Graphic Design - Athlone

September 2026

MATURE APPLICATIONS
All EU nationals aged 23 or over on 1st January in the year of application are classified as ‘mature applicants’. The closing date for receipt of applications for consideration in this category is 1st February in the year of entry. Late applications will be considered for courses which do not require additional assessment. On an exceptional basis e.g. the quota remains unfilled, late applications may be considered for other courses.

Trade Qualifications
A trade applicant, seeking admission to the first year of a course, should do so through the CAO. Such application may be on the basis of National Craft Certificate, Senior Trades or Advanced Tourism Certification Board (NTCB)/QQI qualifications, instead of, or in addition to, Leaving Certificate results. TUS welcomes applications from such candidates. Possession of these awards at advanced level normally qualifies an applicant for entry to TUS.

Other Qualifications
Applicants with qualifications other than those listed above (including EU and overseas qualifications) should apply in the usual way, giving full details of their qualifications/application category on their application.

HEAR

DARE

RPL

Student Finance

US700 and US803 Graphic Design
Assessment Requirement
Applicants can choose to be assessed via one of the following options:

1. Digital Portfolio:
When it comes to portfolio assessment, we want to see the very best of you! That’s why we ask each applicant to select up to 20 of their strongest pieces - whether they’re individual works or connected as a series. Choose pieces that really showcase your skills, creativity, and personality. If problem-solving is your thing, you can include research, visual development and sketchbooks as part of your submission. Whether your strengths lie in illustration, painting, printmaking, typography, photography, graphic design, film, or in your visual process and ideas, we want to see work that reflects who you are as a designer or artist.

For full portfolio guidelines and tips, check out the TUS website: tus.ie/LSAD/portfolio

The digital portfolio upload portal will open in Spring 2026, after the CAO application deadline has passed. All applicants will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to submit their portfolio online.
Or alternatively:

2. Applied Graphic Design Project:
Applicants may choose to participate in an applied project, which will be carried out remotely/ electronically in Spring 2026. Applicants who choose the applied project option will be issued with the project brief, and staff will guide them in the process through workshops and live advice online. The resultant project will subsequently be uploaded to the online portal.

Free Portfolio Workshop and Course Information Days:
Thursday 30th October 2025 & Saturday 17th January 2026

Entry 2026

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

Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm

Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.

Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:

General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices

Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course

Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants

Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR

What is this course about?
The course comprises of a series of core pillars: Design, Image, Studio Practice, and Visual Culture that advance over the 3 years.

1. Design – provides the student with the technical skills, design knowledge and creative expertise to utilise the design process to fulfil design briefs. The pillar facilitates the student to become competent in creating communication systems across multiple platforms and media, including traditional design for print, design for screen, motion, user-interface, and user-experience.

2. Image – is the exploration of visual language where the student learns to communicate and build narratives using illustration, photography, animation, and film.

3. Studio Practice – builds on the personal and professional development of the student within the studio environment, allowing the student to build their profile, grow in confidence and promote themselves as a designer. This is done through live client briefs, collaboration, and work placement.

4. Visual Culture – develops the student’s understanding of the cultural, social and historical contexts in which the practice of art and design has evolved and, importantly, how it is essential to the development of the student’s studio practice.

Why study this course?
As one of the top graphic design courses in Ireland, the BA in Graphic Design will provide you with a unique and exciting educational experience while learning to become a designer. Built on a legacy of over 40 years of art and design, your creative talents will be nurtured by a team of lecturers who are passionate about their field. Within each design studio you will have your own designated workspace where you will receive one-to-one tuition from staff who want your experience to be the very best and who understand that design learning must be tailored to the student’s distinctive creative flair and interests. You will be encouraged to follow your passion and to develop your design process through research and experimentation. At the same time, you will be exposed to a host of new, exciting disciplines and skills that will enhance your critical and theoretical thinking to help you advance your skills as a conceptual and strategic graphic designer. Over your design education journey, supported by committed staff, you will grow into a designer with broad knowledge and an informed world view, who can deconstruct communication problems, conceptualise and execute resolutions, and who can articulate and confidently present your creative work. In year 3, you will undertake a work placement, this first- hand industry experience will give you a valuable insight into the workings and requirements of the industry.

Modules at a Glance:
The course comprises of a series of core pillars: Design, Image, Studio Practice and Visual Culture that advance over the 3 years.

Tara Cullen
Email: Tara.Cullen@tus.ie

TUS Global Students