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Media

The Media Department emphasises Photography (digital and analogue); Moving Image (video, film, animation – with sound); and Digital Spaces (physical computing, digital installations, digital 3D worlds, virtual reality). Lecturers and technicians have the knowledge and enthusiasm to help you learn the necessary skills and insights, and to develop your ideas hands-on in our studios. You will explore the rapidly changing world of Photography from high-end studio images to social media using phone camera shots. Moving Image involves working with cameras, lights and microphones, experimenting with green screen, developing editing skills, and animation processes. In Digital Spaces, you learn in the virtual world, using digital software and hardware such as Oculus Rift; and in the actual world, transforming physical spaces using sensors, cameras, microphones, networks, screens, speakers and projectors.

Year 1

Explore interdisciplinary Art and Design research, observation and analysis in the first semester. In the second, all Fine Art students get a working taste of subjects with six weeks of workshops in two pathways selected from: Ceramics and Glass, Media, Painting, Print, Sculpture and Textile Art & Artefact. The balance is spent in the Media Department on the ideas, processes and technologies that will become central to your learning.

Year 2

Develop your skills in Photography, Moving Image and Digital Spaces during timetabled studio projects. This learning comes together in an art exhibition event. Workshops, seminars, lectures, presentations and field trips to contemporary art exhibitions are also important. After second year you can: (a) study on an optional Studio+/International year, or, (b) continue into final year.

Year 3: Studio+ & International

An optional opportunity to gain experience in a range of social and cultural contexts in the world beyond NCAD. Build your skills as an artist while working with an organisation with links to the School of Fine Art. Studio+ can also include a period of study abroad through the Erasmus programme with internationally recognised art faculties partnered with NCAD.
Students who choose Studio+ will complete a 4 year BA Fine Art or a 4 year BA Fine Art (International).

Final Year

The year is structured to support the development of your self-directed art practice, with a personal tutor to help guide you, as well as visiting lecturers, off-campus opportunities, field trips, and study visits. Weekly studio presentations, research seminars and lectures provide the framework for learning. By the end of this year you will have developed a substantial body of research and studio work, and will present the outcomes in an exhibition space for assessment.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in both studio practice and in Critical Cultures is continuous: at the end of each completed module and each semester (half-year). Formal assessment results are issued at the end of each academic year. Modes of assessment include practical and written assignments, oral and visual presentations, portfolios and exhibitions.

Critical Cultures

Become a critically engaged, reflective and effective practitioner through studying the connections between history, theory and practice in modern and contemporary contexts.
Find out more on the Find out more

Opportunities after graduation

Media graduates become artists, photographers, filmmakers, curators, animators, lighting designers, app and games developers, special effects designers, television and social media producers, and more. Postgraduate opportunities exist at NCAD with MFA and PhD pathways, as well as nationally and internationally.

Media

BA Fine Art
NFQ Level 8

Duration:
3 or 4 Years

Places:
20

Application:
Course code/s:
AD204 Fine Art
AD101 First Year Art & Design (Common Entry)

Entry Requirements:
Leaving Cert: 6 subjects, 2xH5 and 4xO6/H7
Subjects must include Irish, English and one of the following: A 3rd Language or Art or Design Communication Graphics (DCG)

QQI/FETAC: Level 5 or Level 6:
5 Distinctions, Full Award

A Level/GCSE: 2x A Levels at C+ and 4x GCSE Ordinary or AS level
Subjects to include English and Art or a second language

Portfolio Requirement:
Portfolio submission by Friday 10th February 2023 in line with NCAD Portfolio Submission Guidelines. For further details please go to: ncad.ie/study-at-ncad

Degree awarded:
BA Fine Art/BA Fine Art (with Critical Cultures)
BA Fine Art (International)

Find out more on the Critical Cultures Pathway
Find out more about Studio+