CEAD Part Time Higher Diploma in Art
This part-time undergraduate programme offers an opportunity for mature students interested in establishing a personal direction in their art and design practice to attend a flexible programme leading to a Higher Diploma.
Award UCD Higher Diploma in Art
Credits/Level 90 ECTS, Level 8 NFQ
Duration 2 years, 30 weeks autumn to spring, 2 evenings per week, 6.15 to 9pm and occasional Saturday mornings
Applications Portfolio See Portfolio Brief below
Fees 2024-2025 €2,700 per annum, payable in two instalments, September and January
Programme Code AD082
Application Applications to start in September 2025 will open 9 April, deadline 15 May 2025
Watch the Higher Diploma presentation below
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Applying for the Higher Diploma in Art
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Programme Specification
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Portfolio Brief 2025
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Sample Portfolio kindly lent by Catherine MacBride who sucessfully applied to the Higher Diploma in Art in 2023
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| Sample Portfolio kindly lent by Geraldine Conlon who sucessfully applied to the Higher Diploma in Art in 2023 |
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NCAD Students it is important that you apply using your existing student account where we can see your courses and grades to date
Password reset, contact ITSupport@student.ncad.ie with your name and student number
New students to NCAD will select new account when applying; make sure to safely record your username and password
Students are required to have access to a computer, the Internet and to be familar with Canvas (Canvas is a college information system or VLE that replaces Googe classroom, its easy)
Term starts week 3 September 2025
Class 6.15 to 9pm, days of the week to be confirmed
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 to participate in a flexible learning environment and acquire a level 8 qualification in art. Having completed a level 7 University Certificate in NCAD (or equivalent in art, design or photography), and carrying 30 ECTS credits forward, students are eligible to apply for this two 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 and processes, students will apply skills and knowledge to practice. The Higher Diploma in Art includes skills-based workshops, research methods, discipline orientation, project-based learning, professional practice combined with theories underpinning contemporary visual culture. The programme provides interdisciplinary approaches and includes discipline options in drawing, painting and expanded practice.
The aims of the programme are to
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Establish a research methodology applicable to practice
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Explore concepts, ideas and research processes in contemporary art
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Encourage experimentation through engagement with studio-based projects
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Develop self-discipline and effective time management applicable to practice
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Acquire skills and knowledge applicable to an evolving practice
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Foster critical engagement with art practice, contemporary visual culture and society
The objectives of the programme are to
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Encourage the development of analytical skills and an understanding of reflective processes within studio practice
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Examine and critically analyse key theories in contemporary critical culture
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Explore discipline characteristics, boundaries and transdisciplinary approaches to fine art
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Support decision-making, interpretation, judgement and evaluative strategies applicable to practice
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Develop an applied knowledge of materials, processes and technical skills appropriate to practice
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Develop an understanding of contemporary visual art practices
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Create a body of work for exhibition or display
Programme Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to
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Apply research methodologies in the generation of ideas, projects and proposals
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Identify a personal direction for their emerging practice
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Articulate an identity as an artist
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Communicate effectively the ideas and processes underpinning their work
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Select appropriate materials and techniques in the realisation of their work
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Work independently and collaboratively where appropriate
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Establish learning goals and manage their time effectively
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Critically evaluate their practice within contemporary art
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Analyse and evaluate key concepts and theories in visual culture
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Produce resolved work suitable to exhibition standard
Graduates of the programme will communicate ideas informing their practice to peers. They will be able to work independently, collaborate with others on projects, organise small group exhibitions and disseminate ideas and meaning underpinning their visual art practice in a range of formats and settings. Graduates will have established competency in a discipline area, demonstrate an ability to negotiate discipline boundaries and show an understanding of the potential of transdisciplinary approaches of working.
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 and 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 each year. 20 credits are comlpeted in the autumn trimesters of each year and 25 credits in the spring trimester.
Assessment
Assessment will be continuous and summative. Students will present project work for studio tutors and peers for review and assessment at the end of each module and receive feedback on their progress. Over the duration of the diploma students are required to complete a minimum of two written assignments for visual culture.
Entry Requirements
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 sucessfully 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 the portfolio brief above.
Advanced Entry
Advanced entry to year 2 of the Higher Dipoma 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.
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.
Programme Duration
The Higher Diploma in Art commences the week of 16th September 2024. Students will attend on a part-time basis for approximately 30 weeks. Normally students will attend for a minimum of 6 hours per week, 6.15 to 9pm. Typically this could be Tuesday and Thursday evening for year 1 students and Monday and Wednesday evening for year 2 students. The course is blended and some of these sessions will be online. The programme includes evening attendance and the occasional Saturday morning. Currently in year 2 there is a 4-day block at Easter when students are asked to attend during the day. These dates will be in the timetable received at the beginning of the year.
Programme Lecturers
Felicity Clear BA MA
Beth O’Halloran BA MA
Elaine Leader BA MA
Vivian Hansbury Dip Fine Art MA Fine Art
Mark Clare BA MA
Henry Martin BA MA MRes
Laura Fitzgerald BA MA
More Information
