Certificate in Digital Sculpting
5 Mar 2026
-
23 Apr 2026
Apply By
20 Feb 2026
Apply To
IADT
ECTS Points
10
Course Code
DL147
Duration
8 weeks (fully online)
Fees
€1,100
20 Feb 2026
IADT
10
DL147
8 weeks (fully online)
€1,100
Digital sculpting is the process of using computers to produce digital art. Using leading Industry software, students will explore the basics of the sculpting process for both character and creature sculpting.
You will learn how to generate sketch ideas and to progress a character design from initial concept to completed digital mesh. Utilising a subdivision digital sculpting workflow, you will create your digital character/creature as a digital sculpt in a final pose.
Other areas will also be explored such as preparation of digital sculpts for 3D printing and high-quality renders for portfolio presentation.
At the end of the course, you will:
• Understand the basic requirements and workflows required for using digital sculpting software to create your own 3D models. Both organic and hard surface modelling techniques will be explained and explored.
• Evidence competency in the design and digital sculpting of a human or creature character.
• Synthesize the various technical elements required to produce a 3D print.
• Evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of roles and processes required of a 3D digital artist.
Students who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Professional Skills (Level 9 Award, 10 ECTS).
A 3D digital modeller is an artist first and foremost creating or bringing to life the fantastical and fabulous. Using the power of technology these creatives use digital sculpting to produce high quality concept art, Game and animation characters, collectible toys, 3D printed props, scenic elements and more.
You will learn about the Digital sculpting process and about the importance of blocking out, the mesh surface, level of detail, mesh preparation and presentation. You will design and produce a 3D printable humanoid or creature character bust using digital sculpting software.
Classes will take place online from 5pm to 8pm on:
| Date | Content |
| Thursday, 5th March | Intro to Digital Sculpting. Digital sculpting set up |
| Thursday, 12th March | Digital sculpting Basics: The Human head |
| Thursday, 19th March | Digital sculpting Basics: The Human figure |
| Thursday, 26th March | Creature sculpting |
| Tuesday, 31st March | Character / Asset generation |
| Thursday, 2nd April | Character / Asset base build |
| Tuesday, 7th April | Character / Asset development |
| Thursday, 9th April | Character / Asset detailing |
| Thursday, 16th April | 3D Printing |
| Thursday, 23rd April | Final presentation |
A recognised undergraduate degree, issued at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered based on their prior experience and learning through our RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
As part of the RPL process, applicants in this category will be required to present a qualifying statement of a standard that demonstrates their ability to undertake work at Level 9.
A CV detailing your professional experience is required.
Experience using a drawing tablet is a big plus but not essential.
Each student must provide their own drawing tablet – examples include:
The Huion Inspiroy H950P or the Huion New 1060 Plus (both available for approx €57 online).
Alternatives might be the Wacom One (approx €59 online), or for those with a budget to spend and who want a professional version would be the Wacom Intuos 5 (approx. €400).
Applications are open for 2025/2026.
IADT operates on a rolling admissions basis. This means that applications are reviewed as and when they are received.
Should you apply for a course that is already at capacity, our admissions team will have established a waiting list to accommodate such situations. In the event that a spot becomes available due to enrolment changes, we will work diligently to offer that spot to waitlisted applicants.
Fees for this course in 2025/2026 are €1,100.
Should any fee subsidies be available for this course, information will be posted here around mid-November.
CFA Scholarship:
A CFA Scholarship encourages the participation and success of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering a free place in one of our CFA courses and programmes.
Find out if you are eligible to apply HERE
Fill in the CFA@IADT Scholarship application form HERE
This course will be taught by Julian King, MA. Julian is the lead lecturer on 3D Design Model Making and Digital Art in IADT. As well as decades of experience as a lecturer, he also has many years of experience in film design, model making, and 3D digital prototyping and production.
Slideshow image credits:
Image 1: Lorcan Duguey
Image 2: Marie Gadsdon
Image 3: Marie Therese Clune
Image 4: Barry Wrafter
Image 5: Ciaran Patterson
Feature image: Paul Kelly
Applicants to this course are eligible for Human Capital Initiative HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Subsidy funding. The subsidy for this course is 50% of the total course costs for eligible learners. Terms & Conditions apply.
