Art & Design - Portfolio Preparation

www.westportcfe.ie

 

Art & Design, Portfolio Preparation


Level 5 Certificate

Click here for images for this topic

 

This is a well established and successful course. It allows the student to become familiar with a variety of disciplines in Art and Design.  It is an opportunity for Post Leaving Certificate students to prepare a portfolio of a high standard for third level entry.  This course is also very suitable for mature students seeking to develop their artistic skills.

Experienced and professional tutors guide the students through the modules with the aim of compiling a record of their thought process through sketchbooks and also completing a portfolio of original, high quality work.

Course duration

One year, full-time, from September to May.

Award

Successful completion of this course will result in a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Art, Craft & Design, 5M1984.

Course Content

Modules studied on this course include: 

  • Batik
  • Ceramics
  • Combined Materials
  • Design
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Portfolio Preparation
  • Communications
  • Work Experience

Batik

Batik is a wax resist dyeing technique used on textiles.  This module combines and encourages the use of both traditional and contemporary techniques.  The students use tjanting, stamp making, immersion and topical dyeing among other techniques to complete each specific project.

Ceramics

Clay is the most ancient of sculptural media.  This module is designed to give the maximum opportunity for both craftsmanship and creativity.  With a particular emphasis on clay modelling the student will also hand built work using the coil, slab, and hump moulding techniques.  Decoration, glazing and kiln firing are also covered during the course.

Combined Materials

Traditional, contemporary and experimental techniques are developed in the manipulation of a wide range of materials in this particularly creative module.

Design

Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the principles of design.  The design briefs allow the students to become more proficient in problem solving, while demonstrating the use of various materials, processes and design solutions.

Drawing

This module encourages the student to develop a personal and expressive response to a variety of visual stimuli.  The student will learn to observe record and analyse the human figure, built and natural environment.

Painting

The painting module puts a particular emphasis on self-expression through the use of traditional and experimental processes.  Exploration of colour is central to this module.

Printmaking

A wide variety of printmaking techniques are explored during this module such as linocut, screenprint, copper-plate etching and digital.  There is an initial emphasis on acquiring skills and techniques.  These newly acquired skills are used to create a small edition of original prints.

Sculpture

Sculpture expresses personal ideas and interests in 3D form.  Candidates will be given the opportunity to work with a variety of sculptural materials including stone and copper.

Communications

Using art and design themes the student will develop their written and verbal communication skills through a series of assignments.

Work Experience/Practice

The tutor will decide to set an appropriate art & design project in-house to develop the students team working skills or alternatively the students will seek ten days of appropriate work experience with an outside employer.

 

Entry Requirements

This course will be confined to students who are genuinely interested in the field of art and design.  Candidates will be called for an interview and assessment of artwork.

Career Opportunities

Most students use this course as a stepping stone to further studies at various Art Colleges around the country.  Opportunities may exist as a gallery assistant or community arts worker, although further studies are recommended for a competitive edge.

Fees
 
Applicants are asked to pay €50 on submission of their Application Form.  Once you have applied you will be called for an interview within a few weeks.  FETAC examination fees cost €50, although Medical Card holders are exempt from paying this fee on production of a valid medical card.  Books and essential class materials may also be required.  A €200 Government levy will apply on acceptance of a place on PLC course, but medical card holders and those in receipt of a maintenance grant will be exempt.

 

Westport College of Further Education reserves the right to limit the number of places available, make changes in any course or to withdraw the course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between Westport College of Further Education and the student, or a third party.