Course Summary
This Professional Certificate has been designed for practicing artists and designers, research students who wish to develop methods of research that suit their practice needs. It can be taken with a current research project in mind or as approached as a rich tank of ideas that will fuel future practice.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission may be considered on the basis of a recognition of previous learning whether based on prior relevant experience or other relevant credited or non credited or learning (RPL). In such cases each applicant will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on a review of the applicant’s CV and other supporting documentation.
Essential Supporting Documentation
- A statement framing your reasons for applying to the programme, i.e. how attending the above selected course will benefit you and your practice (500 words)
- A recent CV
- Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed
- Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.
Application Details
Apply To NCAD
Applications via springboardcourses.ie
Application Date:
19/10/2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, the performing arts or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
High level research skills and critical understanding of research practices are vital skills for many artists and designers working today, as well as curators, arts writers and critics.
The professional certificate is also be an excellent foundation for a future research degree (MPhil, MLitt, MRes, PhD)
