Art

About the CEAD Higher Diploma in Art

The Higher Diploma in Art provides mature students with opportunities to deepen their knowledge, skills and experience in visual art practice. This programme provides lifelong learning to participate in a flexible learning environment and acquire a level 8 qualification in art. Having completed a level 7 University Certificate in NCAD (or equivalent in art, design or photography), and carrying 30 ECTS credits forward, students are eligible to apply for this two year programme. During the Higher Diploma in Art, students progress from creative exploration, inquiry and discovery, to engagement with context, audience, histories and cultures.



Social, ecological and economic challenges continue to impact on creative processes and increasingly visual arts practitioners require the ability to collaborate, innovate and influence. Through exploration of materials and competent use of a range of techniques and processes, students will apply skills and knowledge to practice. The Higher Diploma in Art includes skills-based workshops, research methods, discipline orientation, project-based learning, professional practice combined with theories underpinning contemporary visual culture. The programme provides interdisciplinary approaches and includes discipline options in drawing, painting and expanded practice.



The aims of the programme are to:

• Establish a research methodology applicable to practice

• Explore concepts, ideas and research processes in contemporary art

• Encourage experimentation through engagement with studio-based projects

• Develop self-discipline and effective time management applicable to practice

• Acquire skills and knowledge applicable to an evolving practice

• Foster critical engagement with art practice, contemporary visual culture and society



The objectives of the programme are to:

• Encourage the development of analytical skills and an understanding of reflective processes within studio practice

• Examine and critically analyse key theories in contemporary critical culture

• Explore discipline characteristics, boundaries and transdisciplinary approaches to fine art

• Support decision-making, interpretation, judgement and evaluative strategies applicable to practice

• Develop an applied knowledge of materials, processes and technical skills appropriate to practice

• Develop an understanding of contemporary visual art practices

• Create a body of work for exhibition or display



Who is this programme for?

Typically a student applying to this programme will be able to show an interest in and commitment to developing a professional practice in art. Previous experience of art is required, either through attending accredited courses in continuing education at NCAD or similar further education courses. Students participating in this programme will be encouraged to challenge traditional views of art and engage in a process of experimentation with the view to developing a direction for their practice. The programme is intensive and while delivered in a flexible manner it will involve a considerable time commitment.

Modules:

Credits Core or Option Trimester



Year 1:

CEAD2002 Materials and Media 10 Core Autumn

CEAD2003 Theories and Concepts in Critical Cultures 1 5 Core Autumn

CEAD2004 Multi-disciplinary Art 1 5 Core Autumn

CEAD2005 Multi-disciplinary Art 2 10 Core Spring

CEAD2008 Print-Making Techniques 5 Option Spring

CEAD2009 Digital Film 5 Option Spring

CEAD2006 Discipline Project Fine Art 1 5 Core Spring

CEAD2007 Professional Practice 2 5 Core Spring



Year 2:

CEAD2011 Studio Research Fine Art 1 10 Core Autumn

CEAD2012 Theories and Concepts in Critical Cultures 2 5 Core Autumn

CEAD2010 Discipline Project Fine Art 2 5 Core Autumn

CEAD2013 Studio Practices Fine Art 1 10 Core Spring

CEAD2014 Studio Practices Fine Art 2 10 Core Spring

CEAD2015 Professional Practice 3 5 Core Spring

Entry Requirements

Applicants to this programme should be 21 years or over by January 1st of the year they intend to start the programme. Applicants who are eligible to apply will have successfully completed a CEAD Level 7 University Certificate or the equivalent with 30 ECTS credits to carry forward. Applicants are also required to demonstrate a commitment to the development of an art practice and be willing to engage in a programme involving investigation and experimentation.



Advanced Entry

Advanced entry to year 2 of the Higher Diploma in Art is evaluated by the prior learning of the individual student. Please contact CEAD@staff.ncad.ie Please note advance entry places are limited.

Applications will open in Spring 2026. Please see "Application Weblink" above.



Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Art submit an online application form, write a short Artist Statement along with a portfolio of images

Students will attend on a part-time basis for approximately 30 weeks. Normally students will attend for a minimum of 6 hours per week, 6.15 to 9.00pm. Typically this could be Tuesday and Thursday evening for year 1 students and Monday and Wednesday evening for year 2 students. The course is blended and some of these sessions will be online. The programme includes evening attendance and the occasional Saturday morning. Currently in year 2 there is a 4-day block at Easter when students are asked to attend during the day. These dates will be in the timetable received at the beginning of the year.

Applications will open in Spring 2026 for starting September 2026.