Art, Craft & Design Portfolio Preparation

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Art 5M1985 (More about QQI)

In the Level 5 Art, Craft and Design Portfolio Preparation course, students will get the chance to explore their own personal interests through a wide range of creative mediums, from drawing and sculpture to graphic design and combined materials. Students will work in a studio-style classroom space alongside others who share a passion for art, with plenty of room to experiment, share ideas, and develop their own unique style. Our projects are designed to help students build a strong, creative portfolio for college applications. 

Students will complete a QQI Level 5 Award in Art with the potential to gain a maximum of 390 CAO points for entry into third-level institutions. By doing this course, they will be better prepared for degree programmes and able to make informed decisions regarding college and course choices. 

Employment Opportunities

  • Art Administrator
  • Gallery Assistant.
  • Practising Artist
  • Community Arts Worker
  • Studio Technician
  • Graphic Designer
  • Textile Designer
  • Art Educator

Duration: One Year Full-Time - September to May

Coordinator: Mary Clohisey

Email: maryclohisey@scfe.ie

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Course content

  • Figure Studies
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Combined Materials
  • Graphic Design
  • Communications
  • Work Experience

Course features and facilities

  • Continuous assessment throughout the course
  • Project-based activities
  • Outings to Galleries & Exhibitions

Course Facilities

  • Spacious, well-equipped studios for the study of drawing, painting, photography, printing, computer graphics, 3D studies and mixed media
  • Access to fully equipped IT suites and Library
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Entry requirements

  • Leaving Certificate or equivalent, LCA or relevant experience
  • Interview – applicants must bring a selection of their best work to include drawing from observation, 3D work, craft work, sketch books or notebooks
  • Mature applicants welcome
  • Applicants may be accepted without meeting formal entry qualifications.

“I did the Level 5 QQI Art Portfolio course in SCFE.  I really enjoyed my time in the course.  I gained loads of new skills and it encouraged me to try different art styles and I had never tried before.  I had a lot of fun doing that and I think I gained a lot of artistic skill.  It has loads of different modules that are great for trying new things and developing your art style.  I am going to IADT as I have enough points from the course to do that.”  Ellen Quinn, Graduate 2025

“I would recommend Art, Craft & Design at SCFE to anyone who wants to study a related subject at degree level. The variety of modules is a great asset to your portfolio. Although I did not have a Leaving Cert on entry, I achieved 400 CAO points with the full QQI award, which, in combination with my portfolio, enabled me to gain entry to NCAD. I completed an honours degree in Art & Design History & Visual Communication before going on to start my own design and illustration practice.” Rosa Devine  

 

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ART, CRAFT & DESIGN Portfolio Preparation

Other courses

Education progression

Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 5 award in Art 5M1985
IADTArt#Level 8DL827
IADTGraphic Design#Level 8DL826
IADTArts ManagementLevel 8DL822

For a more detailed list of progression options please www.cao.ie

For more progression options

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IADTAnimation#Level 8DL832
IADTDesign for Film#Level 8DL845
NCADArt and Design (Common Entry)*Level 8AD101
NCADFine Art*Level 8AD204
NCADGraphic Design and Moving Image Design*Level 8AD102
NCADTextile & Surface Design and Jewellery & Objects*Level 8AD103
NCADEducation & Design or Fine Art (2nd Level Teaching)*GLevel 8AD202
NCADFashion Design*Level 8AD211
TU Dublin City CentreFine Art*Level 8TU974
TU Dublin City CentreDesign – Visual Communication*Level 8TU973
TU Dublin City CentreInterior Design*Level 8TU975
TU Dublin City CentreCreative Industries & Visual CultureLevel 8TU978
TU Dublin BlanchardstownCreative Digital MediaLevel 7TU796
TU Dublin BlanchardstownCreative Digital MediaLevel 8TU981
TU Dublin TallaghtMedia Production & Digital ArtsLevel 8TU982
Marino Institute of EducationEducation studies GLevel 8CM010
South East TUArt*Level 8CW038
South East TUVisual Communications and DesignLevel 7CW047
South East TUArt*Level 7CW057
South East TUVisual Communications and DesignLevel 8CW088
TU SouthAnimation and Illustration*Level 8AL861
TU SouthGraphic Design#Level 8AL763
South East TUDesign (Visual Communications)Level 8WD137
South East TUVisual ArtLevel 8WD152
*Portfolio Assessment or Audition # Portfolio Assessment / Audition / Project Day G Garda Vetting Required

Course modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change