On the course you learn the skills of being a designer, sketching, model making/prototyping, creative problem solving, visual communication and working as part of a team. You will be using programmes like Solidworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design and more. 

This very practical course has been designed to develop the creative craft skills of learners who want to design, manufacture and produce their own creative designs. It is aimed at learners who have a flair for arts and crafts, but also want to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies to start their own business and sell the products they produce. Learners may also choose to progress their studies into Higher Education through the Higher Education Links Scheme.

This course will give students a firm foundation in graphics, the design process and design theory in a studio-based environment. Using a hands-on approach, students will develop problem solving skills, including the ability to think creatively, three-dimensionally and technically. It is suited to students who want to pursue a career in design and enhance their career opportunities by developing a portfolio. There will be an opportunity to specialise in a chosen design discipline (3D Product Construction).

This one-year full time course (MORNINGS ONLY) equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the fashion design process to work independently and under supervision and to progress to further or higher education and training. Learners will develop their understanding of the principles and techniques of fashion design and garment construction, with a strong focus on pattern drafting and grading, fitting, altering, and finishing of garments. The course will introduce elements of design through fabric manipulation and dyeing to help with characterisation of the garment as well as an introduction to fashion/design history. This course is practical and workshop based and participants will learn by doing.

The Fashion Design and Construction program at the College of FET, Mulgrave Street Campus, is a one-year, QQI Level 5 course designed for learners looking to up-skill, re-skill, or explore the modern fashion trade. The curriculum approaches fashion design as an aesthetic, cultural, and functional study, placing a powerful emphasis on hands-on, practical execution. Students learn to apply design concepts directly to produce real-world results in both textile development and garment construction, while exploring critical themes like historical and sustainable fashion. A core element of the program is the creation of an individual fashion portfolio that showcases original design processes, creative problem-solving, and digital illustration mastery using industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. 

This is a one-year, full-time QQI Level 5 course tailored for Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) and mature learners passionate about the creative industries. The curriculum focuses on developing foundational knowledge, skill, and competence in the design process, allowing students to work on projects ranging from elementary to complex. Learners must build a comprehensive portfolio of work, which is a mandatory requirement of the course. This program serves as a creative springboard, empowering students to work independently or under supervision in their chosen field, with excellent direct progression opportunities

Visual Communication is often referred to as graphic design and it embraces symbols, type and images that appear in the commercial public domain.

Graphic designers work across a wide variety of print and screen disciplines and the end result is normally a creative output in 2D format. With the arrival of digital and mobile technology, visual communication now includes visual media, information design and screen-based design. 

Bachelor of Arts in Design is a common entry programme with degree award options: Animation, Graphic Design and Illustration, Film and Media Promotion, or Fashion Design with Promotion. It is designed to provide students interested in Art & Design with an opportunity to study various subject areas before choosing a specialised field to pursue the career of their dreams.

The BA in Design (Common Entry) course is the first year of a three year (Level 7) course. Following exploration of design disciplines in the first semester, you will begin to focus on your preferred specialist area in the second semester. In Year 2 you will then transfer on to one of the following level 7/8 degree courses; BA in Product Design, BA in Interior Design, BA in Graphic Design and Illustration, BA in Textile and Fashion Design

Other topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History & Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business & Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos.

The work of the Design – Visual Communication graduate is all about breathing life into images, text and concepts, turning them on their head and communicating them in a fresh way to a wide audience.

This four-year course will suit you if you wish to become a graphic designer, illustrator, typographer or digital media designer.

The Bachelor of Technology in Design Engineering combines the creativity embedded in the process and practice of design with the innovative engineering capabilities to utilise advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The course will equip learners with skills and aptitudes that will elevate their potential to conceive innovative solutions to real world problem statements. They will also be equipped with the technical abilities to fully develop and deploy these meaningful design solutions across a wide range of technological outputs. This integrated approach of creativity coupled with analytical and technological techniques makes for an adaptable future facing graduate.

Design for Climate Action imagines real, positive, and impactful change, generating dynamic and creative concepts to address complex environmental and social challenges resulting from climate change.

This course looks to equip emerging learners with an awareness and understanding of climate change issues and the urgency for meaningful action, while also providing tools, methods, and platforms to influence behavioural, personal, professional, and sectoral change.

Based in the National Film School, this is the only course in Ireland to bring together set designers, costume designers, character designers, model makers and digital artists, all learning highly specialised skills in a fully professional, collaborative context. Explore the worlds of character, costume, set, model making, games/VFX design for careers in film, theatre, television, entertainment and the digital narrative arts.

This is a one-year, hands-on course tailored for aspiring production designers, art directors, and concept artists. This course is specifically engineered to help students build a competitive, professional portfolio required for entry into prestigious third-level art and design degrees. Learning within a collaborative studio environment, students transition from initial concept sketches to physical creations. The curriculum emphasizes the full pipeline of visual storytelling, including set and prop design, architectural model making, character creation, and storyboarding. By focusing heavily on process development and idea generation, the program ensures graduates can confidently present a diverse portfolio that clearly communicates their unique creative vision to university admissions boards and industry professionals.

This programme enables learners to explore the capacity of design as a critical and collaborative agent of social, cultural and economic change.

It asks the learner to consider the potential impact of design on a range of contemporary commercial, social and cultural issues.

Equal emphasis is placed on critical thinking. Learners explore speculative, fictional, discursive, and impact-led design methodologies, equipping them with the skills required to provoke meaningful change.

Learn valuable design methodologies and strategies that will transform your approach to problem solving and innovation.

Design thinking can transform the way organisations develop products, services, processes and strategy. Many companies now use design thinking methodologies to help them overcome key business challenges ever present in today’s fast-paced technology and data driven environment.

The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging programme is designed to provide vocational education at undergraduate level for careers in diagnostic radiography.The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging course is a full-time programme of study of three-years duration.

On completion, successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration under the protected title of "Radiographer" or "Diagnostic Radiographer" with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulatory body responsible for ensuring continuing standards of education, training and professional proficiency in order to protect the public.

The course is also recognised and endorsed by the Society and College of Radiographers, both students and graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for membership of the Society of Radiographers.

This four-year, level 8 programme (including a placement) offers a direct pathway into a full-time career in accounting, decision making, systems accounting, digital auditing, process design, business and data analytics, blockchain, system analysis programme development and application support. Digital Accounting will develop accounting graduates with traditional accounting competencies combined with applied digital technology skills, to ensure graduates have the required skill set to operate in the current and future business environment. 

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital and Business Skills (DABS) is a future-focused four-year degree programme designed to equip students with a broad range of employability competencies, preparing them for a successful career in the everchanging business and digital world.

The programme combines academic study with real-world workplace learning, fostering adaptability and resilience. The degree programme has been jointly developed by curriculum and academic teams in National College of Ireland and City of Dublin Education and Training Board (City of Dublin ETB).

Provider Locations and Structure
The programme offers a delivery pathway through City of Dublin ETB’s Cathal Brugha FET Campus for Years 1 and 2, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to access new opportunities and transition seamlessly to National College of Ireland to complete their degree for Years 3 and 4.

This course blends Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition with the technical and artistic skills needed for a career in the expanding gaming and animation industries. Designed for aspiring animators and game designers, the programme fosters creativity and innovation to prepare students for global industry opportunities.