Postgraduate Diploma Home Study

Develop an in-depth understanding of graphic design to lead complex creative projects and take your career to the next level.
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Start Date

Can be started at any time

Price

€1,732 (Easy-pay plan available)

Duration

Approximately 9 months

Work Placement

Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with a graphic design company. All placements are made in the Dublin and Cork areas.

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Study Option
Home Study
Course Level
Comparable to level 6 on the NFQ
Entry Requirements
18 years old or over
Assessment
15 practical assignments
Recognition
The Graphic Design Academy of Ireland is recognised by the International Approval and Registrations Centre (IARC).

Completing this course will enable you to start your own successful graphic design business by honing your skills to create, plan and manage your own design projects.

Designed around 15 practical assignments, you will incrementally develop the advanced techniques and deep understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as a graphic designer.

As a home study student you will have full access to our student area, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including: instructional videos, written content and assignments.

Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.

On average a student studying around 15 hours per week can complete the course in 18 months, a student studying around 30 hours a week can complete the course in 9 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

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Topics

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

    • Introduction to Graphic Design

    Explore the history of graphic design and the elements and principles that make up the foundation of these forms of communication. Learn how to:

    • Apply elements and principles of graphic design to a defined piece of work
    • Evaluate the impact of elements and principles on your own graphic designs

    • Imagery in Graphic Design

    The four building blocks of graphic design are imagery, colour, typography, and layout. Explore how the first important element, imagery, is used effectively in design. Learn how to:

    • Explain how imagery is used in graphic design to create different effects
    • Create posters and storyboards for a commercial purpose using imagery

    • Colour in Graphic Design

    Explore the second important element of graphic design - the use of colour. Learn how to:

    • Create graphic designs that use colour theory effectively
    • Apply colour schemes to graphic designs that are appropriate for different audiences

    • Typography In Graphic Design

    Explore the third important element of graphic design - the use of typography. Learn how to:

    • Create graphic designs that use typography effectively
    • Apply typefaces to graphic designs that relay specific messages

    • Layout and Composition in Graphic Design

    Explore the fourth important element of graphic design - layout and composition. Learn how to:

    • Apply effective layout principles to graphic designs
    • Create signage and a brochure for a commercial purpose

    • Logo Design

    Explore the features of CAD software and the elements of a 2D logo. Apply this knowledge to create a logo design that satisfies a client brief using CAD. Learn how to:

    • Evaluate the role of CAD in graphic design
    • nalyse the features of logo design
    • Apply techniques and processes to create a 2D logo using CAD

    • Poster Advertisement Design I

    Explore CAD software in more depth, as well as the features of 2D poster design. Apply this knowledge to create a poster that satisfies a client brief using CAD. Learn how to:

    • Analyse the features of poster design
    • Develop ideas for a poster advertisement

    • Poster Advertisement Design II

    Explore how to finalise, present, and reflect on your designs. Learn how to:

    • Apply techniques and processes to create a 2D poster advertisement design using CAD software
    • Present your final design to a client
    • Reflect on the design process and your own creative work

    • Packaging Design I

    Explore the features of 3D packaging design. Apply your knowledge to create a design prototype, using CAD, that shows consideration for visual branding and identity and the environment. Learn how to:

    • Analyse a client brief
    • Research and explore ideas for a package design
    • Develop, test and refine ideas for a package design based on feedback

    • Packaging Design II

    Explore ways to finalise, evaluate, and refine your design and consider the legal requirements relevant to packaging design. Learn how to:

    • Apply techniques and processes to create a 3D package design using CAD software
    • Present a 3D package design to a client
    • Refine a design concept based on feedback
    • Reflect on feedback and your own creative work

    • Branding and Identity I

    Explore the importance of branding and identity in the professional sphere. Investigate the role of graphic design and market research in creating a powerful brand. Learn about:

    • How to undertake and interpret market research
    • Managing a brand design project

    • Branding and Identity II

    Continue to explore the importance of branding and identity in the professional sphere. Learn about working with a client to develop design ideas and strengthen a corporate identity through graphic design. Learn about:

    • Creating logos, packages and other design concepts for a brand

    • Branding and Identity III

    Finalise and present the branding and identity project design with a style guide that will strengthen a corporate identity. Learn about:

    • Branding style guides and how to create them
    • Presenting your creative work to a client for feedback.

    • Professional Development

    Examine various career opportunities and pathways in the graphic design industry in relation to your own skillset. Learn how to:

    • Investigate the graphic design profession
    • Examine your own strengths and weaknesses as a designer
    • Identify career goals
    • Plan career development milestones

    • Portfolio Creation

    Develop a portfolio and explore how to best demonstrate your skills to potential clients and employers. Learn how to:

    • Curate a professional portfolio
    • Produce a CV
    • Manage interviews

Tutors

Our tutor community includes hundreds of talented professionals with both local and international credentials. Here is a sample to illustrate the depth of creative experience that Academy students benefit from:

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I would certainly recommend the Post Grad Dip to friends or other students looking to gain a professional qualification, so many new skills to learn.

Student testimonial

Mark Powell

Student - BAPH

The support I get from the student community and my tutor are essential. It isn't always easy and it's clearly demanding, but the whole experience is extraordinary

Student testimonial

Daniel Oliver

Student - BAPH

This course has taken me on an amazing journey - there has been a lot of learning with tutors who have given constructive feedback to help with progression.

Student testimonial

Tiffany Hayes

Student - BAPH

Between the forums online and our Facebook page I feel more connected with students and staff and I never feel silly asking my tutor even basic questions!

Student testimonial

Sonya O'Donoghue

Student - PAI

The Graphic Design Academy of Ireland

The Graphic Design Academy of Ireland is part of a network of creative design education brands that offers courses in Interior Design, Garden Design, Fashion Design, Photography and Digital Marketing. Our philosophy is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

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Choosing the right course

We offer a range of graphic design courses to suit your goals.

Why not contact our experienced staff for advice, or browse to our other courses.

Diploma Home Study
Higher National Certificate Home Study

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