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Creative Design
Bachelor of Arts
Course Details
CAO Code | AU821 |
---|---|
Level | 7 |
Duration | 3 Years |
CAO Points | 231 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
The Creative Design programme at ATU Sligo gives students the skills and experience needed to become industry-ready designers who can work in many different areas that suit their design interests. Graduates of this degree design cars, apps, and medical devices and work in design areas such as graphics, electronic products, start-ups and more.
This degree is perfect for students who are creative problem-solvers interested in becoming designers. The world we live in needs good designers. The programme provides students with the opportunity to shape the world we live in. Someone has creatively designed everything we use in everyday life. From the toothbrush we use first thing in the morning, the shoes and clothes we wear, the phones, cars and computers we use, the services we enjoy, to the bed we sleep in last thing at night.
Some things are designed and work better than others. Innovative design solutions are fundamental to economic growth, social development and prosperity across all sectors of the modern world, irrespective of where you live.
This degree educates future creative designers, making them proficient in analytical, technical, R&D, social and applied design skills. Students of this degree graduate as experienced and professional designers, ready and confident to take on the challenges of the design world. Working on real-world design projects for real-world clients is a central element of this degree.
This programme includes a high percentage of studio time. This allows students to grow confident and listen to and trust
their creative intuition. Students learn to use all their design skills to transform their unique ideas into product solutions for the benefit of society and help promote sustainable economic growth.
During this exciting and challenging degree, students are given an in-depth education in creative design and, from day one, given real opportunities to work with companies and other outside bodies to develop essential innovative and technical skills. Students can work placement in Year 3, which includes the opportunity to participate in an international student exchange programme.
Experiment
Students learn to draw, sketch, use computer-aided design (CAD), digital media, and model-making, and learn how to research and analyse to build better design solutions.
Design
Students discover the joy in design. Students use design thinking skills to create imaginative solutions to complex problems, developing concepts that shape real change in our lives.
Make
Students use the workshop space to make real-world projects in partnership with companies, industry partners, and product solutions users.
Transform
Students learn to use all their design skills to transform their unique ideas into product solutions for society’s benefit and to help promote sustainable economic growth. Design students enjoy being creative. They grow in confidence, learning to be playful, listen to, and trust their creative intuition.
We also offer this degree at Level 8 – AU927 BA (Hons) in Creative Design
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Product Design 1 (Introduction of Core Skills)To develop an understanding of the core skills associated with the development and presentation of designed objects. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the design process from concept to realisation. 3. Communicate design ideas through drawing and model-making. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
CAD for Design 1 (Introduction)To provide students with a foundation in basic 3D modelling. Learning Outcomes 1. Successfullynavigatethe Solidworksinterface. 2. Create basic 3D geometryin part 3. Create assemblies using basic parts. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Digital Media for Design 1 (Foundation skills)This module will introduce students to the windows environment and give them practical experience in the application of graphic design software to projects. The student will learn foundation graphic design skills through tutorials and projects using Adobe Photoshop for producing design projects for on screen and print. Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate the advantages that computer technology offers designers and become familiar with the windows environment. 2. Provide students with a foundation in graphic design software and appreciate its application in the design process. 3. Demonstrate a basic proficiency with Adobe Photoshop. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Visual and Material Culture 1 (Introduction & Historical Survey)VMC1 comprises an introductory survey to varying aspects of Western Art, Architecture & Design and visual/material culture from Classical times to the advent of Modernism in the early 20th Century. The course is thematic in nature but the broader contexts of production, consumption and reception are major considerations in the evaluation and analysis of images, artefacts, architectural structures, Interior Design and performance/media-based work. Learning Outcomes 1. Recognise the importance of historical, social and cultural conditions that relate to an exploration of visual and material culture in general and the fields ofart, design, media and architecture in particular. 2. Understand how art/design/media & architectural culture changes with context. 3. Explorethe use and application of relevantcritical and theoretical terms and vocabularies relevant to the discipline-specific field and/or area. 4. Apply basic research processes and strategiesand identify suitable research sources for the analysis of discipline-specific artefacts, pieces, media and/orstructures. 