7 weeks part-time | 1 evening per week (Tuesdays) | Online

7 weeks part-time | 1 evening per week | Online
Start Date: Tues 14th April
End Date: Tues 26th May
Time: 6:30 – 9pm
Dates:
Apr 14, Apr 21, Apr 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26

This course is designed for creative professionals and designers eager to expand their practice and embrace emerging AI tools and methods.

• Understand key concepts in artificial intelligence and their relevance to design
  
• Explore tools and methods for designing with and for AI technologies
• Evaluate and critique AI-generated outputs within different design contexts
  
• Investigate ethical, professional, and practical issues in AI-driven design
  
• Apply principles and frameworks for integrating AI into design processes, identify opportunities and limitations of AI
  
• Recognize how AI can enhance innovation and impact within organizations, considering future trends and possibilities

Graduates will be equipped to advance in design innovation roles, or emerging AI–design hybrid careers.

The programme seeks to provide the transversal and specialist skills to equip creative practitioners to work within existing career paths, while also forging new career and creative pathways as creative educators and facilitators.

Educational Standard

All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)

Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination set by the relevant department before being accepted to a Masters degree programme. Attendance at selected undergraduate lecture courses at NCAD, together with related written work may be prescribed.

You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.

Applicants who have not been educated through English must show proof of achieving IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in the writing section on the Academic Version) or an equivalent score in another accepted test.

Essential Supporting Documentation

• A statement framing your reasons for applying to the programme, i.e. how attending the above selected course will benefit you and your practice  (500 words)
• A recent CV
• Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed
• Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.

TJ Ryan is a creative designer whose work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and social connection. With over a decade of experience across events, fabrication, music, film, and tech, TJ brings a rare blend of creative strategy, hands-on production, and a commitment to designing experiences that move people emotionally and culturally.

He holds a Master’s in Design for Change from IADT Dún Laoghaire, where his work focused on the social impact of design and the role of AI in the creative process. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota.

TJ began his career in New York, producing experiential work for Droga5 and VICE Media that blended music, social connection, and cultural storytelling. At Droga5 Dublin, he served as Creative Innovation Lead on a team of designers and technologists turning emerging technologies into prototypes, campaigns, and immersive experiences. His work explored how AI can augment creativity and storytelling.

Now at Accenture’s global R&D hub, The Dock, TJ continues to bridge creativity and innovation, leading projects that merge social design, future tech, and participatory storytelling to prototype more inclusive futures. He also lectures in Design for Change at IADT, mentoring students on applying design thinking and creative technology to real-world challenges.

Whether designing workshops, leading activations, or developing AI-driven experiences, TJ’s approach remains grounded in one principle: make the non-traditional happen, and make it meaningful.

Q: Are there any prerequisites?

Applicants should have a background in design, visual communication, UX/UI, digital media, or a related creative field. Prior experience with AI tools is not required — just curiosity, creativity, and an openness to new ways of thinking and working. – Experience with AI tools would be an advantage.

Q: How will I be assessed?

Assessment is practice-based. You’ll complete a project that demonstrates your understanding of AI tools and their application in a design context, supported by reflective and research-led components. There are no formal written exams.

Q: What’s the weekly timetable like?
This is a part-time programme running one evening per week over seven weeks, delivered online:

• Live online sessions (lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussions)
• Online workshops (hands-on learning, critique sessions)
• Self-directed study (research and project work)

A detailed timetable will be shared before the course starts.

(Class of Autumn, 2025)

“This course introduced many different AI apps for other, unconsidered design needs which opened my eyes to new possibilities”.

“The pace of new tools was evident in that, over the time it took the course, new tools were made available that weren’t out when we commenced. It was very helpful to get insight into how the new tools are used by people working in the AI design trenches. We’ve taken advantage of these new tools and workflows. Very glad I attended the course”.

Applications open shortly.

Places are limited. 

Fee: €600.

CFA Scholarship

A CFA scholarship encourages the participation of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering one free place on all of our CFA short courses.

Find out if you are eligible to apply HERE

Fill in the CFA@NCAD scholarship application form HERE