Delivered by academic staff and technologists who are leading practitioners and researchers in their specialist fields, the Professional Diploma is centred on contemporary creative practice and discourse.

This programme embraces a pedagogy rooted in self-directed and life-long learning, echoing the ethos that has fuelled the growth of fab labs globally and resonating with the spirit of “How to Make Almost Anything.” Over the programme students will be guided through a blend of one-on-one and group crits, virtual lectures and discussions.

The programme seeks to instil an attitude of proactive engagement and curiosity, equipping participants with the mindset needed for innovative digital making.

In partnership with Creative Spark – The Centre For Creativity and Innovation – Dundalk, our programme offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in research, discussions, and hands-on projects. This collaborative experience aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key theories and approaches, highlighting the interconnectedness of technology, ecology, and society.

This programme is accredited by NCAD and delivered at NCAD’s William Walsh Prototyping Facility (NCAD Grace Gifford House – maps location Address: John St W, Usher’s Quay, Dublin Southside, Co. Dublin)

Elements of the 3rd Modules will be delivered at The Enterprise Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab, Dundalk).

Creative Spark’s state-of-the-art technical prototyping and fabrication space offers  more than 200 sq. meters of full equipped space, digital fabrication machinery, power tools and technologies including: FDM 3D printing , SLA 3D printing , SLS 3D printing , 3D scanning , Laser cutting, Waterjet cutting , CNC milling, Moulding and casting, Vinyl printing and cutting , Sewing and embroidery, Electronics workbench.

The programme comprises of four modules.

Technologies taught on this programme include:

• CAD Fundamentals
• Vinyl-cutting
• Laser-cutting
• Vector-Design
• 3D printers
• CNC machine
• Parametric Design and Constraints
• Arduino

Learners on the Professional Diploma in Digital Making will situate their own digital making within contemporary frameworks that emphasise our intricate entanglement with the world and the objects we create, challenging traditional notions of progress in fabrication and making.

This way of “thinking through making” can be useful for professional teams, life-long learners, educators, as well as independent artists, designers, makers, researchers and creative practitioners with backgrounds in 3D forms, bio-materials.

The programme runs in person (weekly, Fridays at NCAD with additional 6 sessions at Creative Spark) and  online (bi-weekly meet-ups on Thursday evenings, 6pm – 8pm).

Friday in-person sessions consist of 2-4 touch hours of plus self-directed workshop access.

The Professional Diploma in Digital Making is for artists, designers, all kinds of makers from amateur to professionals such as people tv, film and theatre, crafts people, and researchers which could include anyone from ecologists to experimental musicians.

Learners will situate their own digital making within contemporary frameworks that emphasise our intricate entanglement with the world and the objects we create, challenging traditional notions of progress in fabrication and making.

This way of thinking through making can be useful for professional teams, life-long learners, educators, as well as independent artists, designers, makers, researchers and creative practitioners with a backgrounds in 3D forms, bio-materials.

This programme provides a sound and strong basis for further education at MA level, in direct relation to contemporary creative practice and theory, and also within related fields.

The programme is designed to meet the needs of the digital making creative sector within and beyond Ireland. As such the constituent awards explicitly address key requirements identified in extensive discussions and research undertaken with industry partners and representative bodies such as the Arts Council, Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Institute of Designers in Ireland, and findings from government and sectoral reports.The programme seeks to provide the transversal and specialist digital making skills to equip creative practitioners to work within existing career paths, while also forging careers and creative pathways and learning.

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

Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of prior work or learning experience (RPEL). 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.

Supporting Documents Required:

Prof Dip

• A Statement of Interest – 500 words framing your reasons for applying to the programme. Please indicate a subject/discipline area that you believe
  can best advance your practice.
• A recent CV
• Certified transcripts of previous programmes
• Certified copies of degree / certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.
• English Language Proficiency certificate. This is only required if English is not your first language. You can see the full list of the English Language Qualifications NCAD recognises on the website

Louise Nolan 

Louise is a multidisciplinary designer working in print, digital media, 3D and experience design. 

Her work is transmedia, integrating digital techniques with physical installations to create interactive multi-sensory experiences. 

As a lecturer she has taught at NCAD and TU Dublin supporting modules in physical computing, creative coding and emerging media practice.

Creative Spark Team

Oscar Diaz 

Education and Operations Manager

As an accomplished Education and Operations Manager, Oscar seamlessly merges his expertise in design, project development, and management to oversee the daily operations of the FabLab. With a profound focus on cultivating training and upskilling programs, tailored instruction, and the promotion of STEAM practices, Oscar is deeply committed to empowering professionals in their digital fabrication journey through the dissemination of pivotal tools and knowledge.

Carl McAteer – Technical Manager

In his capacity as Technical Manager, Carl assumes responsibility for the day-to-day oversight of all equipment, ensuring the safe operation of the space, and upholding rigorous standards of fabrication quality. Central to his role, Carl offers advanced expert guidance to members, aiding them in navigating design, prototyping, and manufacturing challenges with precision and proficiency.

Class 2024-25

The course in Digital Making was a well crafted course that combined hands-on technical learning with curious and caring critical studies to underpin each module. Every member of staff brought a personal perspective and knowledge to their teaching, and the format of regular group crits/sharing allowed us to get feedback and responses at all stages of our making.

I feel really fortunate for the amazing group I took the course alongside; as the course was held partially in Dundalk this opened up the programme to a far wider range of people and I loved getting to work alongside everyone! I would recommend (and have been recommending) this course to anyone interested in digital fabrication and art, but even more so to those considering how creative practice can research and respond to pressing issues of ecology and community in our current world!

Apply via NCAD HERE

Places are limited. If the course fills sooner, applications will close/go to waitlist.

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet Partnership Rate

Creative Futures Academy is delighted to collaborate with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet to offer a special partnership rate of €1,250 for qualifying candidates, which includes those resident in the Republic of Ireland and not already in receipt of a bursary, grant aid or a scholarship for this course and not participating in a CE scheme or in receipt of Unemployment Benefit. Find out more HERE

This Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland & the European Union. www.eufunds.ie

Fees for those who do not meet the Skillnet criteria are €2,200.

APPLY NOW VIA CCI SKILLNET