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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
South East Technological UniversityThe Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Visual Communications) at South East Technological University is a four-year creative degree that equips students with the skills to communicate visually and solve real-world problems through design, typography, imagery, and digital media. It is suited to students who are passionate about creative thinking, visual expression, and building a professional portfolio for careers in graphic design, advertising, branding, and multimedia industries.
Curriculum Structure
First Year
In the first year, students develop foundational skills in visual communication and design with modules such as Design Core One – Principles of Design, Design Technology One, Illustration One, Photography One, and Writing & Study Skills. These courses introduce essential design principles, creative techniques, and practical tools for effective visual problem-solving and communication across print and digital platforms.
Second Year
The second year builds creative and technical expertise through modules like Design Core Three – Poster Design, Design Technology Three, Image‑Making One, and Design Culture One. Students explore how design conveys meaning across different cultural contexts, enhance visual thinking, and situate their work within professional and creative traditions.
Third Year
In the third year, students advance their design skills with modules such as Design Core Five – Branding Design, Image‑Making Three, Design Culture Three, and Marketing for Design. Emphasis is placed on developing strategic visual solutions for branding, packaging, and communication projects, alongside the theoretical and legal aspects of professional design practice.
Fourth Year
The final year focuses on professional readiness and innovation through modules like Design Core Seven – The Design Brief, Design Core Eight – Complete Design Brief, Design Culture Five (Thesis), and Entrepreneurial Skills. Students consolidate their learning by producing comprehensive design projects and professional portfolios that prepare them for creative industries or postgraduate study.
Focus Areas (in a string)
Visual design principles, typography, illustration, photography, branding, packaging design, visual culture, digital media, creative strategy
Learning Outcomes (in a string)
Ability to solve visual communication challenges, apply design thinking across print and digital media, create professional portfolios, communicate ideas creatively and effectively, and integrate cultural understanding into design solutions
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor of Arts degree on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and is fully recognised by South East Technological University, ensuring strong academic and professional credentials.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Graduates are prepared for careers in advertising, branding, graphic design, multimedia, web and screen design, packaging, and related creative industries, reflecting SETU’s focus on practical skills and industry-relevant training.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Visual Communications) at South East Technological University offers a hands-on creative education. Students work on real briefs and projects that reflect professional visual communication and design practices. From the start, learners explore visual problem-solving, concept development, and digital production, building confidence and technical skill in a practice-focused environment. The programme encourages collaboration, experimentation, and the use of industry-standard tools so that students graduate with a strong portfolio ready for creative careers:
• Studio-Based Project Work — Students engage in projects including branding, illustration, layout design, typography, and motion graphics.
• Industry-Standard Software — Practical work incorporates current creative tools and digital platforms used in design and media industries.
• Collaborative Creative Tasks — Group projects and team design challenges develop communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experiential Workshops and Critique Sessions — Workshops emphasise creative thinking, with regular critiques to refine work and articulate design decisions.
• Portfolio Development Across Years — Continuous project work allows students to build a professional portfolio showcasing their visual communication skills and creative range.
Academic Environment and Learning Facilities
South East Technological University provides a supportive creative environment with facilities that help students grow as designers and creative thinkers:
• Design Studios and Creative Spaces — Dedicated studios support idea development, sketching, and visual experimentation.
• Computer Labs with Creative Tools — Labs equipped with current design software support digital creation and production.
• Photography and Media Facilities — Spaces for photography and media integration support broader visual communication projects.
• Print and Production Workshops — Students gain experience preparing work for print using professional-level tools and processes.
• Library and Research Support — Extensive resources support study in design theory, visual culture, and communication practice.
Graduate Preparation and Future Pathways
Graduates are equipped for careers in graphic design, branding, advertising, illustration, motion graphics, UX/UI support roles, visual content creation, and creative direction. Emphasis on practical project work and portfolio development ensures students leave ready to enter creative industries or pursue further specialised study in design and related fields.
Graduates of the BA (Honours) in Design (Visual Communications) at South East Technological University are prepared for creative and strategic careers at the intersection of design, media, and brand communication. This programme equips students for roles such as Graphic Designer, Visual Brand Designer, Motion Graphics Specialist, and User Experience (UX) Visual Communicator, combining strong design principles with communication strategy.
