Course Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Design
Whether you're new to design, changing careers, or building on experience, the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Design at TU Dublin gives learners the skills to grow - from UX, Interaction Design, Research, Design Leadership and AI for Designers. Accelerate your career and become a digital design leader ready for the future of work.
Who's It For?
This programme welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. While a design background isn't necessary, an ideal candidate would:
- Be comfortable working with technology;
- Curious about how design can be used to solve problems;
- Open to new concepts;
- Have an interest in visual and interactive design.
What You'll Gain
- Design Expertise: Learn to create intuitive, accessible digital products using UX, interaction, and human-centred design.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Tackle complex challenges with creative, innovative solutions.
- Research Ability: Build strong analytical and research skills to inform design decisions.
- Leadership Skills: Learn to lead teams, scale design strategies, and measure impact.
- Responsible Practice: Design with equality, sustainability, and inclusivity in mind.
- AI Awareness: Understand how AI affects design and stay ahead in an evolving landscape.
Digital design skills boost job prospects and performance across multiple sectors and disciplines, not just in design. They foster innovation, digital change, communication, and more. The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Design prepares learners for roles like Visual and UX/UI Designer, Design Strategist, Product and Service Designer, Content Designer, UX Writer, Design Researcher and more, along with future roles in the ever-evolving digital economy.
Equipment Requirements
To ensure a smooth and engaging learning experience in your course, it is essential to have the right equipment. Below is a list of the recommended minimum setup:
- Computer or Laptop
- A modern desktop or laptop with a reliable processor (Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or higher recommended)
- At least 16GB of RAM
- Updated operating system (Windows 10 or later, macOS 13 or later)
- High-Speed Internet Connection
- Broadband internet with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps
- A wired Ethernet connection is ideal for stability, especially during live sessions or assessments
- Webcam
- A built-in or external HD webcam for participating in online lectures and presentations
- A built-in or external HD webcam for participating in online lectures and presentations
- Microphone and Headphones
- A good quality microphone (built-in or external) to ensure clear communication
- Headphones or a headset with a built-in mic to reduce background noise and feedback
- Software and Applications
- A modern web browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Firefox)
- Access to required platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Moodle, Google Workspace)
The minimum entry requirement for standard entrants to the programme is a Second Class Honours Grade 2. In the event of a student not attaining this standard level, students must achieve an acceptable standard for entry by other means approved by the QQI.
The acceptance of candidates with third class honours degrees and appropriate work experience and industrial certification on this course will be allowed provided there is evidence that the candidate can cope with the learning objectives of the course. Candidates will be interviewed to assess their suitability to undertake the level of work required and to assess their commitment to succeeding on the programme.
These entry requirements form the mandatory prerequisites for each of the modules in the syllabus.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Language Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
This 60 ECTS credits programme has six modules, each worth 10 ECTS:
Visual Design Fundamentals
Understand an apply core design fundamentals from design principles to visual storytelling. Cultivate a process-driven approach to design and develop the confidence to tackle design challenges, critically analyse design choices, and communicate design solutions. Topics include:
- Introduction to Visual Design
- Developing a Visual Design Process
- Elements and Principles of Graphic Design
- Working With Digital & Design Assets
- Image Editing Software Basics
- Communicating Design Solutions
Design Research
Learn how to use design research methodologies to understand the needs, objectives, and behaviours of customers and stakeholder groups. Learn how to conduct research studies and use insights to inform design decisions. Topics include:
- Introduction to Design Research and Research Methods
- Planning Design Research Studies
- Analysis and Modelling Techniques
- Ethics in Practice
- Strategic, Qualitative and Quantitative Design Research Methods
- Documentation, Communication and Presentation of Insights and Findings
User Experience Design
Understand core principles of User Experience (UX) and learn methods and techniques to align product solutions with user needs and business goals. Topics include:
- Intro to UX Design
- Ethical and Inclusive Design Practices
- UX Research
- Solution Design and Prototyping
- Evaluation Techniques
- Communicating The Impact and Value of UX
Interaction Design
Gain a grounding in interaction principles, usability, universal design, and accessibility standards. From building user interfaces to exploring advanced topics like design systems, gain the skills to design interactive experiences for a range of technologies. Topics include:
- Interaction Design Principles
- Accessibility, Usability and Universal Design
- Anatomy of Interactions
- Wireframing and Interactive Prototyping
- Design for Immersive Media and Emerging Technologies
Design Leadership
In the Design Leadership module, participants will learn strategies and skills needed for creative teamwork, building high-performing design teams, operationalising design processes, and scaling design functions. Topics include:
- Introduction to Design Leadership
- Developing Design Teams
- Strategic Design Management
- Scaling Design & Design Ops
- Measuring & Communicating Design Impact
- Ethical Considerations in Design
AI for Designers
This module introduces the use of Gen AI tools within design practice and process. Learners will blend traditional design skills with AI tools, developing practical abilities along with a deeper understanding of AI's impact on the design of content, products, services and systems. Topics include:
- Understanding AI in Design
- Ethics and Responsibility
- Gen AI Tools for: Design Research & Problem Framing; Ideation & Creative Problem Solving; Prototyping & Design Development; Testing & Evaluation
This blended learning programme combines online and in-person classes across two semesters:
- Semester 1: September - December 2025
- Semester 2: January - May 2026
Online classes held weekly on:
- Mondays: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
- Wednesdays: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
In-person day-time attendance on two Friday's and two Saturdays per semester.
This course is funded under the Springboard+ initiative in 2025. Applications should be made via the Springboard+ website, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
For further information, please contact the team at springboard@tudublin.ie.
