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CORE - Main Studio

Department of First Year
Core Studies
Entry Requirements and Application Procedure
CAO Course Code AD111

Thinking of applying to study at the NCAD?

Entry Requirements

Educational Standard

The minimum academic entry requirement in the Leaving Certificate examination or approved equivalent is 2 subjects at Grades A1–C3 on Higher Level papers and 4 other subjects at Grades A1–D3 on Ordinary or Higher Level papers, in NUI recognised subjects. These subjects must include:

1. Irish*
2. English
3. A third language or Art and such other appropriate qualifications and experience as the College may approve from time to time.

Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level Mathematics may be included as one of the Ordinary Level subjects. Foundation Level Irish and Home Economics General are not acceptable.

Leaving Certificate examination results may be combined. The College does not operate a Leaving Certificate points system.

*Exemption from the subject Irish may be granted in accordance with NUI regulations.

'A' Level and GCSE (Northern Ireland) – Equivalence with Leaving Certificate

'A' Levels: Grades A, B and C are equated with grades A–C on Higher Level Leaving Certificate papers. However, a Grade A combined with a Grade D or Grade E, or a Grade B combined with a Grade D will be accepted as the equivalent of 2 Grade Cs.

GCSEs: Grades A, B and C are equated with Grades A–D on Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate papers.

Overall Entry Requirement for NCAD Degree Courses:

A minimum of two subjects at grade C in 'A' Level examinations together with a minimum of four other subjects at grade C in GCSE examinations. Subjects must be NUI recognised subjects.

FETAC: As an alternative to the Leaving Certificate or other matriculation requirements, FETAC/NCVA Level 2 certificates, with a distinction in five of the eight modules, will be acceptable.

Portfolio Brief

NCAD has now introduced a portfolio brief and applicants to First Year Core Studies (AD111) are asked to follow this brief in preparing to apply to NCAD.

The main purposes of the brief are to create:

• Fairness by providing an equal opportunity for all applicants to address the same topics of enquiry using the same time span.
• Clarity by removing all notions of doubt as to what is required in order to gain entry to AD111.
• The brief clearly outlines the expectations of visual study at third level in the identified terms of volume, quality and intensity of work.
• The brief tests the applicant’s abilities over a number of clearly identified criteria, and is designed to encourage a structured development of a cohesive body of work.
• The brief provides opportunities for applicants to demonstrate individuality within a framework. This is intended to be a good indicator as to how they might be expected to perform at third level, where similar structures prevail.

The portfolio brief and information sessions are announced on the website in March/April each year.

Click here to view the 2012 Portfolio Brief.

Application Procedure

Applicants must do BOTH the following in order to be considered for a place:

1. Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for course AD111. On-line application on www.cao.ie is recommended. Application must be made by Wednesday 1 February 2012.
2. Submit a portfolio to NCAD by Friday 3 February 2012. Please note that applicants are not contacted by NCAD or CAO to instruct them to do this.

Applicants should consult the current CAO Handbook. This is a restricted course and late applicants cannot be considered.

Portfolio: Presentation

The portfolio must be attested to by the School Principal or Art Teacher or another responsible person (not a relative), as being the applicant's own work.

Each individual applicant's work must be presented flat and contained within ONE PORTFOLIO COVER. Items submitted separately cannot be accepted. Portfolios must be carefully marked with the applicant's name and address on the top left- hand corner both inside and outside. Individual pieces in the portfolio must also be marked with the applicant's name and address. It must be securely packaged, but easily opened. No work framed, in glass, will be accepted.

N.B.Portfolios in excess of 10 kilos will not be accepted.

Portfolio: Return

Applicants may remove their portfolios as soon as the portfolio examination is completed (normally during the fourth week in February). While all reasonable care will be taken of applicants' portfolios, the College does not hold itself responsible for any loss or damage.

Applicants are responsible for delivery and collection of their portfolios. Those not removed by the stipulated date may be disposed of at the discretion of the College.

Interviews

Applicants for First Year (Core) are not normally called for interview. However, the College reserves the right to call any applicant for interview.

Notification of Result of Application

The College reserves 50% of places for current year school-leavers who are sitting the Leaving Certificate or equivalent for the first time. Applicants are notified of the results of their portfolio assessment in March.

Documentary proof of examinations passed will be required for verification before places are offered. All place offers are issued through the CAO.

Progress to Year 2

While a student may be accepted to First Year (Core), there is no guarantee that, on successful completion of that year, he or she can be accommodated in the department of her or his choice for second year specialisation. However, over 90% of students get their first preference place.