Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a field rather than a single discipline, and in its many forms it makes an increasingly powerful contribution to the cultural and economic life of contemporary society. Existing in the public domain, it is an indicator of current cultural thinking and a catalyst for social, cultural, political and economic change. Today, Graphic Design is also a critical tool for probing the complexities of contemporary experience, exploring how visual communication can create change in, through, and for society.



This MA programme encourages the application of design methodologies to new, diverse and experimental creative contexts. Outcomes will not solely be defined by aesthetics or products, but by proposals, systems, narratives and interventions that challenge conventions, redefine the role of the designer, and expand the presence of graphic design in contemporary culture.



Our distinctive approach focuses on design as a means for communicating meaningful messages, gathering content, organising information, and creating and presenting narratives and experiences, always with the intention to affect change. Learners are supported to discover new possibilities and develop the critical, applied, and technical excellence required to shape new design futures.



Throughout the course, Graphic Design is examined as both a heritage and a future-facing practice. Students engage with a range of media to form ideas, concepts and thematic drivers, building creative work that can challenge, educate and transform. As the field continues to evolve, the programme adapts, drawing on shared knowledge, collaborative thinking and sectoral expertise to support the connected and relevant learning needed to transform communication today.



Why this programme?

The world needs empowered and enabled graphic designers. From upskilling to cross-skilling to reskilling, to finding new creative directions and networks, this programme seeks to support practitioners to:

• Enhance their expertise in existing practice, and upskill, reskill or refocus their professional direction.

• Immerse themselves in contemporary critical thinking and contribute to shaping new design futures.

• Build a diverse and vibrant peer network, and connect to communities of practice through industry partnerships and collaborations.



Graphic Design plays a central and formative role in shaping communities, cultures and economies. Never before has the designer been expected to cultivate such a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Our graduates become culture creators, the new avant-garde, developing a voice as authors within cross-disciplinary environments. They employ unorthodox and experimental methods to break free from outdated modes of ideation and communication.



Our students and graduates are recognised internationally, with awards spanning D&AD Yellow Pencil, International Society of Typographic Designers, ICAD Graduate Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe, Royal Society of Arts, Institute of Designers in Ireland Graduate Awards and Creative Conscience Awards.



How will I learn?

During the MA in Graphic Design you will engage in coursework and learning that builds across three trimesters. Through set briefs and self-directed research-led projects, you will create both studio and written work that investigates graphic design in depth, defines your creative position, and advances your professional practice.



Applicants are welcomed from a wide range of creative and communication-based backgrounds including Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration, Interaction Design and related fields. The programme also supports mid-career professionals wishing to extend, refocus or unlock new directions in their practice.



Recognising the diversity of contemporary creative work, the programme also welcomes applicants from non-design disciplines such as fine art, architecture or cultural studies who can demonstrate relevant experience and a strong visual or conceptual portfolio.

All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)



Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of prior work or learning experience (RPEL). Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination set by the relevant department before being accepted to a Masters degree programme. Attendance at selected undergraduate lecture courses at NCAD, together with related written work may be prescribed.



You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.



Essential Supporting Documents

• A Statement of Interest - 500 words framing your reasons for applying to the programme.

• Portfolio

• A recent CV

• Certified copy of Level 8 degree (2.2 or higher)

• Certified transcripts of previous programmes undertaken

• Academic Reference (Head of School/Department preferred), or if you graduated more than 4 years' ago please submit an employer reference **



**Note: Some referees prefer to submit the reference directly to the college. If this is the case, please instruct your referee to email a standard reference to postgraduate@ncad.ie.



Portfolio

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio which should contain a sample of their relevant work. A portfolio is a curated presentation of your design work. It should show your creativity as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards.



The form of the Portfolio depends on the individual experience and background of each applicant. You should submit any visual material that you feel showcases an aspect of your skill-set that is relevant to the programme. Please be clear about the role you played in any group or industry projects you include in your portfolio.



We are also open to reviewing written work or documentation of a project that might be more theoretical or technical in nature. In these cases, we would like to see some sort of documentation of relevant work; this could be some written work or documentation of a project that might be more theoretical or technical. Some applicants choose to describe projects they have been involved with in a "case study" format for projects that are not necessarily visual. There is no set requirement on the number of pages or projects - this is up to each individual applicant.



English Language Requirements

All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.



Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link: https://www.ncad.ie/study-at-ncad/international/english-language-requirement/

Applications are open. Please see "Application Weblink" above.

1 year full-time.

Programme commences September 2026.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are not only prepared to enter the design industry, but to challenge it, contributing to work that doesn’t simply reflect the world as it is, but actively and positively changes it. The MA prepares graduates for careers in creative practice, start-up ventures and academic research. Graduates are employed by design consultants, cultural institutions, book and magazine publishers, multi-media and digital design companies, advertising agencies and as in-house designers for large corporations and public sector bodies. Opportunities for graduates also exist in the fields of television, film, and exhibition design. The knowledge and skills gained through study of this subject are highly transferable, so graduates may find themselves working collaboratively with experts in a wide variety of other fields.



Students are also supported to progress to PhD level.