What is Visual Communication?
Visual Communication, often referred to as graphic design, is the practice of communicating ideas and information through visual means. It encompasses the use of symbols, typography, imagery, colour, and layout that appear throughout the commercial and public domain. From branding and advertising to editorial design and digital media, visual communication plays a vital role in how messages are created, shaped, and understood.
Graphic designers work across a wide range of print and screen-based disciplines, producing creative outcomes that are primarily two-dimensional. With the rapid development of digital and mobile technologies, visual communication now extends well beyond traditional print to include visual media, information design, user interfaces, and screen-based design experiences. The discipline continues to evolve, responding to cultural, technological, and societal change.
What is the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)?
The BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications) is a four-year honours degree that prepares students for professional careers within the advertising, design, and creative industries. The programme combines academic study with creative practice, reflecting the dynamic and fast-changing nature of contemporary graphic design.
The course has been carefully structured to be innovative and industry-relevant. It includes a strong emphasis on studio-based practice alongside studies in design history, visual culture, marketing, and legal aspects of design. Practice-based modules focus on areas such as graphic design and typography for print and screen, illustration, printmaking, digital media, and photography. This integrated approach ensures students develop both conceptual thinking and practical skills.
Special Features of the Course
A key focus of the course is the development of strong creative thinking through experimentation and exploration. Students are encouraged to take risks, test ideas, and refine their visual language, building confidence and originality in their work.
Additional distinctive features of the programme include an introduction to legal considerations within the design industry, as well as entrepreneurial development. These elements help prepare graduates not only as designers, but as adaptable professionals capable of operating independently or within collaborative creative
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Design Core One - Principles of Design | Design Core Two - Typographic Design |
| Design Technology One | Design Technology Two |
| Illustration One | Illustration Two |
| Photography One | Photography Two |
| Writing & Study Skills | Research Methods |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Design Core Three - Poster Design | Design Core Four - Logotype Design |
| Design Technology Three | Design Technology Four |
| Image-making One | Image Making Two |
| Design Culture One | Design Culture Two |
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Design Core Five - Branding Design | Design Core Six - Packaging Design |
| Image-making Three | Design Culture Four |
| Design Culture Three | Legal Aspects of Design |
| Marketing for Design | Choose two of the following electives: |
| *Film Studies | |
| *Independent Study | |
| *Legal Aspects | |
| * = Elective | |
| The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available |
Year 4
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Design Core Seven - The Design Brief | Design Core Eight - Complete Design Brief |
| Design Culture Five (Thesis) | Entrepreneurial Skills |
| Design Studio Practice |
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)Â
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Art or Design & Communication Graphics: O3/H5
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Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications):
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications) find work in the following areas:
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Advertising Agencies
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Design Consultancies
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Digital Media
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Television
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Screen & Web Design
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Public Relations
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Marketing
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Illustration
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Printing & Digital Output Design
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Publishing & EditorialÂ
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Photo & Image Libraries
Follow on Study for graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications)
Graduates can proceed to postgraduate Higher Diploma in Art & Design in Education and to Masters Research.
Design (Visual Communications)
Here, we hear all about the BA Hons in Design (Visual Communications) at SETU. There are options to study this programme at both the Waterford and Wexford campuses. On this episode, Mary O’Neill is joined by course lecturer at the Waterford campus Dr Fiona Dowling, recent graduate Laura Dempsey (who designed the cover for this podcast series); and current fourth year students in Waterford Denis Kononov and Kristian Ryan.
Listen on podcasts.setu.ie
