The Portfolio Preparation program provides a rigorous foundation in art, craft, and design, tailored for students aiming for higher education in Ireland or abroad. The curriculum emphasizes the development of original ideas through intensive drawing and personal research. By exploring a broad spectrum of creative disciplines, learners identify their individual strengths and refine their artistic focus. The course is specifically structured to produce a balanced, professional portfolio that showcases both technical proficiency and a unique creative voice.

This is of interest both to students who wish to pursue a career or progress to further study in this area. The programme covers a variety of disciplines, as listed below. Individual studio space allows for development of creativity and challenges the student to become more inventive and confident in their strategic thinking. Visiting artist workshops are organised to encourage an understanding of contemporary artistic practices and thinking. Students are given the opportunity to visit a number of exhibitions and art galleries throughout the academic year. An end-of-year show allows students to display work they have created in the course of the year.

This intensive one-year course is designed for students aiming to produce a high-standard portfolio for third-level Art, Craft, and Design programs. It fosters an independent work ethic and problem-solving skills through a series of practical and conceptual creative tasks. Due to its ambitious nature and short deadlines, the program requires significant personal commitment to prepare learners for the rigors of university study in Ireland or abroad.

The Art Graphics and Printmaking (AGP) course is a comprehensive program designed to help students build a versatile and dynamic portfolio that bridges the gap between traditional fine art and modern digital design. The curriculum offers a rich blend of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, and photography, alongside intensive training in computer-based design. By utilizing a dedicated digital studio equipped with industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, students gain the technical proficiency required for the competitive world of visual communications. This dual approach ensures that graduates are equally comfortable with a paintbrush as they are with a digital stylus

The aim of this one year full time course course is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of traditional and modern art and craft disciplines including drawing, painting and ceramics as well as working with a variety of materials.

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Develop creative thinking and design skills, learning how to plan, research, and bring ideas to life through hands-on projects.
• Improve drawing abilities, using different materials and methods to express ideas and develop a personal artistic style.
• Explore painting techniques, learning how to use colour, texture, and composition to create original artwork.
• Work with clay, gaining hands-on experience in shaping, glazing, and firing to produce finished ceramic pieces.
• Create original prints, using a range of traditional and modern printmaking techniques.
• Use digital photography creatively, learning how to take, edit, and present photographs using digital tools and software.

This is a one-year course with a requirement to achieve 120 credits. It particularly suits participants that are eager to develop their artistic skills in a wide range of different modules.

Location: Athlone

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and competence in art, craft and design in order to meet the standards set by the awarding body in the award specification for Art, Craft and Design level 5.

Please refer to Programme Descriptor for Programme Objectives. Employment opportunities in this area range from setting up their own small art and craft business to working in areas such as community art, festival events, interior decorating and so on.