BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design
Course Overview
Discover how to create visually striking imagery while gaining an understanding of marketing and photography.
If you’re fascinated by words and pictures, bursting with ideas, and a natural problem solver then this course is for you. Check out Griffith Creative 2024 to view our final year student's work and see what you could create as part of Griffith College Design.
Why Study Graphic Communication Design at Griffith?
Our BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design is a three-year level 8 degree course available on a full-time basis. This challenging degree will teach you how to continuously respond with creativity, and create innovative visuals while developing a keen understanding of consumer culture and market trends.
- Achieve an honours degree in Graphic Communication Design in three years.
- Investigate up-to-the-minute tools and trends of the trade, including introductory and advanced web design.
- A broad range of modules, including business and marketing aim to prepare the students for the Design industry.
- Receive a solid foundation in traditional design practices alongside modern concepts of graphic design and develop your skills and style across multiple media.
- Learn to think creatively when faced with design challenges, adapt to industry changes, and recognise key trends and the integral role of target markets and consumer culture in their design.
- The practical nature of the course encourages students to learn by doing while small class sizes ensure you can work closely with your tutors.
- The calibre of work produced by the Design Faculty has been recognised numerous times through industry awards and exhibitions.
- 100% continuous assessment means learners do not need to sit written exams.
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web.
Course Highlights
- Class Field Trips - Every year classes travel to current and historical places of design importance, both nationally and internationally. Previous trips have included London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Bilbao, Barcelona, and Venice.
- Industry Links - You will be taught by practising architects, designers, buyers, and art historians. Professionals from the industry regularly give guest lectures.
Questions? Have a look at our FAQ section.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
Are you applying through the CAO?
Check out our CAO HUB for more information about applying through the CAO!
Course Codes
- Dublin: GC462
What our students say
The course was so broad and offered a lot of options for the future. We went on several field trips and had industry experts come in to speak, which was really valuable. We gained great insights and learnt so much from those experiences.
Graphic Communication Design
I really enjoyed the process, especially seeing CoLab Packaging to see how different items are produced. I also liked all the talks from the different guest speakers. Working alongside my classmates and getting feedback from Ashland was great for tailoring and improving our future designs. The feedback we received was always very constructive.
Graphic Communication Design
Course Details
Core Modules:
- Communication Design 1
- Typography 1
- Design Graphics 1
- Illustration 1
- Contextual Studies for Visual Communication
- Communication Design 2
- Advertising and Editorial Photography
- Design Graphics 2
- Illustration 2
- Design Culture and Theory
- Communication Design 3
- Typography 2
- Web Design
- Design Futures
- Brand and Marketing
- Communication Design 4
- Interaction Design
- Photography and Video
- Entrepreneurship and Business
- Communication Design 5
- Advanced Web Design
- Motion Graphics
- Thesis
- Major Project
- Professional Practice & Portfolio
Timetables
Full-Time Programme:
Monday to Friday from 10 AM - 5 PM.
Timetables are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the faculty directly.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
All applicants for this course must submit a general art and design portfolio.
Portfolio Requirements:
All applicants to this programme are required to submit a general art and design portfolio, demonstrating creativity and observational drawing skills through the development of creative project work. Our portfolio guidelines are available here.
Please upload your portfolio using this platform: here
All candidates are required to upload a digital portfolio. Before you begin, you will need a CAO Application Number or a Griffith College application number so please make sure you have made an application to the CAO or Griffith College (as appropriate) for one of our Honours degree programmes.
Deadline: Candidates will have the opportunity to select an assessment date when uploading their portfolio. You must upload your portfolio by your chosen date.
- Friday, 31st January 2025
- Friday, 28th February 2025
- Friday, 28th March 2025
- Friday, 25th April 2025
- Friday, 30th May 2025
- Friday, 27th June 2025
If you have a query or you require further information about submitting a portfolio, please contact admissions@griffith.ie.
Advanced Entry:
Level 5 holders:
Candidates with a Level 5 qualification who obtain 3 distinctions and 5 passes (plus a portfolio) may be eligible for entry into year 1 of this course. Candidates under 23 years of age still need to apply through the CAO. Mature students can apply directly here.
Level 6 holders:
Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in a related discipline may be eligible for advanced entry into this course. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant transcripts and a portfolio of work in support of their application. Pending the strength of the portfolio, candidates may be eligible for entry into year 1 or year 2 of this programme.
All candidates with a Level 6 qualification, regardless of age, will need to apply directly here.
*Please note, advanced entry applications are assessed on a case by case basis and offers are made at the discretion of the faculty.
English Language
Applicants from countries where English is not the first language will also be required to provide evidence of sufficient English language abilities.
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
For more information on any of the above, please contact admissions@griffith.ie.
How to Apply
CAO Applicants / Applicants under 23 years of age:
Applicants under 23 years of age on 1st January the year the course begins must apply through the CAO system. Please consult the CAO website for details on key dates for applications.
Applicants under 23 years old on the 1st of January the year the course begins must submit a copy of their Leaving Cert results. Candidates will need to have obtained a minimum of two subjects at grade H5 and four subjects at grade O6/H7. These results must include a language (English or Irish) and either Maths or Art.
Candidates with equivalent grades from FETAC colleges and those holding awards including BTEC qualifications will also be considered.
CAO course code: GC494
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
Applicants who are 23 years of age on or before the 1st of January the year the course begins, may apply as a mature students. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin : EUR 6,850.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
You’ll have gained a unique knowledge of traditional design, graphic design, business, and marketing, as well as created an extensive practical portfolio upon completion of this course. Following on from your undergraduate studies you may wish to pursue postgraduate study in other academic institutions in Ireland or abroad. Graduates may consider progressing within Griffith College onto the following programme:
(You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you)
Career Progression
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design gain valuable experience, a strong creative foundation, and diverse skills. They work across various fields, including design agencies, graphic design, advertising, web design, game design, broadcasting, TV/film post-production, illustration, and promotion. With the growing importance of visual experiences across multiple platforms, demand for skilled designers continues to rise, expanding career opportunities in the industry. Career options include:
- Web Designer and Developer
- Communications and Marketing Officer
- Game Designer
- Materials Consultant
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Art Director
- App Developer
- Content Creators
- UX/UI Designer
- Social Media Experts
- PR Manager
- Creative Director
- Search Specialists
- Project Managers
- Media Officer
- Communications
- E-Commerce Advisors
- Experiential Specialists
- Telecommunications Network Designer
- Retail Store Designer
- Film and Set Design Associate
- Photographer
