Art, Craft & Design - Portfolio Preparation
Prepare a portfolio of work for entry to Colleges of Art & Design. The programme is also suitable for applicants interested in developing artistic skills in a range of art/design fields.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
- Applicants must be 16+years of age on entry to the course.
- Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
- Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
- Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher)
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.Ed. (Hons) Art and Design Teacher Education at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
B.Sc. (Hons) Creative Media and User Experience Design at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
B.A. (Hons) First Year Art & Design at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
B.A. (Hons) Fine Art at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.A. (Hons) Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Glass, Textiles) at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.A. (Hons) Visual Art at South East Technological University (SETU)
B.A. (Hons) Design (Visual Communications) at South East Technological University (SETU)
B.A. (Hons) Visual Culture at National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
BA (Hons) Moving Image Design at National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
There are several fields of employments for students after the graduate from Art College such as:
• Artists
• Art Teachers
• Community Artist
• Fashion Designer
• Ceramic Artist
• Art Therapist
• Gallery Curator/Arts Administrator
• Graphic Artist
• Animators
• Set Designer
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
Students will prepare a portfolio of work for entry to Art Colleges. They will develop artistic skills in a range of creative, art or design fields. Our graduates work in creative, art and education sectors as art teachers, professional artists, graphic designers, fashion designers, animators, curators and art administrators.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Art, Craft and Design (5M1984).
What will I study?
• Combined Materials (5N0764)
• Communications (5N0690)
• Design Skills (5N0784)
• Drawing (5N1862)
• Painting (5N1302)
• Personal Professional Development (5N2985)
• Printmaking (5N1373)
• Sculpture (5N1918)
• Computer Illustrated Graphics (5N1929)
5M1984 - Art, Craft and Design.
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm