Digital Design Dearadh Digiteach

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. Enhance your career and become a digital design leader ready in a rapidly changing design landscape.

Equipment Requirements

To participate fully in this programme, you will need:

• Computer or Laptop: A modern computer with a reliable processor (Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or equivalent), at least 16GB of RAM, and an up-to-date operating system (Windows 10+ or macOS 13+).
• Internet Connection: A broadband connection with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps.
• Webcam, Microphone & Headphones: A webcam, microphone, and headphones (or a headset) for online lectures and presentations.
• Software: A modern web browser is required. Details of any additional platforms used on the programme will be provided on enrolment.

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.

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 one Friday and two Saturdays per semester.

Springboard Applications 

This course is funded under the Springboard+ initiative for 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Springboard+ website. Apply Now

• Eligible (Employed): €640
• Eligible (Unemployed / Returners): Free

See the Eligibility Criteria for full details.

Due to the popularity of this course and the limited number of funded places, early application is strongly recommended. Applications will close once all places have been filled.

For further information, please contact the team at springboard@tudublin.ie.