National College of Art and Design (NCAD) - Product Design

Overview

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Ireland offers a comprehensive range of art and design degrees, renowned for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Product Design program at NCAD focuses on creating innovative and sustainable solutions through design, shaping a fairer and inclusive world.

Key Features of Product Design

• Objective: To design aesthetically pleasing and functional products that contribute to a fairer, inclusive, and sustainable world.
• Recognition: Graduates have earned accolades in various fields such as healthcare, gaming, and automotive design.
• Focus: Human-centered, functional, inclusive, sustainable, and enjoyable design process.

Learning Experience

• Skills Development:
  • Hands-on skills: design sketching, model-making, prototyping.
  • Technical skills: materials and manufacturing processes, 3D CAD.
  • Professional skills: portfolio preparation, professional presentation.
• Facilities:
  • Access to advanced equipment: woodwork and metalwork shops, 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters.
  • Digital editing suite available.
• Collaborative Opportunities:
  • Partnerships with design consultancies.
  • Participation in global student competitions and European design fairs.

Curriculum

• Year 1:
  • Contemporary Art and Design Practice
  • Introduction to Product Design
  • Design Sketching and Aesthetics
  • Critical Cultures 1
• Year 2:
  • Product Design & Form
  • Human-Centered Product Design
  • Materials & Manufacture Technology
  • Critical Cultures 2
• Year 3: Studio +:
  • Industry Work Placement or Erasmus Exchange
  • Business Skills for Design
  • User Interface Design
• Final Year:
  • Two Design Studio Projects
  • Critical Cultures - Thesis

Career Prospects

• Graduates can specialize in areas like consumer electronics, furniture, or medical devices.
• Opportunities in design consultancies and manufacturing firms.
• Entrepreneurial ventures in designing and making products.
• Further postgraduate studies in specialized masters programs like Medical Device Design, Interaction Design, and Service Design.

Admission Requirements

• Duration: 3/4 Years for a BA Degree
• Places Available: 25
• Application via CAO: Course Code AD212
• Entry Requirements:
  • Leaving Cert: 6 subjects including English, Irish, and a third language or Art or DCG.
  • Maths or Technical Subject at O6/H7.
  • FETAC: 5 Distinctions + Leaving Cert Maths Requirement.
• Portfolio Submission: Required for application.

Additional Information

• Open Day: Held annually in autumn, includes taster lectures and demonstrations.
• Portfolio Workshops: Available to assist prospective students in preparing their portfolios.

Contact Information

• School Secretary: David Bramley
  • Email: [email protected]
• General Contact:
  • Address: 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
  • Phone: +353 1 636 4200
  • Email: [email protected]

Social Media

• Instagram: NCAD Product Design for portfolio ideas.
• Facebook and Twitter: Follow for updates and event announcements.__

This document provides a detailed guide to the Product Design program at NCAD, highlighting the course structure, learning opportunities, and career prospects.