Ab-initio degrees:

DIT: design - visual communication NCAD: design - visual communications

Cert/diplomas:

Three-year courses: WIT: Design (communications) Athlone RTC: Design (communications) Letterkenny RTC: Design (graphics) Dun Laoghaire RTC: Design (communication) Limerick RTC: art and design Two-year certificates: DIT: design (display / presentation /visual media)

Applying for art and design - CAO dates

Most of these courses fall into the CAO's restricted application category. This means that you must apply before February 1st. No late applications will be accepted. Entry to first-year core at the National College of Art and Design is not through the CAO. You must apply to the college directly.

PLC courses

The proliferation of portfolio preparation courses at Post Leaving Cert level is one indication of the intense competition for places on third-level art and design courses. Most third-level colleges require a student to submit a portfolio of work; however, many students do not get the opportunity to put together a portfolio at second level. Hence the PLCs. In addition, a number of PLC colleges offer a variety of art and design courses which are complete in themselves. Check with your local Vocational Education Committee or PLC college for details. The more popular courses fill early so it would be wise to make enquiries.