Art and Design & Communication Graphics Bachelor of Education (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Art and Design & Communication Graphics at Atlantic Technological University is a four‑year professional degree that prepares students to become inspiring educators and creative practitioners in art, design, and visual communication. It is ideal for students who are passionate about visual arts, design thinking, and teaching others, combining practical studio skills with pedagogy and curriculum understanding.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
In the first year, students build fundamental skills in visual thinking, artistic practice, and design communication while also beginning their education studies. Core modules include Drawing and Visual Studies, Two‑Dimensional Design, Three‑Dimensional Design, and Introduction to Education Studies, which introduce students to teaching principles and the elements of effective visual communication.

Second Year
The second year deepens artistic and educational understanding through more specialised practice and theory. Units such as Communication Graphics, Digital Media and Design, and Educational Psychology enable students to explore how visual communication tools can be used to engage learners, while also gaining insight into how students learn and how to support diverse learning needs.

Third Year
In the third year, students expand their creative expertise and teaching capability through modules like Advanced Visual Design, Curriculum Development in Art and Design, and Assessment for Learning. Students refine their design portfolio and learn effective instructional design strategies that align creative practice with educational goals.

Fourth Year
In the final year, students focus on professional readiness with extended studio work and teaching placements. Modules such as Professional Practice in Art and Design Education, Inclusive Classroom Strategies, and extended School Placement Experience allow students to apply their artistic and pedagogical knowledge in real classroom settings, developing confidence as emerging art educators.

Focus Areas (in a string)
Art and design practice, visual communication graphics, digital media design, curriculum development, educational psychology, professional teaching skills

Learning Outcomes (in a string)
Ability to create and communicate visually, apply design principles across media, understand learner development, design inclusive art curricula, and demonstrate professional teaching competence

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor of Education award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and is designed to meet professional standards for teaching and creative practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Atlantic Technological University’s art and education graduates are well regarded for their blend of creative expertise and teaching skills, qualifying them for roles as art and design educators, curriculum developers, and creative practitioners in schools and educational settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Art and Design & Communication Graphics at Atlantic Technological University is designed for students who are passionate about creativity and teaching. This four-year honours degree develops practical artistic and design skills alongside professional teaching capabilities. Students gain hands-on experience through studio practice, design projects, and real classroom placements, ensuring they graduate with professional confidence and a strong portfolio of work:

• Annual School Placements — Structured teaching placements every year build classroom experience and develop effective teaching practices.
• Studio and Workshop Practice — Intensive studio time in art, design, and technical graphics allows students to refine creative and technical skills.
• Design & Graphics Projects — Practical assignments cover techniques in visual communication, 3D design, and digital graphics, preparing students for both teaching and creative industries.
• Education Theory Applied Practically — Education projects and classroom planning integrate teaching theory with practical application.
• Collaborative Group Work — Team assignments in design briefs and lesson planning enhance teamwork, problem-solving, and creative collaboration.

Academic Environment and Learning Facilities
Atlantic Technological University provides students with facilities and resources that support both creative practice and professional development:

• Creative Arts and Design Studios — Dedicated spaces for art, drawing, and graphics enable exploration of material, form, and design.
• Digital Graphics and Technology Laboratories — ICT-enabled labs support technical graphics and digital design relevant to creative work and classroom instruction.
• Library and Research Resources — Extensive print and digital collections support research in art, design, education theory, and visual culture.
• Collaborative Spaces — Modern classrooms and shared work areas encourage peer collaboration, critique, and creative exchange.
• Student Support and Career Services — Academic advising and career guidance assist students with portfolio development, placement planning, and transition to professional life.

Graduate Preparation and Future Pathways
Graduates are qualified to apply for accreditation with the Teaching Council and pursue careers as second-level school teachers. The programme also equips students with valuable creative and communication skills, including design thinking, visual communication, and technology literacy, which are highly sought after in design, media, and other creative industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Art and Design & Communication Graphics at Atlantic Technological University are equipped to pursue careers in education and creative visual communication, bringing artistic expertise and pedagogical skills into schools or community learning environments. The programme prepares graduates for roles such as Secondary School Art and Design Teacher, Visual Arts Educator, Curriculum Developer, and Creative Workshop Facilitator, blending creativity with effective teaching practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
This degree combines specialist creative skills with recognised teacher education qualifications, supported by institutional services and professional preparation:

University Career and Employability Services: Atlantic Technological University provides tailored careers support for education students, including guidance on teaching portfolios, interview preparation for teaching positions, professional network events, and access to employment opportunities through school partnerships.
Employment Statistics and Salary Outlook: Graduates from teacher education programmes at ATU achieve strong employment outcomes, with a high proportion securing teaching roles in secondary schools and education settings. Teaching careers in art and design offer stable, structured progression and competitive salaries aligned with national education pay scales.
University–Industry Engagement: The programme includes school placements and partnerships with local education authorities and art organisations, offering real-world classroom experience and connections with professional educators.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value: This qualification is a Level 8 Honours Degree on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications and leads to recognition for teaching art and design to post-primary learners, providing long-term professional credibility.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with expertise in visual communication, design principles, curriculum planning, classroom management, and educational theory, equipping them to contribute confidently in school settings and community arts education.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Art and Design & Communication Graphics may pursue postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Education, Art Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Educational Leadership at Atlantic Technological University or other universities. These pathways support advancement into specialist instructional roles, leadership positions in schools, curriculum development, or further creative research.