The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Graphic Design at BCFE is an award-winning, two-year intensive program designed to launch successful careers in the creative industries. By working on a mix of tailored in-house projects and live competition briefs, students develop a sophisticated visual language and the technical versatility required to solve complex design challenges. The curriculum encourages a holistic exploration of the field, merging traditional non-digital methods with cutting-edge digital practices. From mastering typography and branding to exploring motion graphics and art direction, learners cultivate a distinct personal style backed by a solid foundation in design history and theory.

Studying graphic design unleashes your creativity and equips you with the power to visually captivate audiences and shape unforgettable brand experiences in today’s dynamic digital world. This Graphic Design programme includes four key strands:

• Graphic Design covers typography, layout, visual identity, and publication design, establishing classic design principles.
• Illustration & Motion Design fosters creativity in illustration, editorial illustration, photography, and motion design for visual storytelling.
• UX Design focuses on UX/UI and interaction design for user-centric digital experiences.
• Design Theory provides a theoretical foundation in design principles, practices, and critical thinking for effective design.

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Illustration is a 4-year course. It has a common first semester, after which students also have the opportunity to switch to another design programme if they wish (subject to available places).

Topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History & Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business & Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos. Graphic Design & Illustration students will learn about visual communications, illustration, typography, visual communications - major project, advanced digital design, and book arts for design.

This course is founded on strong design principles of research, content-generation and development, problem-identification and problem-solving. We value experimentation and thinking over ready-made and easily identifiable solutions, and we encourage processes that will develop our students' individual style and voice.

Students have the opportunity to explore a range of media and approaches, including various methods of animation, motion graphics, special FX, interaction, live action, dramatic and short-form documentary filmmaking.

This foundation course in graphic design is one year program and our students will learn a wide range of visual communication skills with an emphasis on creative problem solving for graphic design. The course has been designed to offer students an opportunity to develop core skills required for continued study in the areas of graphic design, visual communications, digital media, photography, and illustration. We use the latest graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects.

The Graphic Design Level 6 course is an advanced program designed for students with prior experience in art and design who wish to elevate their technical and conceptual expertise. The curriculum focuses on refining design thinking, illustration, and typography while introducing modern digital competencies like motion graphics and web development. A standout feature of the course is its professional orientation, where students engage with real-world clients, deliver design pitches, and participate in industry workshops and conferences. 

This one-year course will aim to offer participants an introduction to the world of graphic design which is one of the fastest growing areas in the industry. Graphic design is a way for communication as well as self-expression. This course will provide the introduction to careers in the graphic design industry but will also provide an important stepping stone to third level courses leading to exciting careers in the computer design area.

This is a teacher education programme which aims to provide you with the opportunity to become a successful teacher of technology subjects at second level. These subjects include; Junior Certificate (Wood Technology, Graphics) and Leaving Certificate (Construction Studies, Design & Communication Graphics).

The programme is four years in duration and includes a number of school based teaching practice placements. These include a six week placement in the spring semester of year two and a further ten week placement in autumn semester of year four. These placements are designed to provide you, the student teacher, with a genuine opportunity for professional development under the supervision of faculty members of the University.

This degree with specialism in the teaching of Metalwork and Technology, is designed to produce graduates with technological and engineering skills to satisfy the needs of the Irish second level school system in relation to teaching Metalwork, Technical Graphics and Technology at Junior Cycle, and the subjects Technology, Engineering and Design & Communication Graphics at Leaving Certificate

If you are seeking to build a career as a Gym-based exercise Fitness Instructor, then this course if for you. You will achieve an internationally recognised award that qualifies you as a Fitness Instructor, and this can lead you directly to work. You will study the principles and practice of Gym-based Exercise, learning with qualified Fitness Instructors in a professional standard Fitness Studio and sports Hall.

This programme is also underpinned by a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise, that offers you options to progress to Further and Higher Education.

The principal aim of the ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym based exercise) is to provide the learner with the knowledge and practical skills as an introduction into the Fitness sector. The ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training enables the learner to gain the practical and theoretical skills necessary to provide personal training, advice and assistance for active leisure and recreation.

This course offers a broad introduction to Sport, Exercise and Recreation studies, providing learners with the necessary skills to take up employment at entry level in the leisure industry.

Learners will improve their knowledge, competence and understanding of physical fitness and sport both practically and theoretically

This one year course will prepare students for work in the Sports & Leisure Areas. It consists of theoretical and practical training which will enable the students to work in Gyms & Fitness Centres. The course leads to internationally recognised qualifications and students supplement their studies with work experience in a relevant area.

This programme enables learners to obtain a range of practical and theoretical skills en route to attaining the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Hairdressing.

This is a one-year, full-time NFQ Level 5 course designed to equip learners with the essential vocational skills, academic knowledge, and technical competencies required to succeed in a professional salon environment. This program acts as a direct preparatory bridge for entering the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship or transitioning smoothly into the commercial workplace. 

This is year one of a two-year course. The course is aimed at those who would like to pursue a career in hairdressing. Subjects within the course are tailored to suit the hairdressing industry and include cutting, styling, colouring, perming, shampoo and condition and barbering techniques. Students will learn and practice their skills in the onsite hairdressing salons and will have the opportunity to work on models. Work experience is an integral part of the course enhancing employability skills.

The Hairdressing industry is a dynamic working environment, with opportunities for many different careers. This Level 5 course leads to internationally recognised qualifications in the art of hairdressing. You will learn the practical skills of hairdressing and styling, and the underpinning theoretical knowledge that will enable you to pursue a career in hairdressing business.

This course aims to prepare students for employment in the Hairdressing Industry. The overall aim of this programme is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence in hairdressing theory, practice and skills to work independently and under supervision in the dynamic hair industry and/or to progress to further or higher education or training. Students will be given training and confidence to secure an apprenticeship in a hairdressing salon. All practical training takes place in a fully equipped hair salon.

Do you want to start a career in the world of Hairdressing and Beauty?

St. John’s Central offer you training in the essential knowledge and techniques necessary for the Hair and Beauty Industry.

First Year: State Examinations Commission Junior Trades, QQI Hairdressing Level 5 Award.

Second Year: State Examinations Commission Senior Trades, City and Guilds International Hair and Beauty Diplomas, World Federation of Hair and Beauty Schools Certification.

Candidates must have completed first year successfully in order to progress into second year.

Students will have their own hairdressing kit recommended by the college.

Further certification will be offered from industry. Students participate in National and International competitions. There are student exchanges with Sweden, Germany & France through European projects.