We live in an increasingly image based culture. The digital age has brought with it a growing expectation of pictorial instruction, signs and symbols and in many contexts, the image has begun to replace the word.

A successful illustration is one that communicates the message through the unique/personal vision of the illustrator. This course blends digital technology with traditional methods, while offering a creative environment where students can experiment and develop their illustrative skills.

Students build a portfolio (both online and hardcopy) showcasing their work, with a view to progressing to the next level, be it higher education or industry.

This two-year program focuses on developing a strong visual language and narrative skills across various illustrative styles. Students master drawing, digital media, and 3D methods while ensuring their work is commercially viable. Through in-house and industry-linked assignments, learners explore sectors like children's books, graphic novels, editorial, and fashion illustration, supported by professional feedback to refine their artistic direction.

This one-year introductory course to illustration techniques and practices will enable you to develop your artistic skills and to begin the process of becoming proficient in illustration. It is also designed for those who have an interest in many aspects of art and who want to develop their appreciation of art, craft, and design.

The course will prepare you for further study in BCFE or at higher education level. It is ideal for both school leavers and mature students who are interested in art

Using professional standard iMac suite, you will create projects to develop your skills in illustration, drawing, image creation, photography, and much more. You will build on these practical creative skills and generate and evolve ideas to finished illustrative products. In addition, you will produce a portfolio of work for progression to Higher Education and your future career, becoming proficient in the Adobe suite of software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and more), building on these skills for real live projects and your art portfolio.

If you are interested in making a difference to the lives and health of others by exploring innovative solutions to complex challenges in health, disease and medicine-making, then iBio is the course for you.

This programme is ideal if you are passionate about the science of disease and medicines, creative and curious about the world around you, love a challenge and working in teams using scientific data to solve complex problems.

Progression to a Masters in Immersive Bioscience & Biotherapeutics (NFQ Level 9) is available.

The BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production is a comprehensive level 8 degree programme designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to produce immersive and engaging media experiences. This multidisciplinary field encompasses various forms of media, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and 360-degree video. Throughout the program, learners explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of immersive media, gaining expertise in areas such as storytelling, audio visual production, 3d modelling, coding and virtual production. By combining technical proficiency with artistic creativity, graduates of this degree programme are well-prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of immersive media production, contributing to the development of cutting-edge experiences across industries such as entertainment, education, marketing, and training.

With a strong emphasis on both technical expertise and creative expression, this degree equips learners with a versatile skill set that enables them to push the boundaries of storytelling and create impactful immersive experiences.

Immersive Software Engineering is a new computer science degree where you learn by doing. You get an integrated Bachelors/Masters qualification (level 9) in four years. You spend half your time learning on campus in a research-driven paradigm, in studios, working on projects, in teams, undergoing continuous assessment instead of end of term exams. You spend the other half of your time in paid residencies, where you solve some of society’s toughest problems in excellent companies.

The goal of Immersive Software Engineering is to turn curious, creative people like you into top notch problem solvers and software engineers, familiar with concepts, methods and tools, and with about 2 years of experience gained in the field in up to 5 companies.  

This certificate will offer an in-depth analysis of immigration law and its application in Ireland. The central pieces of legislation covered by the course include the Aliens Acts, the Immigration Acts, the Refugee Act 1996, the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, the International Protection Act 2015, and the numerous statutory instruments covering immigration and citizenship.

The course also scrutinises how this legislation has been interpreted over the years by the courts, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), and by Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), together with the impact of Brexit.

This minor award is designed to support learners in developing clinical and case management skills to improve the quality and outcome of therapy via the use of client feedback and the best available scientific evidence. The certificate will develop learners’ knowledge; understanding and competence in developing feedback informed practice. This module adds to the learner’s toolkit of strategies for use in developing a personalised, theoretical and research informed clinical practice.

The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice prepares students for a career supporting children and young people with additional needs in inclusive education settings.

With blended delivery, the degree is structured to fit around work, placement, and personal commitments. Learning is grounded in real education practice, with modules exploring child development, inclusive approaches, behaviour, safeguarding, reflective practice, and the wider role of education support.

The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice – 1 Year Top-Up at Portobello Institute is a one-year honours degree for those who already hold a relevant level 7 qualification and are ready to complete a level 8 award to progress their careers in inclusive education.

Building on previous study in education, early learning, or inclusive practice, this top-up degree develops advanced understanding of SEN, behaviour support, child development, reflective practice, and inclusive learning environments.

The main objectives of the programme are:

1. Like other college students, the learners will learn more about: communication techniques, working as part of a team, personal and interpersonal skills, social skills, personal awareness, independence, the world of work, self-advocacy, and assertiveness skills.
2. The programme will offer the learner an opportunity to participate in the social and leisure activities of college life: socialising with other students, participating in the gym and some sports.
3. Through their participation in classes, learners will develop confidentiality skills, memory skills, imagination and an understanding of other people’s lives.
4. In the different tutorials that learners attend, they will develop: academic, artistic, reasoning and problem solving skills in PDP (Personal Development Plan) class, drama, maths, computer class, work skills, horticulture, creative studies and health promotion.
5. The overall objective of the programme—and the benchmark by which it will ultimately be measured—is that the learner, having completed the programme, will be better equipped to attain employment—and to maintain—employment

Monaghan Institute, in collaboration with ATU Donegal, are offering students the chance to complete a Level 8 Honours Degree in Inclusive Practice for Special Needs Assistance, over three years. This is a very exciting opportunity for people interested in progressing in the area to gain a Level 8 Degree locally.

This Certificate in Inclusive Support and Care in Education for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) is offered by the School of Education in collaboration with the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies. The Programme has been developed and designed in conjunction with the Department of Education (DoE) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The overall aim of the programme is to prepare graduates as reflexive, ethically-aware practitioners who can apply their knowledge and skills to a range of settings, to support, empower individuals, families and communities, in order to make positive changes in their lives, to challenge social injustice and work to effect positive social change.

The overall aim of the programme is to prepare graduates as reflexive, ethically-aware practitioners who can apply their knowledge and skills to a range of settings, to support, empower individuals, families and communities, in order to make positive changes in their lives, to challenge social injustice and work to effect positive social change.

This course aims to produce graduates with the skills needed for employment as technicians/technologists or scientific personnel in the fields of technology and physics, with a particular emphasis on the applications of physics in industrial and environmental contexts, including the science underlying renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

This course has been designed with the needs of industry in mind, graduates can expect to work across a variety of industries, including but not limited to, manufacturing, transportation, consultancy, distribution services, and the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

This is a one-year, full-time programme that provides an introduction to digital content creation and influencing. Successful applicants will gain insight into the ever-expanding world of digital content and advertising, online journalism, influencing and podcasting. This course may be attractive to students and established business owners, who are looking to gain skills in online marketing and advertising, or those wishing to establish an online following with new content ideas. 

The course introduces students to the following industry standard software: Adobe Creative Suite & Canva Professional. Students have access to the new Digi-Hub containing iMacs, VR glasses, portable green screens, podcasting and other technology.

Information & Communication Studies (ICS) equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to help you to make sense of a world where every aspect of human experience is affected by digital technology, media, data, and information in all formats. ICS explores digital information, social media, and communication and analyses their effects on societies, culture, politics, privacy, health, education and the many different spheres of public, private and personal life.