CEAD University Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging
The University Certificate in Photography and Visual Investigation (PDI) one year part-time course offers students an opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of photography within contemporary visual art and design practice.
Award University Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging
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 photography course, a portfolio, a Statement of Interest and a completed application form
Portfolio See the Portfolio Brief below
Duration 25 weeks approx autumn to spring, 2 x evenings per week
Fee 2025-2026 €1,800 payable in two instalments, September and January
Programme Code AD096
Applications to start in September 2025 will open May 2025
Watch the PDI Presentation Below
Application Notes
Applications to be made in the student name and details only
Applications are online only
If you have been at NCAD previously, use 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
New Students when you start your application you select New Account & keep your password & username safe
Please note that all students are required to have access to a computer, Internet and be familar with Google Classroom (its easy)
Classes start week 3 in September 2025
PDI classes run 6.15pm to 9pm
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 Photography and Digital Imaging. 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 PDI Application 2025
Next add your Statement of Interest then Part 1 and 2 of the Portfolio Brief and save as one PDF. Name each section and the portfolio PDF file should also be titled as above.
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Applying for Photography and Digital Imaging
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Programme Specification
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Portfolio Brief 2025
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Sample Workbook and Contact Sheet, kindly lent by PDI Graduate, Edel McGrath
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Notes on what might go in your Statement of Interest to follow
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AD096 PDI Modules
Image Credits PDI Graduates 2024
Oisin Doyle, Caught Your Death Muireann Dolan, Traces
PDI Lecturers
Visiting Lecturers
PDI Progression
A key pillar of CEAD programmes is
Progression within arts and design education. On successful completion of the Photography and Digital Imaging 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.
PDI Past Visiting Lecturers
Mandy O’Neill 2017 Visiting lecturer who was the first photographer to win the Zurich Portrait Prize, 2016
http://www.mandyoneill.ie/
PDI Graduate Work
Several of our former students were featured in the exhibition on hoardings across Dublin over lockdown: The Positive Space @ThePSIreland including @AislingMcCoy
PDI Alumni
Niamh Smith shortlisted for the 2020 Zurich Portrait Prize; Niamh’s second nomination in 2 years. Niamh progressed to Ulster University Belfast School of Arts MFA in Photography
Gerry Blake RHA Award for Best Emerging Photographer. Gerry has also showed at the Lexicon, Dun Laoghaire
https://gerryblake.net/
More Information
