CEAD University Certificate in Drawing and Visual Investigation
The University Certificate in Drawing and Visual Investigation (DVI) part-time course offers students an opportunity to explore ideas and develop skills essential to contemporary fine art studio practice.
Award University Certificate in Drawing and Visual Investigation
Credits Level 30 ECTS, Level 7 NFQ
Admission Requirements Age 21 before January, Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, English proficiency, a foundational, introductory, non credit, art or design course, a short Statement of Interest and a completed application form
Portfolio Not required
Duration 27 weeks autumn to spring,
2 x evenings per week
Fee 2025-2026 €1,800 payable in two installments, September and January
Programme Code AD095
Applications to start in September 2025 are Now Open
Deadline is extended to 30th June 2025
Watch the DVI Presentation Below
Statement of Interest
As part of your application you will write a Statement of Interest, 200 to 300 words approximately, saying why you want to study the University Certificate in Drawing and Visual Investigation. Start by putting your name, student ID number, course name and the year of application at the begining so it is always clear who and what we are looking at
eg Joey Bloggs 25456789 DVI Application 2025
Next add your Statement of Interest and save as a PDF. The PDF file should also be titled as above.
For notes on writing your Statement of Interest
Click Here
Application Notes
Bookings to be made in the student name and details only
Bookings are online only
If you have been at NCAD previously sign in to your MyNCAD account
To reset your password contact studentrecords@student.ncad.ie and include your name, date of birth and 8 digit student ID/reference number, and do this now
First time NCAD students click below to apply, then select New Account & keep your password safe, you will need it later on
Please note that all students are required to have access to a computer, the Internet and be familar with Canvas which replaces Google Classroom (its easy)
Classes start week 3 in September 2025
DVI classes run 6.15pm to 9pm
About the DVI Certificate
This one year certificate course is for mature students age 21 before January of the year their studies start who are interested in participating in a challenging learning opportunity in visual art and studio practice. The course is designed to meet the needs of students who have already demonstrated a commitment to their own art and design education and who wish to develop their knowledge in this field as a form of personal or professional development. Drawing and Visual Investigation is concerned with conceptual approaches to drawing as well as developing student direct observation, practical skills and visual analysis. Students completing the programme and achieving the learning outcomes are eligible to apply to the part-time Higher Diploma in Art.
AD095 DVI Modules
DVI Lecturers
Roisin Lewis Course Coordinator
Fiona Loughnane Visual Culture
Maria Farrington
DVI Progression
A key pillar of CEAD programmes is
Progression within art and design education. On successful completion of the Drawing and Visual Investigation certificate, students are eligible to apply to the part-time Higher Diploma in Art. Higher Diploma in Art graduates are then eligible to apply, via advanced entry, to the final year of NCAD's undergraduate BA Degree studies.
More Information
Email cead@ncad.ie
Tel + 353 1 636 4214
Instagram @cead.ncad
Twitter @cead_ncad
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