Certificate in Art, Craft and Design

NFQ Level 5

Develop your artistic talents, gain practical skills in craft and design and take the next step towards creative work or further study in the arts.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504283)

Starts: 14/09/2026

37 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504283)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

Students will have the opportunity to:

Develop creative thinking and design skills, learning how to plan, research, and bring ideas to life through hands-on projects.
Improve drawing abilities, using different materials and methods to express ideas and develop a personal artistic style.
Explore painting techniques, learning how to use colour, texture, and composition to create original artwork.
Work with clay, gaining hands-on experience in shaping, glazing, and firing to produce finished ceramic pieces.
Create original prints, using a range of traditional and modern printmaking techniques.
Use digital photography creatively, learning how to take, edit, and present photographs using digital tools and software.

Classes are carried out in a creative group Art Studio setting.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Art, Craft and Design.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course takes place in person, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half-day on a Friday.

Module	Title
5N1356	Work Experience
5N0690	Communications
5N0784	Design Skills
5N1862	Drawing
5N1302	Painting
5N0759	Ceramics
5N1373	Printmaking
5N1270	Digital Photography

Progression / Career

The course is designed to help students prepare a portfolio to support applications for entry to third level colleges of Art and Design or to gain employment in this area.

Through hands-on experience, real-world work placement, and a focus on communication and digital skills, students develop the confidence, creativity, and practical know-how that employers value.

Graduates will be ready to take on entry-level roles in the arts, freelance opportunities, or progress to higher-level qualifications in their chosen field.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie