This Professional Diploma has been designed for practicing artists and designers, research students and third level teachers as well as others who wish to develop key research skills for careers in the arts. It also provides excellent training for anyone planning to undertake an MRes or a PhD. 

All students take a 5-credit Introduction to Research Methods for Artists and Designers and then chose two of the following 5-credit courses:

• Art and Design Research Ethics
• Writing for / as Research
• Creative Approaches to Archives

The fourth and final element of the Professional Diploma is a bespoke 5 credit module where you will work closely with an NCAD tutor on how to ‘Make Research Public’.

Classes take the form of workshops and seminars at our Thomas Street Campus (with occasional visits off-site). They are carefully tailored to value the learner’s prior experience and needs.

High level research skills and critical understanding of research practices are vital skills for many artists and designers working today, as well as curators, arts writers and critics. They are required for successful funding applications to arts organisations. 

The professional diploma is also be an excellent foundation for a future research degree (MPhil, MLitt, MRes, PhD)

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.
• Reference 1 (Academic – Head of School/Department preferred)*
• Reference 2 (Tutor or Current/Recent Employer)
  • Some referees prefer to submit the reference directly to the college. If this is the case, please instruct your referee to email a standard reference to postgraduate@ncad.ie. Please make sure all references contain the letterhead and the institution contact email address for the referee.

If you are currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme at NCAD, please us the below form to register:

Name *

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Which Art and Design Research Module are you interested in?

• Introduction to Research Methods for Art and Design
• Art and Design Research Ethics
• Creative Approaches to Archives
• Writing for / as Research
• Making Research Public

Are you currently studying a postgraduate course at NCAD? If - which one?

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