Product Designers may also specialise further as;

• Product Designers
• CAD Specialists within design practices
• Three-Dimensional Designers

Many Industrial Designers collaborate in design teams with other designers to develop products and cross over into diverse areas such as;

• Theatre film and TV design
• 3D computer design
• Graphic design
• Interior design

Graphic Designers & Illustrators may also specialise further as;

• Stationary designer
• Art director
• User Experience design
• Design for static/motion/product graphics
• Design for TV & film

Fashion & Textile Designers may also specialise further as;

• Surface Designer
• Accessory Designer
• Pattern Cutter
• Stylist
• Costume Designer
• Retail Merchandising

Interior Designers may also specialise further as;

• Retail Store Designer
• Office Designer
• Home Interior Designer
• Film and Set Designer
• Hotel and Restaurant Designer
• Exhibition and Display Designer
• Interior Stylist
• CAD Technician

Mature/FETAC Applicants

See How to Apply

Costs 

Costs for additional and specialist materials will be incurred. Students will be briefed by lecturing staff at the beginning of all modules/projects on the wide range of specialist practice materials available to them. A list of required and recommended materials and equipment will be distributed by the lecturer for each module. Students engaged in individual projects are required to supply their own materials or meet the costs of additional materials and equipment not supplied by the school, which may vary depending on the pathway and year of study. Field trips (not compulsory) may also incur some costs.

 Admission

There is no portfolio or alternative assessment required for entry to the course.

Admission to ATU Galway - CAO Application

 Leaving Certificate entry requirements for the Level 7 Ordinary Degree Programme is GradeO6/H7 or better in five (5) Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics, English or Irish with a minimum of 160 points.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award with three Distinctions will also meet the minimum entry requirements for Level 8 Honours Degree.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award will also meet the minimum entry requirement for Level 7 Ordinary Degree.

Mature Applicants

 Mature Applicants (EU nationals aged 23 on or before January in the year of entry) do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements. It is Institute policy to reserve a minimum of 10% of places on each programme for such applicants. Mature applicants holding the Leaving Certificate can also compete independently on points within the standard application group.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to gain entry to years 2 or higher, or gain exemptions in accordance with Code of  Practice No. 6 (Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning). Prior learning can be certified or experiential and will be assessed in accordance with the code.

Holders of relevant FETAC Level 6 qualifications in will be considered for entry to Year 2 of this programme.

Choosing a Specialist Degree Pathway

Students will choose a pathway after first year. During the first year lecturers will assist and advise students to help them choose the pathway most suited to them. Every effort will be made to ensure that students can follow their pathway of choice. If student demand for a particular pathway is too high, or too low, (based on the feasible class group size) places will be allocated based on first year performance. An alternative pathway will always be available if a students first choice is unavailable.

Progression

Level 7 graduates of one of the Design courses may apply internally for Year 4 of the Level 8 course, as shown in the diagram below. The first three years of the Level 8 course are the same as Level 7. ATU Level 8 qualifications are recognised worldwide for postgraduate entry.

Contact us

Leon Butler

Programme Chair

Email: leon.butler@atu.ie