Blended
5
16 Jan 2027
NCAD
5 ECTS
TBC
€600
Ireland’s wealth of fashion talent creates strong demand for professionals who can support how brands and designers position themselves nationally and internationally.
The Professional Certificate in Fashion Communication addresses an identified gap in the Irish creative economy: the need for formally trained professionals in the communication, promotion and creative presentation of fashion.
Ireland has a growing fashion industry, with internationally recognised designers and makers, yet lacks a strong domestic talent pipeline for the communication and promotion roles that support the sector.
Participants develop skills and an understanding of industry connections across fashion photography, styling, moving image, fashion journalism, creative direction, branding and public relations – all directly applicable to the fashion, retail, media and communications sectors. The programme was developed as a transversal qualification, equipping graduates not only for fashion-specific roles but also for broader positions in media, digital communications, brand management and creative direction.
The programme is aimed at designers, stylists, writers, image-makers and fashion creatives with a strong connection to the fashion industry and an interest in creating a contemporary narrative for the Irish and international fashion sectors. It is also suited to established and emerging professionals across the wider creative industries, including those working in retail, brand management, PR and digital media, who are seeking to formalise their practice and understanding of fashion communication within a structured academic framework.
Ireland’s fashion and creative industries are growing sectors with skills gaps in communication and promotion roles. The national reach of the programme, supported by a hybrid delivery model combining in-person workshops and guest speaker presentations with online tutorials, enables participation from across Ireland.
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.
The programme is explicitly industry-led. Its curriculum was designed by Aisling Farinella, Fashion Stylist and Creative Director, and shaped through extensive consultation with industry partners and representative bodies including the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and the Institute of Designers in Ireland, ensuring direct alignment with sectoral needs and employer expectations.
Delivered over six weeks, the programme combines in-person workshops, industry guest speaker presentations and online tutorials, embedding ongoing industry engagement into the learning experience.
Friday, 5 February 2027, 3-5pm
Online
Introduction to class & course content
Reading & Research lists & methodologies
Friday, 12 Feb, 10-5pm
In Person
Industry Presentation
Workshop – Collaborative practice
Friday, 19 February,
LFW – break to work on assignments
Friday, 26 February 10-5pm
In Person
Industry Presentation
Workshop – Collaborative practice
Friday, 5 March, 3-5pm
Online
Tutorial – Assignment reviews
Friday, 12 March, 1-5pm
In Person
Assessment Presentation
Alumni of the Professional Diploma in Fashion Communication have gone on to develop careers across styling, events, marketing, fashion design, PR and film.
Katie Ruby McLaughlin Robinson has gained recognition as lead stylist for CMAT and, more recently, emerging music talent, Madra Salach. Her Capstone project, exploring the hidden codes of fashion, was published online by L’Officiel Baltic.
Lauren Fitzpatrick is now Account Director at District, Dublin’s leading contemporary digital culture platform, while Caitriona McGovern credited her research projects as instrumental in securing her role as Junior Creative Strategist at This is Catapult, an events production company.
Following a brand refresh developed as her Capstone project, Anna Rave moved into full-time design and creative direction at Anna Rave Knitwear. Louis McCarty has worked as a costume trainee in film wardrobe departments and on styling projects for several independent Irish fashion labels.
An image from Merve Sagit’s Capstone project was exhibited at the RHA Annual Exhibition, and an image from this series has been shortlisted for the National Gallery of Ireland’s 2026 AIB Portrait Prize.
Fashion writer Ciaran Howley contributes to publications including Notion, The Greatest and ODDA. Danielle Martin has launched her own creative agency in London, offering creative and graphic design services.
These are just some of the remarkable achievements of our 2024 and 2025 Fashion Communication alumni.
There is a fee of €600 for this programme.
100% payment is required upfront at registration.
Programme Contact
CFA coordinator Joanna Crawley crawleyj@staff.ncad.ie
Admissions Contact
postgraduate@ncad.ie
01 636 4200
