Course Name |
Graphic Design - Athlone Campus |
Course Provider |
TUS - Athlone Campus |
Alternative Provider(s) |
TUS - Technological University of the Shannon |
Course Code |
US700 |
Course Type |
Higher Education CAO |
Qualifications |
Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ)
More info...
|
Major |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Level 7 NFQ |
|
Apply To |
CAO |
Attendance Options |
Full time, Daytime |
Location (Districts) |
Athlone |
Qualification Letters |
BA |
Duration |
3 years full-time. |
Specific Subjects or Course Requirements |
Grade O6 in five subjects. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
Note: An F2 in Foundation Level Mathematics will be accepted as meeting the minimum Mathematics requirement.
*For all applicants, an assessment is required. |
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements |
Expand+Foundation Level Irish
Foundation Level Irish at Grade F2 will meet the minimum language requirement for all courses.
Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
25 bonus points will be awarded to any CAO applicant who has gained a grade H6 or higher i...
Hide-Foundation Level Irish
Foundation Level Irish at Grade F2 will meet the minimum language requirement for all courses.
Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
25 bonus points will be awarded to any CAO applicant who has gained a grade H6 or higher in Leaving Certificate Honours Mathematics. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant.
Foundation Level Mathematics *
Foundation Level Mathematics at Grade F2 or Higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics
requirement for the following courses:
Courses located in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare campuses:
US808/US703 Music Production & Technology
US807/US702 Creative Broadcast & Film Production
US940/US790 Business Studies with Travel & Tourism Management
US941/US791 Business Studies with Event Management
US946/US792 Business Studies with Beauty & Spa Management
US953/US787 Business Studies with Sports Management
US954/US785 Sports Development & Performance
US640 Sports Development & Coaching
US927 Early Childhood Education & Care
US931/US631 Culinary Entrepreneurship/Culinary Arts
US793 Hospitality Supervision
US920 Social Care Work (Limerick)
US922 Social Care Work (Thurles)
US923/US781 Social Care Work Ennis
Courses located in Athlone Campus:
US 926 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Years Care and Education
US 780 Bachelor of Arts in Early Years Care and Education.
US 782 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies in Social Care
US 921 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Care Practice
US 700 Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
US 802 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Animation and Illustration
US 803 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic and Digital Design
*Please note, this list is correct at the time of print.
GARDA VETTING
To ensure the protection of the public and justify public trust and confidence the Technological University of the Shannon uses the Garda Vetting Unit (GCVU) service to assess the suitability of applicants to courses listed on the right:
Limerick, Tipperary and Clare based courses:
Art and Design
US801 Art and Design Teacher Education (Limerick)
Sport and Early Childhood Education
US640 Sports Development and Coaching (Limerick)
US953/US787 Business Studies with Sports Management (Limerick)
US954/US785 Sports Development and Performance (Limerick)
US955/US786 Applied Strength and Conditioning (Thurles)
US927 Early Childhood Education and Care (Limerick)
Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness
US940/US790 Business Studies with Travel and Tourism Management (Limerick)
US941/US791 Business Studies with Event Management (Limerick)
Applied Social Sciences
US920 Social Care Work (Limerick)
US922 Social Care Work (Thurles)
US923/US781 Social Care Work (Ennis)
US928 Community and Addiction Studies (Limerick)
Athlone based courses:
Nursing & Healthcare
US 877 General Nursing
US 878 Mental Health Nursing
Social Science
US 780 Early Years Care and Education.
US 926 Early Years Care and Education
US 700 Applied Social Studies in Social Care
US 921 Social Care Practice
Sport and Health Science
US 950 Nutrition and Health Science
US 951 Sport Science Exercise Physiology
US 956 Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy
US 957 Physical Activity and Health Science
US 788 Exercise and Health Science
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Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP |
Students apply through the CAO in the normal way. The LCVP module will be considered as a passing module provided the applicant achieves at least a pass grade. This will apply for entry to Honours Degree (Level 8), Ordinary Degree (Level 7) and Higher Certificate (Level 6) courses.
Points will be awarded for LCVP Link Modules as follows:
Pass: 28 points Merit: 46 points Distinction: 66 points |
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP |
The LCA subjects do not meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to academic courses at TUS and are not considered passing subjects. Holders of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme may wish to undertake a QQI FET/FETAC in order to gain eligibility for entry to third level courses at TUS. |
QQI FET Applicants General Information |
Expand+QQI-FET/FETAC
TUS accepts QQI-FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study. The following minimum entry requirements will apply to graduates of QQI-FET/FETAC qualifications who are seeking admission to courses at TUS.
HIGHER CERTIFICATE (LE...
Hide-QQI-FET/FETAC
TUS accepts QQI-FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study. The following minimum entry requirements will apply to graduates of QQI-FET/FETAC qualifications who are seeking admission to courses at TUS.
