Art Portfolio, Art, Design and Mixed Media Level 5

The Art Portfolio – Art, Design and Mixed Media course at Ballyfermot College is an immersive one-year foundation programme. It is specifically designed to help students build a high-quality, individual portfolio for entry into prestigious art colleges across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Throughout the year, learners engage in both studio and location work, developing a broad range of fine art skills and personal creative expression.

Certification

Graduates of this programme are awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Art (Award Code: 5M1985). This nationally recognised qualification acts as a direct stepping stone into higher education art and design degrees or advanced Level 6 diplomas.

Course Content

This course takes a highly practical approach, giving students access to professional facilities like film and digital cameras, darkrooms, 3D making studios, and a traditional printmaking press. The curriculum even includes a unique three-week open studio block for work experience, allowing learners to fully immerse themselves in cross-module artmaking.

• Drawing (5N1862)

• Sculpture (5N1918)

• Work Experience (5N1356)

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

• Combined Materials (5N0764)

• Fine Art and Graphics Photo Imaging (5N5329)

• Figure Studies (5N1869)

• Communications (5N0690)

• Painting (5N1302)

• Printmaking (5N1373)

Suitability

This course perfectly suits school leavers looking to build a standout portfolio for third-level art colleges like NCAD, TUD, IADT, and LSAD, as well as mature students returning to education to explore their creativity. It is ideal for aspiring artists who want to experiment with different mediums—from fashion and illustration to sculpture and fine art—before progressing to a BA degree or advancing into Level 6 courses in Graphic Design, Illustration, or Animation.

Requirements

Academic Requirements:

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

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

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

Portfolio Requirements:
Applicants must bring an original portfolio of their best work completed within the past year to their interview. This portfolio should contain:

• 12 to 15 pieces of recent work and observational studies based on what excites the applicant creatively.

• A wide range of mediums, such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, oil, or paint.

• Examples of varied creative techniques, which can include sewn, sculpted, photographed, and drawn pieces.

• Quick sketches and detailed drawings that clearly demonstrate an ability to work with line, tone, texture, colour, surface, and form.