Courses
Graphic Design and Illustration
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU333 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 4 Years |
CAO Points | 309 (2025) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Graphic Design shapes how we interact with the world—whether through apps, websites, signage, or branding. A designer can help companies, organisations and governments explain, sell and persuade. It has a social impact, not just a commercial one.
Running for over 30 years, this course has evolved with industry needs, blending traditional graphic design skills—typography, layout, and visual identity—with expressive illustration, motion graphics, and interactive UX/UI design. Students also engage with emerging technologies, equipping them for the future of design.
The course emphasizes a deep understanding of the design process and the development of strategic, critical thinking skills. Students tackle real-world client briefs and participate in international competitions, gaining the ability to not only solve problems, but to identify them.
To prepare graduates for entering industry, Year 3 includes a 12-week full-time local, national, or international work placement. We provide our students with the thinking, skills and experiences to future proof them for a long and varied career in design.
Applications to this programme were previously made through AU330 BA (Hons) in Design (Common Entry), which is now closed for application. Applicants can now apply directly to each speciality stream and still enjoy the benefits of a common entry start. Students study common modules and have the flexibility to amend their area of specialisation after their first semester of study, subject to space availability. The design based programmes available for entry in Donegal are;
Progression
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 2 subjects at H5 English or Irish at O6/H7 Maths not required |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions |
Advanced Entry
Applications are welcome for entry to stage 2 of a programme at ATU, following completion of a cognate QQI FET Level 6 Major award.
Transfers into years two, three or four are also welcome from those who have completed learning in a cognate area in another Higher-Level Institute (HEI).
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Fees shown are per annum.
Further information on feesCareers
The main employers are:
• Design studios
• Content creation studios
• In-house design studios within SMEs
• Start-up/innovative enterprises
Graduate careers typically include:
• Advertising & Art Director
• Freelance Design & Illustration
• Graphic Designer
• Interactive Media Designer
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Content Creator
• Print & Publishing Designer
• UX/UI/Digital Product Designer
Further Information
Contact Information
Lorna Ross
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186135
E: lorna.ross@atu.ie
Design & Creative Media