HIGHER CERTIFICATE (LEVEL 6)
Minimum entry: A full QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 award totalling 120 credits.
AB-INITIO BACHELOR DEGREE (LEVEL 7)
Minimum entry: A full QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 award totalling 120 credits.
AB-INITIO HONOURS BACHELOR DEGREE (LEVEL 8)
Minimum entry: A full QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 award totalling 120 credits and including a Distinction Grade in at least three modules.
Please note that special requirements may exist for particular courses, for example, a requirement
for a particular subject such as Mathematics.
A full QQI FET/FETAC award normally contains 8 modules.
A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact QQI FET/FETAC for a full award where programmes are taken over more than one year. A QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 Record of Achievement does not meet the minimum entry standards.
The maximum possible total score will be multiplied by 13 and divided by 12, to give a maximum overall points score of 390 for applicants from further education and training.
If a QQI FET/FETAC applicant also presents a Leaving Certificate, the CAO will use whichever is the better.
Applicants to Restricted Application courses or courses where a Portfolio is required will have their Portfolio Score added to their QQI FET/FETAC Score
|
QQI FET Entry Requirements |
Web Page - Click Here |
Alternative Entry |
Expand+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)/...
Hide-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.
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Higher Education Access Route HEAR |
Web Page - Click Here |
Disability Access Route to Education DARE |
Web Page - Click Here |
Recognition of Prior Learning RPL |
Web Page - Click Here |
Course Fee |
Expand+All undergraduate course fees consist of two elements:
1. Student Contribution Fee and;
2. A Tuition Fee.
Student Contribution Fee
The Student Contribution Fee for the 2022/2023 academic year is €3,000. This is an annual charge, which is se...
Hide-All undergraduate course fees consist of two elements:
1. Student Contribution Fee and;
2. A Tuition Fee.
Student Contribution Fee
The Student Contribution Fee for the 2022/2023 academic year is €3,000. This is an annual charge, which is set by the Government for all full-time third level students.
Tuition Fee
Most full-time undergraduate students are covered for the tuition fee under the “Irish Government Free Fees scheme”.
Under this scheme, the Government (HEA) pays tuition fees for full-time, non-repeat undergraduate students from Ireland and other EU countries, who have been resident in an EU country for at least three of the last five years. For more information on the eligibility and criteria for the free fees scheme, please visit:
www.hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees
A student who wishes to repeat a full/part of a year or has a previous third-level educational history will be obliged to pay the appropriate tuition fee in addition to the student contribution fee.
Additional Fees
In addition to the Student Contribution and Tuition fees, there are a small number of courses that have a non-refundable Class Materials fee attached to them.
Please refer to the TUS website for a list of courses and the cost. Class material fees are not covered by any grant and must be paid at the time of registration.
|
Link to Course Fee |
Web Page - Click Here |
Financial Support |
Expand+Students can apply through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for a grant to cover the
Student Contribution Fee. SUSI is the single awarding authority for all grant applications. It is an “online application system” and is accessed at...
Hide-Students can apply through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for a grant to cover the
Student Contribution Fee. SUSI is the single awarding authority for all grant applications. It is an “online application system” and is accessed at www.susi.ie
Students are advised to apply early for the SUSI grant, as approval must be in place in advance of fee payment deadlines.
To assist all applicants in the application process:
SUSI Support Desk
Tel: 0761 08 7874
Email: support@susi.ie
Note: For the Student Finance office to process student grant awards, students must register online each academic year.
Financial Supports
We are very aware of the financial difficulties faced by many students. For most students, starting college coincides with moving away from home for the first time and trying to manage on a budget. You will have most outgoings at the start of the year, so it is important to budget for books, class
materials and rent deposits, as well as day-to-day living costs.
If a student is experiencing financial difficulties while waiting for a grant/scholarship, they should seek advice from Student Services, the Students’ Union, or the institute’s Access Office. You can find out all you need to know about other sources of assistance for students, such as the Fund for Students with Disabilities, Back to Education Allowance and the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) website.
https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/
For further information on fees, etc please contact the Grants and Fees team at:
TUS Midlands
Email: studentfinance@ait.ie
TUS Midwest
Email: studentfees@lit.ie
|
Portfolio |
Expand+US700, US803 and Add-on Graphic Design Portfolio Requirement.
Applicants can choose to be assessed via one of the following options:
1. Applicants must submit three pieces of work on the assessment day(s). If they are unable to attend in pers...
Hide-US700, US803 and Add-on Graphic Design Portfolio Requirement.
Applicants can choose to be assessed via one of the following options:
1. Applicants must submit three pieces of work on the assessment day(s). If they are unable to attend in person, candidates can submit the work electronically. The three pieces should represent the best ability/personality of the applicant. Professional work will count as one piece. The finished work from the same research will count as another piece. Applicants who submit digitally should only submit three files in JPEG or PDF format.
