Fine ArtMínealaín

The BA in Fine Art is designed for students who wish to work as cultural producers in the Fine Art sector. The course is focused primarily on acquiring the knowledge and skills that are needed to operate as a visual artist in a competitive environment, nationally and internationally.

There’s a strong emphasis on developing skills acquisition, creative intelligence and conceptual and critical thinking abilities, which are integrated with modules in Critical Theory and Professional Practice.

In this course, you’ll develop the skills to realise your ideas and gain an articulate, critical and informed understanding of contemporary Fine Art, its evolution, contexts and critical discourses.

The course provides the intellectual environment and technical resources to enable each student to realise their own creative potential as a professional artist.

In addition to their own art practice, you’ll be encouraged to participate in study trips to international art events, national trips focused on land works, and attend visiting lecturers, art survey sessions, artists talks, and gallery and studio visits.

On graduation, you’ll be able to originate, develop and articulate concepts in Fine Art practices; articulate a practical and theoretical understanding of Fine Art through essays, presentations, learning portfolios and thesis; and apply comprehensive material and technical skills to your practice.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, students are encouraged to participate in the Erasmus programme which offers exchange opportunities to study in partner institutions in continental Europe. The School has formal links with many of its key counterparts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Latvia, UK, etc. There are also optional modules offered that involve short intensive study trips abroad.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates establish themselves as professional artists. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in Ireland or abroad, but also find employment in the cultural and community sectors working in galleries and in studios as arts officers, curators and arts administrators, and in the teaching sector in Ireland or abroad.

School of Art & Design Portfolio Webinar - 12 Feb 2025

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

The closing date for Advanced entry to this programme is Tuesday 3^rd June.

Eligible applicants will be contacted to submit a portfolio and attend an interview then.

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.