5. Identify relevant historical periods, styles and cultural, scientific and technological timelines when engaging in visual interpretations and use this material intheir own project/studio work. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Professional Practice 1 (Core Communication Skills)Professional Practice 1 introduces students to the theory and practice of communication by developing confidence and skills in interpersonal, oral and written communication with particular focus on Creative Design practices. One the key objectives of this module is to generate confidence, self-esteem and to encourage personal development through effective written and verbal communication skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the research, structure and organisation needed in a variety of presentation techniques and modes. 4. Develop effective interpersonal strategies that support personal development, self awareness and confidence through communication skills. 5. Write a cover letter, CV and communicate effectively with professional bodies |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Visual LiteracyThis module is an introduction to the general visual principles that underlie how we both construct and consume imagery; how we 'read' images but also how we can make or use them to communicate. The module is comprised of a one hour lecture followed by a three hour drawing/creative thinking class: Each week a different 2-D or 3-D diagnostic exercise is introduced to challenge and direct the students' creative and problem solving skills. The lectures preface these exercises and introduce the student to a broad variety of examples from the field of Art and Design. Learning Outcomes 1. Have gained an awareness of visual elements and their application in a variety of real world contexts 2. Demonstrate an ability to gather, observe, generate and reflect upon visual information. 3. Show experience in the use of a variety of drawing media and approaches. 4. Have acquired skills in communication and expression through visual and plastic forms. 5. Demonstrate awareness of convergent and divergent thinking. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
CAD for Design 2 (Intermediate Geometry)At the end of this module students will be able to communicate a simple design using 3D CAD and identify the most efficient method of creating the desired geometry. Learning Outcomes 1. Use commands which will build the desiredgeometry in the most effective way possible. 2. Be able to produce 2D technical drawing presentations of a simple design |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Digital Media for Design 2 (Applied Digital Projects)This module will build on the practical experience in the application of graphic design software to projects that students gained in Digital media for Design 1. Students will learn to use more advanced image editing techniques and apply the same to more complex design projects. Students will also learn to use Microsoft Powerpoint and apply the same to design projects and presentations. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate basic proficiency with digital media by applying those skills to project work and presentations. 2. Demonstrate basic proficiencywith Microsoft Powerpoint as applied to an interactive presentation. 3. Understand fundamental graphicdesignprincipals byapplying themto digital project work. 4. Communicatedesign ideas throughthe use of digital media. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Visual and Material Culture 2 (Frameworks of Modernity)Visual and Material Culture 2 continues the investigation into the interface between art and design – from the impact of industrialisation to the advent of Modernism and Modernity in the late 19th and early 20th century. The course is thematic in nature and examines a range of responses to this accelerated technology in art and design production and consumption, the rise of the Middle class, social change, the built environment, utopian visions and the concept of the Avant Garde. Learning Outcomes 1. Recognise the importance of cultural, social and economic conditions that relate to visual and material culture practices. 3. Be familiar with the contexts in which the use and application of historical and theoretical terms feature. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Product Design 2 (Application of Core skills)The design process is applied through design projects that have been selected to exercise core skills from Product Design 1. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the context of the design brief as applied to projects |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Design Applied – Material and ProcessesTo introduce the student to a range of materials and production methods for both high quantity manufacture and one off prototype production. In terms of theory, specification and practical industrial processes. Learning Outcomes 1. To understand principalproduction methods and their influenceon the design process. 2. Discuss the merits and de-merits of a range of materials and materialspecification of parts. 3. To demonstratea practical knowledge of modelling materials, techniquesand equipment. 4. To use prototype models as influenceand experiment in the design concept generation and development stage. 5. Have the ability to complete thedesign process by specifying materials and production processes. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