Or, alternatively,
2. Applicants may choose to attend an applied project day(s). Applicants who choose to attend the applied project day(s) will be issued with a project brief in advance. The project day will consist of a 90-minute workshop followed by on-site completion of an applied project during a period not exceeding three hours. The resultant project will subsequently be assessed.
MATURE APPLICATIONS
The technological university considers applicants who are 23 years or over on 1 January in the year of entry to be mature applicants. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, the technological university will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken into account. Such applicants should apply through the CAO system, they will be required to comply with point 1 or 2 above and to attend an interview at the technological university as part of the selection process.
|
CAO Application Dates and Fees |
Expand+Entry 2023
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2023 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2023 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2023 CAO Hand...
Hide-Entry 2023
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2023 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2023 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2023 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2023 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2023 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2023 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 31 of the 2023 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2023 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 2023. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2023, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2023 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 6 March 2023 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2023 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 31 of the 2023 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
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 2023 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
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Course Content |
Expand+What is this course about?
The theme of the first year is fundamentals and these fundamentals are introduced and explored across the areas of core design, typography, photography, illustration, print making, creative thinking, visual exploration...
Hide-What is this course about?
The theme of the first year is fundamentals and these fundamentals are introduced and explored across the areas of core design, typography, photography, illustration, print making, creative thinking, visual exploration, professional practice, design software and visual culture and contextual studies.
Year 2 builds strongly on this learning and the theme of this year is design development. There is a focus on the integration of creative and strategic thinking, form and content, integrating type and image, moving image and visual storytelling. The learning in visual communication through typography, photography, illustration etc. is underpinned with case studies and project work. The Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 2 module reinforces the Year 2 theme by examining the cultivation of ideas in art and design in the 20th century and its influence on contemporary graphic design.
In the second semester, you will undertake a placement for one day each week for a period of 12 - 14 weeks. Students benefit hugely from this first-hand industry experience and the valuable insight into the design profession that it provides. The industry links made on placement, combined with the learning gained in client contact and professional project deadlines, have meant that the placement module has become a real confidence builder for students as they prepare to enter year three.
The theme of third year is live focus, whereby a contextual understanding of design as an outwardly focused activity is practiced. This develops your ability to visually communicate to an intended audience through design, typography, illustration, motion design etc. Year 3 brings an increase in skills and confidence that enables you to become a more independent practitioner of design. The Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 5 module underscores the creative studio activity.
Why take this course?
As one of the top graphic design courses in Ireland, the BA in Graphic Design course 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 work space 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’ll be encouraged to follow your passion and to develop your style. At the same time, you will be exposed to a host of new exciting disciplines and skills that will enhance and inform your work. Using design and critical thinking, you’ll learn how to generate ideas and visually communicate creative design solutions. Over your design education journey, supported by committed staff, you will grow into a designer with an individual voice who can think for themselves and visually communicate their ideas in their work.
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Subjects Taught |
Expand+What will I study?
Year 1: Graphic Design – Looking Anew, Visual Research and Exploration, Professional Practice – Communications and Personal Development, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 1, Design Methods, Visual Image and Meaning, Visua...
Hide-What will I study?
Year 1: Graphic Design – Looking Anew, Visual Research and Exploration, Professional Practice – Communications and Personal Development, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 1, Design Methods, Visual Image and Meaning, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 2, Professional Practice – Communications and Professional Development
Year 2: Graphic Design and The Visual Word, Image Creation and Animation, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 3, Professional Practice 3 Placement Preparation, Graphic Design – A Critical View, Image Creation and The Moving Image, Professional Practice – Industry Placement, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 4
Year 3: Designing Brand Identity, Imagebased Narratives, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 5, Professional Practice in Collaborative Environments, Studio Live Design, Major Design Project, Professional Practice in Personal Promotion, Visual Culture and Contextual Studies 6
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Comment |
Other Information
• QQI FET/FETAC Applicants
• Work placement |
Careers or Further Progression |
What can I do after the course?
Design students have a track record of winning awards at local, national and international student assessment schemes and competitions. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in Ireland and overseas, and are employed in digital design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, printing, the arts, the film and television industries and in teaching roles in second level, PLC and third-level courses. |
Further Enquiries |
Tara Cullen
Course Leader
Tel: +353 (0)90 64 68298
Email: Tara.Cullen@tus.ie |
Course Web Page |
Web Page - Click Here |
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Points History |
Year |
Points |
|
2022 |
526 |
# (Test / Interview / Portfolio / Audition) |
2021 |
642 |
# (Test / Interview / Portfolio / Audition) |
2020 |
781 |
# (Test / Interview / Portfolio / Audition) |
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