Course Summary
The Higher Diploma in Fine Art is a joint Burren College of Art/University of Galway programme based at the Burren College of Art. It is equivalent to the American Post Baccalaureate programme and is known informally as the 'Post Bac'. Students of the Post Bac register as students of both Burren College of Art and University of Galway. The programme operates in association with the Royal College of Art, London, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, both of which provide visiging faculty to the programme.
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
Applicants should normally have a primary degree (at NFQ Level 7 or 8). A major in fine art is not required for this programme. All eligible applicants are interviewed either in person or by phone.
Additional Requirements
All eligible applicants are interviewed either in person or by telephone.
Application Details
Closing Date: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all places have been filled.
Apply online www.burrencollege.ie/programmes/postbac/applications.html Applications should be made directly to Burren College of Art (BCA). All eligible applicants are interviewed either in person or by phone.
Next start date: September 2026
Fees
(2 Semesters) EU Fee €9,500 / International Fee €18,860
NOTE: To be eligible for EU fee rates, you must hold an EU passport which has been valid for at least one year prior to applying to the programme.
Other Fees
Programme Fee €550 per year
Activity Fee €450 per year
Optional Faculty-led trip to London €720*
Optional Faculty-led trip to Berlin €720*
Graduation Fee €100 final year
*Indicative only, subject to change.
Scholarship information available at www.burrencollege.ie.
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, 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
Graduates have found employment in professions associated with the practice of art.