Art (Art) Level 5

INTRODUCTION:

Course Code: 5M1985

Kinsale Campus art course prepares students for portfolio entry to third level courses in fine art, visual communication and many different design and creative courses. The college has a friendly and stimulating atmosphere and the course is:

Suitable for all age groups
Teaches new art techniques
Taught by dedicated Art professionals
Encourages learning through experimentation
Allows students to express their ideas in a visual way

Students will study drawing, painting, sculpture, combined materials, design skills, ceramics, communications and work experience Within each module teachers will lead students to discover new techniques and experiment in order to create personal art works.

The course culminates in an exhibition at the end of the year. Qualification of Level 5 allows progression to level 6.

Cork College of FET, Kinsale Campus, Art, Craft & Design 1

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
All applicants will be required to attend an interview.

START DATE:

September 2025.

DURATION:

This is a one-year course. Timetables vary from year to year please contact the college directly for detailed timetable information.

CERTIFICATION:

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Art, Craft and Design (5M1985).

COURSE CONTENT:

The following subjects may be offered:

Drawing - 5N1862

The Drawing module aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to use and apply drawing processes and techniques. Students will explore various media (such as pencils/charcoal/ink) and drawing types (linear, tonal, gestural, perspective), and will build up confidence in their ability to draw in a creative atmosphere.

Painting - 5N1302

The Painting module introduces students to various painting techniques and mediums such as watercolours, acrylics and mix media. The course covers a range of subjects, such as still life, figure, landscape, and abstract art, encouraging students to explore different styles and approaches.

Sculpture - 5N1918

Basic techniques in paper, wire, plaster and ceramics are explored. The student has time to experiment with each material and to make more finished pieces. 4 briefs are covered in the year with plenty of time to work through ideas and concepts.

Combined Materials - 5N0764

In this class the student will learn how to use a multitude of materials and techniques to create original art pieces There are 2 projects which need to be fulfilled one in 2D and one 3D, with an emphasis on experimentation and innovation.

Some of the techniques covered in class are felt making, stitching, paper making, shibori and silkscreen printing.

Ceramics - 5N0759

Basic techniques in tile making, coiling, slab work, using a mould and slip casting are covered. Use of oxides, underglazes, glazes are tried out as well as gaining familiarity with different clays and use of the kiln.

Design Skills - 5N0784

In this class the students will learn how to make a series of Design pieces based on 20th Century art movements with a contemporary twist Before creating the series of work the student will learn how to Gelli print, lino cut , silkscreen print and to use collage to create original Design pieces . There will also be emphasis on creating a good sketchbook suitable for marking.

Communications - 5N0690

Communications is a mandatory module on most QQI level 5 courses.

• Students will acquire and use communication skills effectively for vocational, personal, and interpersonal development
• They will develop appropriate digital literacy skills and digital citizenship
• They will explore the principles of communication theory for developing a range of communications skills for various settings
• They will learn to apply communication theory and techniques appropriately in different contexts
• They will become aware of the importance of taking responsibility for their own learning
• Skills include: writing, reading, research, speaking, non-verbal, listening, visual and digital.

Work Experience - 5N1356

Work Experience is a mandatory module on most QQI level 5 courses.
Students must complete a minimum of 60 hours of work placement related to their course.

• Students learn how to plan and prepare for successful participation in a relevant work placement
• They learn to explore their personal profile and match it to appropriate work placement
• They will explore a chosen vocational area
• Thet learn to develop an understanding of the world of work and employment, including the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee
• They learn to evaluate their work placement experience including managing feedback from their supervisor in order to inform future career choices.



As a past pupil and as a mature student of your Art course I would like to say that it was a most enjoyable two years and a life changing experience.

Laura Travers



As a mature student, having a BA and experience in various professional fields, I made a choice to return to education to follow my passion for art. I wanted to develop technical skills and to build my confidence, but I couldn’t have dreamt of such an inspiring and nourishing education experience as the one I found at Kinsale College.
The teachers understand that the foundation needed for students to flourish is built by confidence and in creating a space where students feel safe to be vulnerable and have freedom to express who they are.
The art course is dynamic and engaging, with a focus on method and technique, yet always emphasising that there is no wrong way, allowing students to follow their creative intuition and discover their own path.

Hannah Bowler

HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications for all our courses will be available on the website and in the college from in January 2025 for all courses commencing in September 2025.

Interviews will be held for all courses throughout the college year. To apply, simply click HERE. Alternatively you can ring (021) 4772 275 for assistance with your application.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Students who successfully complete the Level 5 Award in Art will be eligible to apply for the Level 6 Award.
This course is linked to Fine Art CR220 in CIT through the CCPS. Students will be required to present a portfolio.
Students pursuing this course have obtained some of the best results in the country. On completion of this course students will have a large portfolio of work suitable for applying for places in any of the 3rd level art institutions in Ireland, the U.K, and Europe.
Former students attend and have graduated from the National College of Art and Design, Galway School of Art, IADT Dun Laoghaire, and the Crawford School of Art in Cork.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates of the course go onto to become independent artists or to gain trainee places in art, craft and design or related areas.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Participants are required to undertake 10 days of work placement in relevant setting. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.



With an entrepreneurial and design background I enrolled on the art course as a mature student looking to develop a new direction. It’s an exceptionally enjoyable course taught by very knowledgeable tutors. The unique strength of this course is how you’re taught to develop your analytical and creative thought processes. In a very short space of time this opened up enormous new opportunities for me in terms of my career and personal growth. The dedication and encouragement of the tutors and enthusiasm of my classmates are what made this possible. I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of any type of creative career or already in one and stagnating.

Richard Kavanagh