The definition and remit of Design is changing and expanding, with designers increasingly considering its social, cultural and political role. At NCAD we seek to nurture, empower and enable our students to become agents of change. This year’s degree show demonstrates how our graduates are responding to, commenting on, and redesigning the world around us.
The School of Design at NCAD offers the most comprehensive range of design education on the island of Ireland, our students study within and beyond graphics, fashion, illustration, interaction, jewellery, medical devices, moving image, product, service and textile & surface design. This dynamic environment creates a studio culture and an interdisciplinary dialogue that thrives on new ideas, ways of doing things and new areas of expertise. Engaging on a global stage, our students have exhibited this year at prestigious international events including Milan Design Week, Madrid Design Week and Pitti Filati in Florence, as well as vibrant partnerships/relationships and live projects here in Ireland.
The calibre of our undergraduate and postgraduate students continues to be recognised in leading design competitions, including the RSA Global Student Design Awards, IDI Awards, DCCoI’s Future Makers Awards and International Society of Typographic Designers Student Assessments.
2019 sees the first cohort of graduating students who have undertaken our innovative Studio+ year. Studio+ offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world work environments, to build skills & expertise with students and staff from other disciplines, whilst engaging creatively with civic society. It is designed to enrich students’ learning experience by enabling the development of their practice across a range of commercial, cultural and social settings. Students are challenged to consider their work outside of the college environment and to actively pursue areas of interest particular to their creative and professional ambitions. The benefits of undertaking industry internships, working within our Studio+ design bureau and studying at one of our international partner institutions is clearly evidenced by the highly professional, thoughtful and contemporary nature of the work on display.
The focus and flexibility of this year’s graduating students gives them the power to create positive change for a world in flux.
