VAP A/C Modules
The VAP Certificate and Audit/Credit courses are studio based practical and theoretical courses that are suited to students interested in developing a professional visual arts practice.
Applications open: 02nd July 2018
Application deadline: Thursday 06th September 2018
Portfolio: Not Required
Course duration: VAP can be completed in 1 year or up to 3 years
Course fee: Fees charged per module
Download the course document
Download information on VAP modules
More information,
course descriptions,
fees and schedules.
About CEAD VAP Certificate and
Audit / Credit Modules


The VAP certificate and Audit/Credit courses are divided into four categories,
1) Drawing and Visual Research; (A/C02, A/C03)
2) Materials and Media; (A/C05, A/CO6, A/C E)
3) Discipline Experience (A/C07, A/CO8, A/C09, A/C10, A/C11, A/C12)
4) Visual Culture (A/C VC - mandatory for certificate)
It is possible to take any A/C course as an audit or as a credit option. However, VAP certificate candidates must complete one A/C course, as a credit option, from each of the four modules listed above.
A/C courses are for advanced students who have achieved foundation skills in their discipline of choice.














Module 1
- AC02 Drawing processes and visual research for fine art and design practice
Tutors: Berni Markey - BA Fine Art, Jackie Duignan - BA, MA
- AC03 Drawing/Print/Mixed Media
Tutors: Anne Marie Keaveney - BA Fine Art, M.Litt
Barbara Dunne - Diploma Fine Art








Module 2
- AC05 Extending Your Visual Language | Level: 6 NFQ
Tutors: Mary Burke - BA Fine Art, MA Anthropology, MA Digital Media
- AC06 Drawing and Sculptural Processes
Tutors: Vivian Hansbury - Diploma Fine Art, MA Fine Art
Margaret Fitzgibbon - MA
- ACE, Exploring Creative Embroidery, Tutor RoseMary Cullen MA,









Module 3
- AC07 Materials and language of painting | Level: 6 NFQ
Tutors: Kenneth Donfield - Diploma in Fine Art
- AC08 Painting and Research methods for Fine art practice
Tutors: Felicity Clear, MA, Beth o'Halloran, MA, Tadhg McGrath
- AC09 Ceramics
Tutors: Brigitta Seck - Diploma Fine Art, MA,
- AC10 Printed Textile Design, Tutor Mel Bradley, MA,
- AC11 Jewellery Design, Tutor, Erika Marks, ANCAD,
- AC12 Bronzecasting as a Sculptural Process, Tutor, Vivian Hansbury
Module 4
- ACVC Visual Culture Tutors;Fiona Loughnane, MA, Tina Kinsella, MA
More information on VAP A/C Modules
The Certificate in Visual Arts Practice is one of a number of accredited courses available to mature students seeking flexible quality learning opportunities at NCAD. The course contains multiple modules offering choice to students, who can construct a sequential programme of learning from a multidisciplinary modular framework.
Certificate students are required to complete four modules altogether, three studio practice modules in art and design and one module in visual culture. Successful completion of four modules over one to three years part-time will result in students being awarded a Certificate in VAP (Visual Art Practice). This course is a minor award, it is within the national framework of qualifications (NFQL7) and carries 20 credits. Students who wish to progress and further develop their knowledge and skills in art and design are eligible to apply to the part-time Diploma course at NCAD or to undergraduate courses in art and design in other art colleges. Students should choose one course from each category:
1) Drawing and Visual Research; (A/C 02, A/C 03)
2) Materials and Media; (A/C 05, A/C O6, A/C E)
3) Discipline Experience (A/C 07, A/C O8, A/C 09, A/C 10, A/C 11, A/C 12)
4) Visual Culture (A/C VC is mandatory for Certificate)
The VAP Certificate, and A/C modules are not for beginners.
WHAT ARE AUDIT/CREDIT COURSES?
Audit/Credit (A/C) courses are part-time modules offered in a range of Fine Art and Design subjects. A/C courses provide students with an option to study part-time and build credit toward a recognised third level qualification.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A/C courses are not for beginners. The A/C courses are for mature students (23 years of age or over) who can demonstrate a commitment to developing a professional practice in art and design. Normally, students applying for A/C will have completed introductory drawing, painting or portfolio courses or will have several years experience in related disciplines. Students will be encouraged to experiment with materials and establish ways of working which are in keeping with current developments in visual art practice.
Two options are provided for students taking Audit/Credit courses:
• Audit option: students follow the full course programme but do not submit their work for assessment and do not gain credit for accumulation purposes.
• Credit option: students submit their work for assessment by tutors and gain appropriate credit which is certified and may be used for accumulation purposes towards the completion of a Certificate, Diploma or Degree.
PROGRESSION
Students who successfully complete a Certificate course with CEAD can apply to the part-time Diploma course NFQL7. The A/C courses are normally 21/22 weeks in duration. Students will be asked to undertake additional work outside of the course contact time. Students can enrol on one or up to four courses maximum on a part-time basis each year. Students who achieve the course outcomes can accumulate credits toward a Certificate. Completion of four modules over a one to three year period will result in students being awarded a Certificate in Visual Art Practice. 80% attendance is required for those students undertaking assessment for credit accumulation purposes. Students choosing to participate in audit/credit courses without undertaking assessment can take courses randomly within the listing.
More information:
Email: cead@staff.ncad.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEADatNCAD/
Tel: + 353 1 636 4214