Digital Sculpting - Micro-credential

This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.



What is it?

Digital sculpting is the process of using computers to produce digital art. Using leading Industry software, students will explore the basics of the sculpting process for both character and creature sculpting.



You will learn how to generate sketch ideas and to progress a character design from initial concept to completed digital mesh. Utilising a subdivision digital sculpting workflow, you will create your digital character/creature as a digital sculpt in a final pose.



Other areas will also be explored such as preparation of digital sculpts for 3D printing and high-quality renders for portfolio presentation.



At the end of the course, you will:

• Understand the basic requirements and workflows required for using digital sculpting software to create your own 3D models. Both organic and hard surface modelling techniques will be explained and explored.

• Evidence competency in the design and digital sculpting of a human or creature character.

• Synthesize the various technical elements required to produce a 3D print.

• Evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of roles and processes required of a 3D digital artist.



Students who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Professional Skills (Digital Sculpting) – (Level 9 Award, 10 ECTS).



What will I do?

A 3D digital modeller is an artist first and foremost creating or bringing to life the fantastical and fabulous. Using the power of technology these creatives use digital sculpting to produce high quality concept art, Game and animation characters, collectible toys, 3D printed props, scenic elements and more.



You will learn about the Digital sculpting process and about the importance of blocking out, the mesh surface, level of detail, mesh preparation and presentation. You will design and produce a 3D printable humanoid or creature character bust using digital sculpting software.

Introduction to Digital Sculpting

Digital sculpting set up

Digital sculpting Basics: The Human head

Digital sculpting Basics: The Human figure

Creature sculpting

Character / Asset generation

Character / Asset base build

Character / Asset development

Character / Asset detailing

3D Printing

Final presentation

• A recognised undergraduate degree, issued at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).



• Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered based on their prior experience and learning through our RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process. As part of the RPL process, applicants in this category will be required to present a qualifying statement of a standard that demonstrates their ability to undertake work at Level 9.



• A CV detailing your professional experience is required.



• Experience using a drawing tablet is a big plus but not essential.



Materials / Equipment Requirements

Each student must provide their own drawing tablet - examples include:



The Huion Inspiroy H950P or the Huion New 1060 Plus (both available for approximately €57 online).



Alternatives might be the Wacom One (approximately €59 online), or for those with a budget to spend and who want a professional version would be the Wacom Intuos 5 (approximately €400).

Application Deadline: 20th February 2026



IADT operates on a rolling admissions basis. This means that applications are reviewed as and when they are received.



Should you apply for a course that is already at capacity, our admissions team will have established a waiting list to accommodate such situations. In the event that a spot becomes available due to enrolment changes, we will work diligently to offer that spot to waitlisted applicants.

8 weeks (online) 5th March - 23rd April 2026.



Dates and Times:

Classes will take place online from 5pm to 8pm on:

Thursday, 5th March 2026

Thursday, 12th March 2026

Thursday, 19th March 2026

Thursday, 26th March 2026

Tuesday, 31st March 2026

Thursday, 2nd April 2026

Tuesday, 7th April 2026

Thursday, 9th April 2026

Thursday, 16th April 2026

Thursday, 23rd April 2026

Start Date: 5th March 2026.