CAD for Design 3 (Advanced 3D Part)This module will cover 3D CAD modelling and techniques. The module will encompass CAD modelling whereby students will be able to operate a 3D parametric solid modelling system to create regular parts and simple assemblies. Learning Outcomes 1. Produce 3 Dimensional regular parts using a solid modelling system. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Digital Media for Design 3 (Digital Rendering)This module will cover Photoshop rendering tools and techniques. The student will learn advanced tools in Photoshop software through tutorials and projects and be taught the use of digital pen tablets to create concepts and finished design renderings and presentation boards. Learning Outcomes 1. Create digital Renderings using Photoshop or other alternative software. 2. Appreciate the advantages of drawing digitally. 3. Communicatedesign ideas throughthe use of digital sketching. 4. Use a digital pen tablet to create design concepts and presentation renderings. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Product Design 3 (User Centered Design)This Module focuses on the user and their interaction with products/services. Through a series of projects students will examine existing products and identify and interview users. They will then develop products while iteratively testing and developing their concepts on their users. They will document their process through a design report. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate competing products 2. Prepare for and interview users 3. Apply Research to Concepts 4. Combine visual media for the presentation of design proposals 5. Produce a Design Report |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Marketing for DesignersThis module allows for design students to develop a marketing approach to design solutions. It provides them with marketing knowledge within the context of the creative industries. An understanding of marketing activities and the importance of the customer is paramount in developing a wider skill set. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the concept of marketing and its applicability to creative industries 2. Appreciate the importance of the customer and create profiles of customers and users that will be target markets 3. Be familiar with the marketing research process and various marketing research methods available to organisations 4. Develop a skill set for selling products and services 5. Use online and digital marketing techniques to engage with customers using appropriate messages and content |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Visual and Material Culture 3: (The Contemporary World)Visual and Material Culture in Semester 3 addresses the themes and issues that inform Modernism, Postmodernism and issues and trends in contemporary art and design practice. The student will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks that underpin context, time, historical perspectives, cultural meaning, ideas and other issues relevant to Art and Design Practice. The ideas, themes, works and other phenomena generated by Modernism and Postmodernism will also be positioned within contemporary debates. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the major themes and issues that inform Modernism and Postmodernism. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Product Design 4 (Designer and Client)The Module focuses on solving design problems for external clients (when available and subject to meeting learning outcomes). The collaborations are by direct contact with clients or through the ITSligo Innovation Centre and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher scheme. Learning Outcomes 1. Devise a design brief for a client. 2. Produce concepts/prototypes for presentation to the client 3. Demonstrate competence in the selection and costing of materials and processes with considerationgiven to environmental issues 4. Determine potential market size for designs and derive material, labour and production costs. 5. Demonstrate professional conduct with clients |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
CAD for Design 4 (Assembly)This module will cover 3D product CAD modelling. The module will encompass product design CAD modelling whereby students will be able to create product components and product sub-assemblies and assemblies. Learning Outcomes 1. Create 3D product components using a solid modelling package. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Visual and Material Culture 4 ( Design for Social Impact)Design and the Contemporary World: Design for Social Impact This programme of study explores conditions, themes and issues in Contemporary Visual/Material Culture with particular reference to Design for Social Impact. This will be done through an examination of a variety of artefacts, systems and social activities. Understanding of developments in economic, political, ideological and cultural forces in the creative industries and related disciplines underpin this examination. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between design practices to the production, consumption and reception of Visual and Material Culture. 2. Evaluate the link between theory and practice in the analysis of issues in contemporary art and design practices. 5. Demonstrate an awareness of the theories and issues that inform Design for Social Practice |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Digital Media for Design 4 (Vector Graphics)Students will create vector graphics through tutorials and projects using Adobe Illustrator. They will produce vector print graphic design work, on-screen vector graphical content, and design project presentation work. Learning Outcomes 1. Design and create vector graphic logos and business literature. 2. Create vector graphical icons and other design content in Adobe Illustrator. 3. Understand the advantages thatvector images have over raster images. 4. Use vector images in creating originaldesigned art in project work. