Graphic Design
Graphic communication is present all around us - every logo, every newspaper, and every food package. Designers take a concept and develop it into pictures and slogans so that it is reflective and remembered by the audience.
| 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
1 year full-time. 5 days per week. 20 contact hours.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
• BA (Hons) Visual Communication Design [DL826] Institute of Art and Design Dun Laoghaire
• BA (Hons) Design (Visual Communication) [TU973] Technological University Dublin [City]
• BSc in Creative Computing [SE605] South Eas Technological University [Waterford]
• BA in Graphic Design [AD101] National College of Art and Design
• BA in Graphic Design and Moving Image Design [AD102] National College of Art and Design
Check out more progression options by downloading the Dublin College Blackrock Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs (under progression)
Career Opportunities
Graphic Designers can work in the following areas:
• Graphic Design
• Publications
• Advertising
• PR/Communication Organisations
• Illustration
Further information
Start Date: 14/09/2026.
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
You can apply online. Click on the “Application Weblink” above. You will need to have your PPS number and an email address to complete the application.
At Dublin College Blackrock located at Blackrock village, Co. Dublin we offer a one year QQI Level 5 course in Graphic Design.
Are you a visual thinker? Do you love graphics in magazines or on the web? Are you constantly doodling and drawing? Do you want to do a degree in Visual Communications but have no time to prepare a portfolio before the Leaving Certificate? Are you a mature student wanting to change careers?
Then consider a career as a Graphic Designer. Graphic communication is present all around us - every logo, every newspaper, and every food package. Designers take a concept and develop it into pictures and slogans so that it is reflective and remembered by the audience.
What will I study?
The following modules are studied on the course:
Year 1
• Drawing
• Design Skills
• Typography
• Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design
• Graphic Design Skills
• Photoshop/Illustrator
• Work Experience
• Communications
Assessment and Certification
• This course is certified by QQI.
• Assessment is based on assignments and projects submitted during the year.
• Studio projects are completed on a continuous basis to develop design, analytical and presentation skills.
• You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Graphic Design (5M1995).
• On course completion you will have a portfolio of work to present for entry to third level institutions, or for prospective employers.
5M1995 - Graphic Design.
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie