Course: Art and Design

Level 5 NQAI
Qualifications Framework
FETAC Code: AAXXX

This is a one year, full time course which gives students a solid foundation in the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes required for further education and a career in Art, Craft or Design. The broad mix of subjects on offer gives students the opportunity to find their own strengths and to prepare a portfolio for submission to colleges of Higher Education.

Description

We provide an intensive year of learning to introduce a wide range of skills and practices. We encourage the development of ideas through drawing and personal research. This course is Certified by FETAC and covers a broad selection of practical and academic disciplines. On completion of the course the student should have a body of work which shows a wide range of experience as well as a sense of focus and direction. In the second and third terms of the year many of the students will be applying to third level colleges of Art and Design. Guidance and assistance in selecting and organising work into a portfolio will be available to these students. 

Course Content

Drawing

Students will spend time drawing from observation using a wide range of materials and approaches and learning to use drawing as a means of recording, investigating and communicating. Students will use their own drawings and research as the basis for all their work. There are also regular life drawing classes.

Painting

The subjects and themes that students have looked at in their drawing are explored further through colour, form and texture using a variety of painting materials and surfaces.

Sculpture

Students have the opportunity to use modelling, carving and constructive techniques to make figurative and abstracted sculptures as developments of visual themes emerging in their personal research.

Printmaking

A wide range of print-making techniques are made available to students (lino-cut, collograph, drypoint,carborundum, monoprint). Students are encouraged to explore the creative potential of these techniques and to make finished editioned prints.

Digital Photography

Students are instructed in the use of Digital SLR cameras, covering technical and creative aspects of photography, so that they may use it as another means of collecting information and exploring image-making.

Metal Craft

Access to metal craft techniques such as enamelling, soldering, etching allows students to further explore their own ideas and to work through the design process to produce works in metal.

History of Art

Students are encouraged to look at their own work in the context of Art History and contemporary practice, to broaden their vocabulary and to prepare for a third-level apporach to the subject.

Other modules covered:

• Communications

• Information Technology

• Work Experience

Certification

This course is certified by FETAC at Level 5.

Progression

Recent Graduates of Art and Design at Inchicore College have gained places in N.C.A.D., D.I.T., I.A.D.T. Dun laoghaire, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Athlone.I.T., and Letterkenny I.T.

Many students have progressed to Higher Education through the Higher Education Links Scheme which allows students to use their FETAC qualification to gain CAO points.

Entry Requirements

Students must be educated to Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied standard. (Exceptions may be made for mature students).

Acceptance to the course is dependent on the satisfactory conclusion of an interview with Art Department staff.

Students should have with them some samples of their work which reflect their studies and interests in art and design.