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Digital Lens Based Media 4 – Intro to Video ProductionThis module aims to introduce students to the necessary creative and technical skills to produce a simple video project. Students will work individually and in groups from proposal through shooting to video editing. Learning Outcomes 1. Originate and develop a project proposal for a video production. 2. Shoot a very short independent piece, bearing composition, sequencing and audio in mind. 3. Work within a small group to initiate, organise and shoot a short video on a proposed and agreed topic. 4. Edit the video into a finished form, incorporating titles, transitions, and color grading, including export to final formats suitable for online delivery. 5. Deliver a written reflection on the experience; lessons learned, practitioners they studied, notes on the outcome. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Creative Interdisciplinary Practice IThe module engages students from a selection of creative programmes in collaborative interdisciplinary projects led by lecturers from a range of disciplines from the arts, design and architecture. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate awareness of convergent and divergent thinking; and an awareness of interdisciplinary approaches to creative practice. 2. Interact effectively with others, through collaboration, team work and negotiation. 3. Utilise both familiar and unfamiliar diagnostic and creative skills in unfamiliar contexts. 4. Develop ideas as part of a group through to resolved and accessible outcomes 5. Demonstrate an expanded capacity to work with materials and media. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Product Design 5 (Industry/Competition Project)Students originate project concepts from the examination of given work or living environments and develop appropriate solutions. This involves project planning, design, the selection of processes, problem solving and decision making. Students are encouraged to link up with external "users/experts" to carry out primary research, focus groups, user testing and evaluation. Learning Outcomes 1. Originate and manage a self selected design project |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
CAD for Design 5 (Surface Modeling)At the end of this module students will be able to create advanced organic shapes using surface modelling. Learning Outcomes 1. Use surface modelling to great complex organic geometry 2. Evaluation of surface tangencyand successes 3. Interpret students own ergonomic shape, and reproduce using surfaces. 4. Applyproduction methods to create moldableparts. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Digital Media for Design 5 (3D Modeling)This module will allow the learner to develop content using polygons and NURBS surfaces. The module will focus on the design & production of 3D content and will focus on enabling the student to visualise and present their design ideas in new ways furthering their understanding of digital design principles. Learning Outcomes 1. Use polygon modellingworkflows to createa highly detailed model of an object, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor. 2. Competently incorporate NURBS modelling workflows into creating a highly detailed model of an object, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor. 3. Competently incorporate lights sources and camerasinto a scene, with a view to rendering scenes, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor. 4. Demonstrate a basic competency with applying materials to models. 5. Demonstrate basic competency animating models, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Design in Context 1 (Research Methodologies)In Design in Context 1 students undertake independent academic research which will identify research strategies that support their studio projects. This allows the projects to be positioned within broad social, cultural and design contexts. The main emphasis is on recognising the importance of thorough and informed research in justifying and supporting design rationale with particular emphasis on user input. The submission of a Research Log will form part of the assessment. Final submissions may be written text or a combination of visual and written material. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate critical ability through analysis of a broad range of written and visual material, relating to issues within contemporary design practice. 3. Articulate solutions to design and research problems, organising and collating material though a coherent argument. 4. Producewrittendocumentsthat areinformed by the research path generated by studio projects 5. Identify relevant themes and issues in contemporary design that justify and support design rationale |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Professional Practice 5 (Business Planning)This module is a blueprint for students wishing to commercialise their product into a business, or establish a design business. It introduces students to the major principles of entrepreneurship and planning for business. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify strengths and weaknesses of their business proposal, key areas to develop within the expertise and the financial risk involved in setting up the business. 5. Attract and secure funding, loans and investors by providing information on the projected path for the business, how much investment is needed and how it will be spent. |
05 | Elective |
2 |
Product Design 6 (Portfolio of Experience)The Portfolio of experience provides an opportunity for students to undertake a teamwork entrepreneurship in-house project within creative design. Learning Outcomes 1. Recognise the importance of planned personal and career development and a commitment to the ongoing development of competencies to enhance personal employability/enterprise awareness |
