CEAD University Certificate in Visual Arts Practice (VAP)

The VAP University Certificate credit courses are studio based practical and theoretical courses that are suited to students interested in developing a professional visual arts practice.

Applications Open Early Summer 2024
Award University Certificate in Visual Arts Practice
Credits/Level 30 ECTS credits, Level 7 NFQ
Admission Requirements Places are allocated on a first come basis to applicants with the following basic requirements; Age 21 on January 1st 2024, Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, a foundational, introductory, non credit, art, design or photography course such as an NCAD short summer course and application form
Portfolio Not Required
Duration 22 weeks, evenings, autumn to spring, full programme can be completed over 1 to 3 years
Fee 2023-2024 Fees charged per module, see table below
Programme Code AD094

Watch the VAP presentation below

The Certificate in Visual Arts Practice is an accredited course available to mature students seeking flexible quality learning opportunities at NCAD. The course contains multiple module choices to students who can construct their own sequential programme of learning.

Things you need to know before applying...

Students can combine modules in a flexible way to complete 30 credits over 1 to 3 years
Modules offered will be subject to availability of spaces and level of demand
First time NCAD students will set up an account as part of making an application, please keep your password safe
Returning students should log on with their existing account
Password resets; contact studentrecords@staff.ncad.ie (they will need your name, 8 digit student ID and your date of birth)
Make an individual appliciation to each module you want to study, only
To achieve the full award students must complete both mandatory modules and one module from each of Group A and Group B, see table below
Students are required to have completed a studio module before taking Professional Practice CEAD1002, unless completing the VAP Certificate in a single year
Students are required to have access to a computer, Internet and be familar with Google Classroom
Term starts the week of 18th September, 2023

Applications Open Early Summer 2024

The Open Learning 2023 inititative provides Fee Waivers for certain VAP modules is now closed for applications.
Information about the Fee Waiver can be found here
 
AD094 VAP Audit or Credit Modules
For Module Descriptors, click on the module code
For more Course Information, click on the module name
 
Code
Module Name
Group 
Credits
Weeks
Evening 6.30 to 9pm
Fee €
Apply online only
CEAD1001 Theories & Concepts in Critical Cultures Mandatory 5 12

 Semester 1

Thursday

300  
CEAD1002 Professional Practice Mandatory 5 11

 Semester 2

Thursday

Starts 11 January 2024
300 Click Here to Join the Waitlist
CEAD1004 Drawing, Print & Mixed Media A 10 22

Wednesday

600  
CEAD1005 Extending a Visual Language A 10 22

Wednesday

600  
CEAD1006 Sculpture & Drawing  A 10 22

Tuesday

600  
CEAD1007 Exploring Creative Embroidery A 10 22

Thursday

600  
CEAD1008 Materials, Techniques & Language of Painting B 10 22

Friday

600  
CEAD1009 Painting & Visual Research B 10 22

Monday

600  
CEAD1010 Ceramics B 10 22 Wednesday 600  
CEAD1011 Printed Textile Design B 10 22

Monday

600  
CEAD1012 B 10 22 Tuesday 600  
CEAD1013 Bronze Casting as a Sculptural Process B 10 22

Thursday

600  
 
AD094 VAP Programme Specification
 
What are Audit or Credit courses?

Audit or 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. Choose from the list in the table above. 

Two options are provided for students taking Audit or Credit courses.
Audit option Students participate in the module 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.

Admission Requirements

Places are allocated on a first come basis to applicants with the following basic requirements; mature students who have turned 21 on or before 1 January of the year in which they wish to commence study on the programme, have experience in art, design or photography either from completing a summer or short course at NCAD or with anothor course provider or completing a module on the Visual Arts Practice programme as audit only or have similar experience and an Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent. To apply for entry to the programme, applicants must complete the online application form. Applicants must also demonstrate that they will be able to manage the academic writing elements of the programme. To have Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) or previous experience recognised to fulfil entry criteria applicants may also submit a portfolio. Students can also apply for RPL for any of the modules to a maximum of 10 credits of the programme. 

Progression

Students who successfully complete a certificate course with CEAD can apply to the part-time AD082 Higher Diploma in Art NFQ Level 8.

More information

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