Professional Certificate in Typographic Futures

What to expect

This specialist pathway is a deep dive into typography across a variety of future-facing contexts that includes print, screen-based, interactive media and beyond. Learners will explore the potential of typefaces in the context of contemporary and future applications, guided by experts and lecturers, shaped by a dynamic mix of participatory and experiential learning.

Learners will refine and develop their typographic skills through the creation of a visual identity project for a location. They will explore the full potential of typographic communication, from the expressive to the functional, through the professional framework of visual identity design.

Learners will be introduced to typographic research methodologies and typographic meaning, typographic systems and multi-lingual typography, and crafting logotypes and letterforms.

There will be a  focus on the theoretical underpinnings, contemporary issues, topics and concepts relating to typography, introducing learners to the fundamental principles and processes of the discipline, and enabling the learner to approach creative work from a theoretically informed perspective.

Delivery 

Each participant will independently create a typographic visual identity system for a Dublin location. Participants will learn how to research, express and systematise a typographic identity for their location. Independent work will be guided by weekly seminars & workshops covering aspects of typographic communication and craft, including:

  • Typographic research methodologies
  • Typeface anatomy and typographic meaning
  • Typographic hierarchy systems
  • Bi/multi-lingual typography
  • Drawing logotypes

Upon completion, you will have created a typographic visual identity including:

  • Identity pitch presentation
  • Typographic guidelines
  • Sample outputs of your identity system

Indicative Timetable 

The course will begin on Saturday August 5th and run Saturdays & online on Wednesdays for four weeks, with the final session on Wednesday Aug 30th.

4 Week Breakdown

Saturday (4hr)

  • 1hr Lecture/Seminar
  • 3hrs Studio workshop

Wednesday (1hr Online)

  • Alternating between tutorials and guest lectures

Independent work 

  • Students are expected to complete 8 hours of independent work each week.

Click here for a detailed breakdown and also details of Assessment 

Educational Standard

All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)

Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of prior work or learning experience (RPEL). Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination set by the relevant department before being accepted to a Masters degree programme. Attendance at selected undergraduate lecture courses at NCAD, together with related written work may be prescribed. 

You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer. 

Essential Supporting Documents

  • A Statement of Interest - 500 words framing your reasons for applying to the programme.  

  • A recent CV

  • Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed

  • Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.

Document Description

When uploading documents please make sure you clearly label them using the Description Box like in the example below 

English Language Requirements 

All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.

Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link English Language Requirement.

The programme is designed to meet the needs of the creative sector within and beyond Ireland. 

As such the constituent awards explicitly address key requirements identified in extensive discussions and research undertaken with industry partners and representative bodies such as the Arts Council, Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Institute of Designers in Ireland, and findings from government and sectoral reports.

The programme seeks to provide the transversal and specialist skills to equip creative practitioners to work within existing career paths, while also forge new career and creative pathways and learning.

Who should apply?

This course is for creative visual communicators looking to refine and develop their typographic skills, and to gain experience in researching, creating and structuring a visual identity project. 

This may include: 

  • Recent BA graduate
  • Early career practitioner 
  • Early-mid career professional with background or interest in design 
  • Mature, experienced independent practitioner, for opportunity for development.
  • Practitioner with MA in a different area, looking for a new direction.

Applications Closed  

Fees

For information on tuition fees please follow this Link

There is a fee of €600 for this programme. It is free to apply. 

Scholarship Opportunity

A Creative Futures Academy scholarship encourages the participation of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering one free place on all CFA short courses. 

There will be one scholarship available for the Professional Certificate in Typographic Futures

The application form for Scholarships is available here

Apply- 

Step 1: Click on Apply Now button below | Step 2: Fill in your details

Step 3: Upload your Supporting Documents

  • You can also submit your application even before you upload the necessary documents. 

  • You can not add new documents after you have submitted. 

  • Additional documents can be sent to postgraduate@ncad.ie and we will upload them on your behalf. 

Step 4: Submit your application to NCAD

Programme Contact

Robin Fuller: fullerr@staff.ncad.ie

Admissions Contact 

postgraduate@ncad.ie

01 636 4200