20 | Elective |
2 |
Legal Issues for Creative IndustriesThe purpose of this course is to give the student an introduction to law, the Irish legal system and the role of the European Union in the formation of legislation. The student will be introduced to the basic principles of contract law, negligence, product liability and intellectual property law. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Irish legal system, EU law and the administration of justice in Ireland; 2. Apply the fundamental principles of contract law and tort law in a Design context; 3. Analyse key issues in relation to intellectual property in the context of Creative Design; 4. Evaluate salient factors which influence decision making within a legal environment. |
05 | Elective |
2 |
Work PlacementThe student will undertake a work placement in a design-based studio or business for this module. For this module, the student will engage in a professional environment and learn the workings of design in a professional context. The student will fulfil their work-placement role for the full duration of semester 2. A critical part of the placement is for the student to document their own learning and to demonstrate self-management throughout semester 2. This 'Work Placement' module enables students to build their confidence by utilising their existing design skills in a professional environment. Learning Outcomes 1. confidently work in a design-led environment. 2. describe the operational practices within the host enterprise. 3. work as a team member and have developed communication and interpersonal skills. 4. describe the quality assurance procedures in the host enterprise. 5. apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. 6. Reflect on and analyse the work placement learning experience in relation to the work environment. |
30 | Elective |
2 |
Erasmus Experience (Design)This module is available for 30 ECTS credits of a semester abroad of learning where the student is required to attend modules of academic study in a relevant host/partner College/University/Institute. A learning agreement is used to identify a variety of modules and group of educational components offered by the Erasmus partner, preferably in cognate fields to match their existing programme. All teaching and assessment will be carried out in and by the host College/University/Institute. Learning Outcomes 1. have developed intellectual flexibility through approaching their academic discipline from another perspective. 2. have an increased awareness of and sensitivity to other cultural customs, normsand design culture in the host country/institute. 3. use the experience of differenteducation culture and exposure to new teaching and learning methods to prepare them better for employment or further study and be able to outline the benefits of same. 4. utilise a range of personal development qualities and skillsincluding cross-cultural communicationand problem-solving skills in a range of familiar and unfamiliar situations. 5. have developed a range of self-management and life-long learning skills including time management, adaptability, confidence, independence and enterprise. |
30 | Elective |
Progression
Upon completing the Level 7 BA in Creative Design, graduates may progress to the final year of our AU927 BA (Hons) in Creative Design.
On completion of the BA (Hons) in Creative Design, graduates may undertake further studies at Master and PhD level, such as the Master of Arts in Creative Practice here at ATU Sligo.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 5 subjects at O6/H7 English or Irish at O6/H7 Maths not required |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET Requirements | None |
Testimonial
“This degree allowed me to explore all aspects of design using various creative platforms. This led me to design innovative ideas and develop my interest and skills in design.”
Jamie Keaveney , BA (Hons) in Creative Design graduate and Highly Commended at the Institute of Designers Ireland (IDI) awards
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
Careers
Design’s adaptability in continuously evolving environments is what makes its practices relevant in times of change. It has never been more valued as an economic force or as culturally influential as it is now. For recent graduates, this degree has provided a competitive edge for entering the workplace.
Graduates are designing cars, medical devices, and apps, and they are working in design areas such as graphics, electronic products, startups, and more.
The skills learnt on the degree apply to product/service ideation, development or improvement, or for startups and R&D teams who may be developing new and innovative offerings. Startup companies increasingly recognise the value of including designers in the early stages of business development. More and more companies now have their own design teams and include “design” in their portfolios.
Examples of recent vacancies advertised by leading companies in this field include:
•Visual Designer
•Human-Centered Designer
•Environmental Designer
•Creative Designer
•Design Consultant
•Design Researcher
•Service & Interaction Designer – UI/UX Designer
•Designer for Social Impact
A report by The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, found that by 2025 occupations in digital, product and strategic design could
grow between 21,000 and 33,000. However, only 1,300 students graduate annually with the required skills.
Further Information
Contact Information
T: +353 (0)71 931 8510
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Yeats Academy of Arts, Design & Architecture