National College of Art & Design (NCAD)

Dublin
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Third Level Colleges

National College of Art & Design (NCAD)

The National College of Art & Design (NCAD) is Ireland’s leading specialist higher education institution for art, design and visual culture. Located in the historic Liberties area of Dublin, NCAD has been at the centre of art and design education in Ireland for more than two centuries and is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD). The college offers undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education opportunities across a broad range of creative disciplines, serving learners from across Ireland and around the world.

NCAD is uniquely focused on the creative arts and offers one of the most extensive ranges of art and design degree programmes available in Ireland. Students benefit from specialist studios, workshops, exhibition spaces, libraries, digital facilities and access to practising artists, designers, educators and researchers. The college combines studio-based learning, critical thinking, research and professional practice to help learners develop both creative and industry-relevant skills.

Course Types and Modes of Study

The range of learning opportunities available at NCAD includes:

  • Full-Time Undergraduate Programmes – Degree programmes in art, design, education and visual culture at honours degree level.
  • Postgraduate Study – Taught master’s degrees, professional qualifications, postgraduate diplomas and doctoral research opportunities.
  • Part-Time Courses – Flexible study options through Continuing Education in Art & Design (CEAD).
  • Evening Courses – Creative and professional development courses delivered outside standard working hours.
  • Professional Development Programmes – Specialist courses for artists, designers, educators and creative professionals.
  • Short Courses and Workshops – Practical learning opportunities in a variety of creative disciplines.
  • Research Degrees – Structured doctoral and research-based postgraduate study.

Categories of Study

The following are among the principal fields of study available through NCAD.

Fine Art

Fine Art programmes encompass disciplines such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, media, ceramics, glass and contemporary artistic practice.

Design

Design courses cover areas including graphic design, illustration, product design, interaction design, jewellery and objects, fashion design, textile design and moving image design.

Fashion and Textiles

Specialist programmes explore fashion design, textile surface design and contemporary approaches to materials and making.

Visual Culture

Visual Culture programmes examine art history, critical theory, cultural studies and contemporary visual practices.

Art and Design Education

NCAD offers pathways for learners interested in teaching, arts education, creative facilitation and educational practice.

Digital and Interaction Design

Students can pursue studies in interaction design, digital experiences, user-centred design and emerging technologies.

Craft and Material Practices

Programmes explore traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and object-based design.

Creative Research

Research-led study is available across art, design and visual culture disciplines through master’s and doctoral programmes.

Additional specialist areas and interdisciplinary opportunities may also be available through NCAD’s schools, research centres and continuing education programmes.

NCAD Learners

NCAD attracts a diverse community of learners, including school leavers applying through the CAO system, mature students, international students, practising artists and designers, educators, and professionals seeking to expand their creative skills or qualifications. Programmes range from introductory and continuing education courses to advanced postgraduate and research study. Entry requirements vary depending on the programme and may include portfolio assessment, academic qualifications or professional experience.

Student Experience and Learning Environment

The NCAD campus is located at 100 Thomas Street in Dublin 8 and combines historic architecture with modern studio and workshop facilities. The college is organised around four academic schools: Design, Fine Art, Education and Visual Culture. Students have access to specialist making spaces, exhibition opportunities, creative technology resources, library services and a vibrant artistic community.

A distinctive feature of the undergraduate experience is the First Year programme, which allows students to explore a range of creative disciplines before progressing into specialist pathways. This broad foundation helps learners develop technical skills, critical thinking and an understanding of different creative practices before choosing their area of focus.

The college also offers student support services, access initiatives, international exchange opportunities, Erasmus participation and career development support. Students can engage with exhibitions, public events, industry collaborations and professional practice activities throughout their studies.

Progression Opportunities

Graduates of NCAD progress into a wide variety of careers across the creative and cultural sectors. Depending on their area of study, graduates may pursue opportunities in graphic design, product design, fashion, illustration, animation, visual arts, arts administration, education, curatorial practice, cultural organisations and creative entrepreneurship. Others continue to postgraduate study, teacher education or research programmes in Ireland and internationally. The college’s emphasis on portfolio development, professional practice and creative problem-solving supports both employment and further academic progression.

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NCAD remains one of Ireland’s most significant centres for creative education, offering specialist pathways in art, design, education and visual culture within a dedicated creative learning environment in the heart of Dublin.

Contact Details

100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, D08 K521, Ireland.
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https://www.ncad.ie
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