Certificate in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration
Course Overview
The Certificate in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration introduces the learner to BIM and will provide professionals with an additional skill set centred on BIM.
Students are introduced to the software Revit, and will develop an understanding of BIM’s technical issues through individual effort. Students will produce complex 3D models in the built environment to include interior and building services. They will extract 2D documentation plans, sections, elevations from the model and render 3D views to a high degree of expertise. Learners are also introduced to Bitmap & Vector Graphics applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
The graduates of this programme will be eligible to progress to careers in the construction industry and building design practices.
The programme is managed in the Design Faculty of Griffith College Dublin and is delivered by BIM experts from both the college and the industry. The course combines tutorial sessions in a PC lab/ classroom environment with face-to-face sessions and team coordination and guest lecturing leveraging cross-faculty links in Business (Project Management) and BIM experts from the industry.
Why study BIM and Graphic Illustration with Griffith College?
The programme creates opportunities for learners to take individual professional design responsibility of their product and their process and develop an ability to lead teams within their disciplines. Through the course, students will:
- Explain key topics and principles surrounding BIM and the benefits to be gained from its adoption.
- Devise and plot design details in a holistic manner with competence, fluency and sensitivity demonstrating a good understanding of the principles of interdisciplinary communication required in presenting projects generated by BIM.
- Use BIM software to produce 2D documentation plans, sections, elevations and to construct complex 3D models to include and building services efficiently, to industry standard.
- Produce photorealistic images of BIM models and project proposals.
- Use BIM software to produce specifications of work, time schedules, and costings for the construction industry
- Light and render interiors to a high degree of expertise while achieving an accurate and aesthetically pleasing visualisation of a proposed design.
- Use Bitmap and Vector Graphics applications to produce graphic illustrations to a required degree of proficiency in order to visually communicate proposals, drawings and specifications to high standards.
- Identify, select and apply appropriate products, materials and fittings based on an understanding of technology and specifications to a professional standard.
- Independently manage BIM projects assigned by others in the built environment.
This programme is an embedded special purpose award in the Diploma in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration programme. Graduates of this programme can progress directly to the diploma on completion, or within five years of their graduation.
Course Highlights
- Designed to meet the skills required by industry
- Provides a foundation for participants who wish to progress in the workplace.
- Option to further your study with a pathway to BIM 3D Modelling.
- Friendly, approachable staff (who are experts in their fields), provide a supportive learning environment
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
What our alumni & industry professionals say
By taking the Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration course at Griffith College, I was able to begin immediately implementing BIM processes and technologies in my day-to-day work. On completion of this course, I was eligible to go on and do my MSc in Construction Informatics, which led to my promotion to become a BIM Engineer in a prominent engineering consultancy. I would highly recommend this course to anyone beginning their BIM journey.
Certificate in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration
Even I [an experienced industry professional] would be interested in developing my knowledge and practical applications for the Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Graphic Illustration program. Our industry is so diverse, I believe it is imperative to have many skills that you can apply and bring to a project – even if you are not an expert with many years of experience you should have enough knowledge to be able to make educated design decisions and be up to date with current regulations and skills.
Course Details
Course Modules
This module enables the learner to develop basic skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit. Within the module, learners are facilitated (learning by doing) to develop the skills to construct basic 3D models relating the built environment, and for interiors to include lighting. In completing the model, learners will be facilitated to research and select appropriate products, materials and fittings using their understanding of technology and professional standard specifications gained through the programme.
This module enables the learner to develop basic rendering skills using Revit. Using 3D model views, and computer-aided software, learners will develop the skills to create aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior renders and walkthroughs. They will develop an understanding of the importance of researching, specifying and including appropriate materials, textures, natural and artificial lighting in generating renders. This will be facilitated by the learners’ awareness of property location, material properties and daylight analysis.
This module enables the learner to develop their technical and computer application skills to support their engagement with BIM projects. Basic graphic illustration skills using Photoshop and InDesign are facilitated. Having produced their basic presentations, learners will then work in 2D, 3D and Photoshop (learning by doing) to illustrate their designs. They will additionally be enabled to develop their workflow skills to complete the projects.
Course Contacts
Britt Berentzen
- Dublin Main Campus
Timetables
Blended Delivery—This part-time programme runs for one semester on Thursday evenings from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm and every second Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Year 2025
The timetable will be made available closer to the start date.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Applicants to the programme must meet normal QQI requirements, Level 7 or equivalent, awarded on the National Framework of Qualifications.
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The applicants require a background in building design and construction-related programmes or a cognate discipline and require prior knowledge in the following areas:
Proficient in 2D CAD or other architectural technical tools.Experience in 3D CAD or other architectural technical tools.
Applicants will be asked to provide a sample of their work/portfolio.
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.
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 on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin Fee: EUR2396
(Inclusive of Tuition Fee EUR2050.00, Academic Administration Fee EUR250.00, 2% Learner Protection Charge (EUR46) and EUR50.00 QQI Award fee)
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00, a 2% Learner Protection Charge and EUR50 QQI Award fee is applicable each academic year.
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
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
This course provides a pathway to BIM-related programmes.
Graduates of this programme can progress directly to the Diploma in Building Information Modelling (BIM) & Graphic Illustration on completion, or within five years of their graduation.
