Art Portfolio – Art, Graphics And Printmaking (Visual Communications) Level 5
Course Code AGP
NFQ Level 5
Duration 1 Year
QQI Code 5M1995
Award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Graphic Design

Why choose this course?
This course enables you to create a portfolio that is both dynamic and skills based.
It covers a wide range of skills such as drawing, painting, print-making and black and white photography, plus it has the added advantage of giving you industry level computer skills in graphic design, such as Photoshop and InDesign, perfect if you want to pursue a career or further education in Visual Communications.
AGP portfolios are most suitable not only for Visual Communications and Design courses, but also suitable for many other Visual Arts programmes such as Fine Art, Photography, Print-making and Painting.
Throughout the year various artists and designers visit the college to talk and guide students.
A highlight of the course is a trip to Paris to view contemporary and historical art in galleries and museums.
What will you study?
- Design Skills (5N0784)
- Drawing (5N1862)
- Graphic Design Skills (5N1978)
- Printmaking (5N1373)
- Painting (5N1302)
- Work Experience (5N1356)
- Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design (5N0755)
- Traditional Black and White Photography (5N0757)
- Figure Studies (5N1869)
- Communications (5N0690)
What do you need to apply?
- Five O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI level 4 Certificate and successful completion of Interview.
- The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).
Art Portfolio Guidelines
Students applying for Art and Design courses should bring to the interview a small selection of original artwork completed within the past year demonstrating Drawing skills and interests. This original portfolio should contain:
- A selection of drawings or paintings that are recent studies. The work should include both quick sketches and detailed drawings which demonstrate the ability to deal with line, tone, texture, colour and form using a variety of media (e.g., pencil, charcoal, pastel, oil, paint).
- Sketchbooks or notebooks can be included in the portfolio submission.
- Any digital artwork you have made.
Progression
- Graduates with a Merit profile can progress directly onto the 2-year HND in Graphic Design (Visual Communications), Level 6 (AGH) in BCFE.
- Graduates with a Merit profile can also apply to the following Higher National Diploma courses at BCFE:
- Graduates of this course may apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities such as to NCAD, DIT and IADT, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
Students' Work

