School of Visual Culture

 

 

The BA in Visual Culture full time students must earn 180 credits over three years to graduate. Part time Visual Culture students takes the very same classses as full time students and would complete 30 credits per year, spreading out their studies. All part time students complete years 1 to 4 as per the below table and then opt for either pathway A or B to complete their degree. Students taking pathway A take 30 credits in both year 5 and 6 each as normal. Students taking pathway B can complete their degree in year five by taking 20 credits in both semester 1 and 2 and the final 20 credits for a thesis in summer semester 3. Part-time study requires at least 6 hours of scheduled classes each week during the two academic trimesters, September to December and January to April. Classes typically take place between the hours of 10am and 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays. Timetables are available in September each year.

 

 

 

A part time student may have Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), or credits and so might join the course in year 2 or in year 3. 

The part time BA in Visual Culture might suit students who wish to combine degree level study with their paid employment or other committments.

Further Information

Admissions

Watch our video that explores what life is like in Critical Cultures at NCAD

 

Delivered by a team from the School of Visual Culture, some of Ireland’s leading art and design critics and historians, the Critical Cultures programme has been designed to develop key skills and understanding needed by undergraduate students at the College to become successful practitioners in their chosen fields. The ability to critically analyse an image or to express an idea with clarity are needed more today than ever.

 

Classes offered as part of the Critical Cultures programme bring together students from different areas of the college. Lectures and seminars are key moments in the week when student designers, artists and craftspeople from different programmes exchange opinions and ideas.

 

The first year Critical Cultures programme is a combination of weekly lectures and seminars designed to introduce students to major theories and concepts. We explore questions like What is originality? What makes an image or a thing real? Why do we still value handmade objects? What is the future of the image? What can art do? Students develop image and textual analysis skills, and improve their abilities as writers and speakers. 

 

Students shape their own second year Critical Cultures programme by selecting from a dozen or more specialist seminar classes on current themes and issues in art, design and technology. The range of themes is extensive, spanning from information theory to the psychology of space; and from documentary film to activist art.

 

In the final year of the Critical Cultures programme, individual students identify a major research project which they plan, research and write. Research might involve interviews with artists and designers; visits to archives (like the National Irish Visual Arts Library at NCAD); or a deep immersion in theory. Students have one-to-one support from the Visual Culture team. Studio-based students often use this long-form essay to develop a deep understanding of themes and concepts addressed in their practice as artists or designers.

 

Every NCAD undergraduate student follows the Critical Cultures curriculum. Those who have a strong interest in critical thinking and wish to develop their writing practice further can elect to undertake additional classes in their second and final years, and then to graduate with additional credits in Creative Cultures.  

 

Really useful information for students such as Critical Cultures Electives and a Handbook for Critical Cultures Research Project  can be found if you Click Here

How Do I Apply?

Scroll for Details, No Portfolio Required, Just Curiosity!

Part Time Applications
Duration	5 or 6 years
Applications	Part time applications only are through the NCAD Website below
BA in Visual Culture part-time course code	AD215P
Applications are Open Priority Deadline 18 May 2025 Round 2 Application Deadline 20 July 2025
Entry Requirements Under age 21	Leaving Certificate 6 Subjects 2 X H5 4 X O6/H7 Your 6 subjects must include English O6/H7 Irish O6/H7 and one of the following 3rd Language or Art or Design & Communication Graphics (DCG) or FETAC 5 Distinctions Full Award
Mature Student  Age 21 and over	Part-time students are considered mature at age 21 on January 1st of the start year   Students who are mature and do not meet the minimum entry requirements above can be matriculated on the basis of mature years.  Applicants in this situation are asked to submit supporting information which might include a CV, a Statement of Interest, information on previous relevant work or other experience.
Portfolio Requirement	None
Part Time Fees	Undergraduate Fees 2025-2026
Degree Awarded	BA Visual Culture Part time students are not elegible to take part in Erasmus or the Studio + programmes
Useful Information for Part Time Applications
Study at NCAD	Study at NCAD
NCAD Minimum Requirements	NCAD Minimum Requirements
Advanced Entry Applications	Please contact the Admissions Office at  admissions@staff.ncad.ie

 

 

Dr Emma Mahony

 

Neasa Travers
visualculture@staff.ncad.ie

Admissions@ncad.ie

01 636 4200

 

CEAD@ncad.ie

01 636 4214

Dr Emma Mahony

 

Neasa Travers
visualculture@staff.ncad.ie

 

Admissions@ncad.ie

01 636 4200

 

CEAD@ncad.ie

01 636 4214