Photography & Visual Media
Explore the practical skills and theoretical knowledge underpinning contemporary lens based and digital media practices on this exciting new BA. This innovative and dynamic approach integrates the traditions of documentary image making and fine art photography with emergent digital technologies and experimental film.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Institute of Art Design and Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Institute of Art Design and Technology | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Min Entry Requirements
2 H5 + 4 O6/H7
English: O6/H7
Portfolio required. Combination of CAO and Portfolio Assessment Points.
For information on portfolio submission see https://iadt.ie/study/portfolio-guidelines/
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Applicants with QQI/FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 Awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules.
Portfolio: Yes
For information on portfolio submission see https://iadt.ie/study/portfolio-guidelines/
Careers / Further progression
What will I be able to do when I graduate?
Graduates seek employment nationally and internationally in diverse creative commercial and contemporary art practices including; digital media, publishing, advertising, architectural photography, fine art, documentary, gallery/project management, fashion/editorial. Graduates also work independently or establish a business.
Pathways to Masters level exist in a range of media subject areas.
Further information
September 2026
Mature Students
We welcome applications from mature students, who must apply to the CAO.
More info for Mature https://iadt.ie/services/institute-student-services/access-social-inclusion/mature-students/
20
Entry 2026 - Restricted Course
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.
Restricted Courses
Applying for a restricted course – you must have applied to CAO by 1 February 2026 at 5pm if you wish to apply for a restricted course. The restricted course must be included on your course choices list by that date, or added to your application using the facility to amend course choices (for a fee of €10) before 1 March at 5pm.
Restricted courses normally require additional assessment procedures, for example, the submission of a portfolio, an oral assessment or interview, or a written assessment. Restricted courses are identified in the handbook by the words “(Restricted - see page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook)" on the same line as the restricted course’s title. Please make sure to acquaint yourself with the additional requirements, if any, of the restricted course(s) that you have applied for and go to page 24 of the 2026 CAO Handbook for more information about interviews and assessments.
Exception: If a restricted course shares the exact same assessment procedures with a course you had applied for by 1 February 2026, you may be permitted to introduce it on a Change of Mind. You should consult with the relevant HEI before introducing such a course.
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2026 at 5pm, and include course choices by that date or add them using the facility to amend course choices (for a fee of €10) before 1 March at 5pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature
Supplementary Admission Routes
Applying for DARE and/or HEAR – to be considered for DARE and/or HEAR, applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1 February 2026 at 5pm. To apply to DARE, you must answer YES to Question 1 ('Do you wish to be considered for DARE?) on Section A of the fully completed Supplementary Information Form (SIF) by 5pm on 1 March 2026.
To apply to HEAR, you must indicate on your CAO application that you wish to apply for HEAR and fully and correctly complete all elements of the online HEAR form by 5pm on 1 March 2026.
Supporting documents for DARE and/or HEAR applicants must be sent to CAO offices before 10 March 2026 at 5pm
Explore how new technologies and methodologies are synthetising into photographic practice and their impact on contemporary approaches to image making. Learn and explore multiple avenues of inquiry that incorporate traditional documentary practice, digital image making, experimental film and software-based work. Develop best practice and skill sets for storytelling through the lens.
This programme promotes the synergy of theoretical perspectives and practical methodologies in the production of work to foster critically engaged image makers: you will learn to promote and scrutinise your own professional practices. Multi-element modules reflect each of the technical, conceptual and critical contexts of the core principles of the programme, thus allowing for the application of multiple medias and multiple practices: from analogue traditions of photography to cutting edge digital media solutions for the moving image. This approach enables you to respond to the fast-changing pace within the field of creative media arts.
What will I do?
Develop a high-level of understanding of the opportunities and challenges of contemporary lens based and digital media practices
Learn in a practical and intellectual environment which facilitates a rigorous exploration of traditional, contemporary and emerging lens-based media practices and criticism
Become an empowered creative image maker, with the skills and understanding needed for a professional career
Learn the best practice and key skill sets for future work-life through practical and theoretical studies
Opportunities exist to study abroad through the Erasmus Programme, in addition to international field-trips
A work industry placement takes place in Year 3
What modules will I study?
Year 1
Semester 1
Introduction to Photographic Theory
Photography + Culture
Photography + Visual Communication
IADT Connect
Semester 2
Understanding the Photographic Image
Introduction to the Photographic Studio
Narrative + The Moving Image
IADT Year 1 Workshop
Year 2
Semester 1
Society, Culture + The Image
Light, Lighting + Digital Media
Documentary + The Moving Image
Semester 2
Discipline Specific Histories + Theories
Exhibition + The Photobook
The Exhibition
IADT Year 2 Elective
Year 3
Semester 1
Photography + Installation Practice
Photography + Curatorial Practice
Photography, Identity + Ireland
Semester 2
Business + Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice
Thesis Research + Proposal
Professional Practice
Year 4
Semester 1
Minor Project
Semester 2
Major Project
Thesis
Aoife Giles
Year Head
Email: aoife.giles@iadt.ie