Course Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Digital Design
*subject to validation
The minimum entry requirement for standard entrants to the programme is a 2nd Class Honours Grade 2 (GPA 2.75 or equivalent). 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.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Digital Design is suitable for anyone who is transitioning or starting a career in the field of digital design, whether coming from an existing design discipline or an unrelated sector. The programme will provide learners with all the necessary skills and knowledge to develop their careers in the digital design industry.
Learning design skills can greatly improve the potential for career growth and effectiveness, as such and the programme is ideally suited for professionals in any sector or discipline looking to accelerate their design skills.
For designers already working in design disciplines, the course will help in enhancing existing skills and expanding knowledge in areas like design research, visual design, UX, interaction design, design thinking and design leadership.
While no background in design is required, the ideal candidate will be comfortable working with technology, curious about how design can be used to solve problems, open to new concepts, and have an interest in visual and interactive design.
Students should have access to a laptop with a broadband internet connection. A PC of Mac OS laptop should be capable of running the Adobe Creative Suite and other related design packages.
The programme will consist of six 10 ECTS level 9 modules.
Design Thinking
Design Thinking has emerged as a transformative and influential approach to innovation and change, empowering individuals and organisations to tackle complex challenges and develop human-centred solutions that prioritise the needs of people. This module aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of Design Thinking as a mindset and equip them with the necessary skills to apply it effectively in various contexts and diverse domains.
Design Research
The Design Research module provides learners with an understanding of the application of design methodologies and methods in evaluating the needs, goals, behaviours and attitudes of customers and users. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and hands-on research activities, learners will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct design research effectively, synthesise research findings, and use insights to drive the development of successful products, services, and innovations.
Visual Design Fundamentals
The Visual Design Fundamentals module equips learners with core visual communication skills and competencies, encompassing various disciplines such as graphic design, information design, instructional design, and visual storytelling. Learners will develop a process-driven foundation in visual communication, enabling them to research, ideate, evaluate, and technically realise design concepts. Learners will gain the confidence to navigate design challenges while developing a critical mindset to question design decisions and explore alternative applications. The module is an updated version of MUXD H6013 - Graphic Communication which is a validated module on our Master of Arts in Creative Digital Media (UX and Interaction Design).
Interaction Design
The Interaction Design module equips learners with the skills and competency to proficiently develop user-centred interactive experiences. They will gain a solid foundation in interaction design principles, usability heuristics, universal design, and accessibility best practices for digital products and services. Learners will develop practical skills in constructing user interfaces (UI), using core interaction components such as controls, rules, and feedback. They will delve deeper into advanced topics including interaction flows, annotated wireframes, user interface systems, interactive prototypes, design systems for diverse digital platforms, and emerging technologies.
User Experience Design
The User Experience (UX) Design module equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the roles, foundations, principles, processes, and methods involved in creating successful user experiences. Throughout the module, learners will explore the significance of UX design in driving innovation, enhancing interactions, and designing products and services that solve customer problems and align to business and organisational objectives. Learners will have the opportunity to employ a diverse range of UX tools and techniques to generate and effectively communicate design ideas. The module will cover all phases of the UX design process, guiding learners through user research and analysis, prototyping and testing, and final implementation and evaluation stages.
Design Leadership
Learners will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as adaptable design leaders who can establish a vision for design, communicate its value to stakeholders, and foster design maturity and innovation within organisations, driving measurable outcomes and transformative change. The Design Leadership module equips learners with effective design leadership approaches and competencies that cultivate creative collaboration, develop high-performing design teams, define strategic design management, and scale design operations.
The course will run two full days per week using a mix of face-to-face and online teaching. Additional time is required for the completion of assignments and other coursework.
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