3D Digital and Traditional Art and Design Level 5

The Art Portfolio – 3D Digital and Traditional Art and Design course at Ballyfermot College is an intensive one-year foundation programme. Specifically, it places a strong emphasis on practical design. The curriculum equips students with the skills to research and develop ideas visually. They achieve this through drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. As a result, this Level 5 course empowers learners to build a highly tailored portfolio. This portfolio is perfect for entry into specialised degree programmes like modelmaking, costume design, and stage design.

Certification

Graduates of this programme receive a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Art (Award Code: 5M1985). This nationally recognised qualification acts as a direct pathway, leading straight into higher education art degrees or advanced Level 6 diplomas.

Course Content

This highly practical course allows students to explore a broad range of creative disciplines. Consequently, learners can easily tailor assignments to their specific areas of interest. Students develop essential visual research skills throughout the year. Meanwhile, they work across both traditional and digital mediums to create a professional portfolio.

• Drawing (5N1862)

• Sculpture (5N1918)

• Image Processing (5N1292)

• Figure Studies (5N1869)

• Communications (5N0690)

• Design Skills (5N0784)

• Painting (5N1302)

• Work Experience (5N1356)

• Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design (5N0755)

Suitability

This course perfectly suits school leavers looking to build a specialised portfolio. It is also great for mature students returning to education. Aspiring creatives interested in physical and digital design fields will also thrive here. It is an ideal starting point for those wanting to pursue careers in prop making or set design. From here, graduates often progress to third-level institutions such as NCAD, TUD, or IADT.

Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Five O6/H7 grades in the Leaving Certificate / LCVP, or a Merit in the Leaving Certificate Applied.

• Alternatively, applicants can present a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate or equivalent.

• Standard academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).

Portfolio Requirements:
Applicants must attend an interview and bring an original portfolio of their best work. Importantly, this artwork must be completed within the past year. The portfolio should contain:

• A selection of recent observational drawings and paintings. These should use a range of media like pencil, charcoal, pastel, and paint.

• Photographs of any 3D objects or physical models the applicant has made.

• Sketchbooks or notebooks that highlight the creative thought process and idea development.