Progression & Future Opportunities:
The programme fosters professional readiness and long‑term career growth through practical training, industry exposure, and comprehensive support:
University Career and Employability Services: South East Technological University offers focused careers support including portfolio development, interview and presentation coaching, internship placements, employer networking events, and guidance on freelance or entrepreneurial pathways in the creative industries.
Employment Focus & Skill Development: Students acquire practical skills in visual design, typography, branding, digital media, illustration, motion graphics, and user‑centred communication — all in demand by design studios, advertising agencies, digital media firms, corporate communication teams, and creative consultancies.
Career Sectors & Roles: Graduates typically work as Graphic Designer, Visual Brand Designer, Motion Graphics Specialist, UX Visual Communicator, or Creative Consultant, with opportunities in both established organisations and independent creative practices.
Accreditation and Long‑Term Value: This is a Level 8 Honours Degree on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, ensuring international recognition and credibility that supports career mobility locally and abroad.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates finish the programme with a professional portfolio, strong design thinking capabilities, proficiency in industry tools and technologies, and the ability to communicate complex ideas visually and effectively.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates of the BA (Honours) in Design (Visual Communications) may progress to postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Branding, Interaction Design, or Creative Direction at South East Technological University or other universities. These advanced pathways support deeper specialisation, leadership roles, and opportunities in strategic design, research, and academia.
CAO Points: The CAO points range for this programme is 301–613, reflecting variation based on course demand and applicant performance.NFQ Level: This programme is delivered at NFQ Level 8, representing an undergraduate honours degree. It signifies a high academic standard with a strong emphasis on analytical and professional development.Leaving Certificate (Ireland): Applicants must present six recognised subjects, including two at H5 and four at O6/H7. The subjects must include English or Irish and Mathematics at O6/H7, ensuring core competency requirements are met.IELTS (Academic): Applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to meet English language requirements. A minimum score of 5.0 in each component is required to demonstrate balanced proficiency.TOEFL: Applicants may present TOEFL results in any accepted format to meet English language requirements. The minimum scores required are 196 in the Computer-Based Test with at least 15 in each component, 70 in the Internet-Based Test with at least 15 in each component, or 550 in the Paper-Based Test.A-Level / GCSE: Applicants must present two GCE A-Level subjects at Grade C to meet Level 8 requirements. In addition, four GCSE subjects at Grade C are required to demonstrate a broad academic foundation.International Baccalaureate (IB): Applicants must complete the IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points overall. This must include at least 12 points from Higher Level subjects and 9 points from Standard Level subjects.American Curriculum (USA): Applicants must hold a High School Equivalency Diploma or GED Diploma. A minimum average grade of 60% is required, with additional consideration given to SAT, ACT, or AP scores where available.CBSE / Indian Boards: Applicants must have completed Higher Secondary education or Standard XII from a recognised Indian board. A minimum average grade of 60% is required for eligibility.Public Relations ExecutiveCorporate Communications OfficerInternal Communications SpecialistMedia Relations ManagerCorporate Affairs ExecutiveBrand Communication ManagerMarketing Communications ExecutiveContent StrategistDigital Communications ManagerSocial Media ManagerPublic Affairs OfficerGovernment Communications OfficerPolicy Communications AdvisorCommunity Engagement OfficerNGO Communications CoordinatorAdvocacy and Campaigns OfficerCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) OfficerInvestor Relations ExecutiveCorporate SpokespersonSpeechwriterCopywriterContent WriterEditorial AssistantJournalistMedia PlannerMedia BuyerAdvertising Account ExecutiveAccount Manager (Communications Agencies)Communications ConsultantReputation Management ConsultantCrisis Communication ManagerChange Communication SpecialistEmployer Branding SpecialistHuman Resources Communications OfficerInternal Engagement ManagerEvent Communications ManagerCorporate Event ManagerStakeholder Engagement ManagerSustainability Communications OfficerResearch Assistant (Social Sciences)Communication AnalystMarket Research ExecutivePublic Information OfficerPolitical Communications AssistantInternational Communications OfficerIntercultural Communication Consultant
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