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 options for adults who wish to participate in flexible learning and acquire a level 8 qualification in art. Having completed a level 7 certificate and carrying 30 ECTS credits forward, students are eligible to apply for this 2 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, students will apply skills and knowledge of processes to practice. This 2 year programme includes skills-based workshops, research methods, discipline orientation, project-based learning, professional practice combined with theories underpinning contemporary visual culture. The Higher Diploma in Art provides for interdisciplinary approaches and includes discipline options in drawing, painting and expanded practice with students’ orientation for practice identified on completion of stage 1 of this 2 year programme.



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



Teaching and Learning Strategies

Group critiques, individual presentations, peer learning and group display of final project work all feature within the programme. Lectures, seminars, projects, group discussion, tutorials, presentations and group dialogue form part of the teaching and learning strategies. In year one students will have the opportunity to work in the environs of IMMA. A series of sequential practical projects will feature throughout the programme. Students are encouraged to actively engage in dialogue with peers, tutors and visiting lecturers. The teaching strategies support student-centred as well as problem-posing and problem-solving approaches with small group as well as individual tuition. The programme includes both studio-based learning and collaborative approaches to learning and practice.



In the early stages of the programme student led presentations, combined with participation in small group studio critiques, will facilitate students to gain confidence and enhance their communication skills. Critical and analytical skills will be enhanced as the programme progresses through research, experimentation and application to practice.



Students on the Higher Diploma in Art study 45 credits in each year. They complete 20 credits in the autumn trimesters of each year and 25 credits in the spring trimester.



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

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.



Application Process

Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Art submit an online application form, write a short artist statement along with a portfolio of images. See course webpage for further details on portolios.



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.

Application Applications to start in September 2025 will open April 2025

2 years, 30 weeks autumn to spring, 2 evenings per week, 6.15 to 9pm and occasional Saturday mornings

Term starts week 3 September 2025

Days of the week to be confirmed, 6.15 to 9pm