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National College of Art and Design


About

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD), founded in 1746, is based in the historic quarter of Dublin, Ireland's capital. The college atmosphere is notably friendly and the ethos is to encourage 'bold and curious thinking'

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD), founded in 1746, is based in the historic quarter of Dublin, Ireland's capital.

The college atmosphere is notably friendly and the ethos is to encourage 'bold and curious thinking'.

NCAD is in the top 60 QS World Ranking 2024 for Art & Design, and the only Art & Design college in Ireland to be ranked.

There are 4 schools within NCAD

  • School of Design
  • School of Fine Art
  • School of Visual Culture
  • School of Education

As the top-rated Art & Design college in Ireland, NCAD attracts both talented students and staff. Lecturers in each school are experienced and practising visual artists, theorists or designers. They all share an enthusiasm for the Art & Design world and show this in their commitment to their students.

Many famous names have studied at NCAD and the college is renowned for its creative graduates. With only 1600 students, the college is relatively small and the campus is easy to navigate.

As well as a vast college library, the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) is based on the NCAD campus.

Studios are provided on all studio courses and students are encouraged to work collaboratively. The highlight of the college year is the NCAD Works Show each June which showcases the work of our graduating students. The show is always exciting and generally attracts a lot of positive attention from the public and the media.

NCAD is affiliated with UCD (top 1% world worldwide in QS University Rankings) and degrees are provided by UCD.

Studying at NCAD is also about your journey as a student which we hope will be full of delight and discovery. We hope you will be enriched by the experience of working within a creative community, exploring your creative response to the world around you and being actively engaged socially and culturally with your peers and the wider world.

There are many reasons to choose NCAD:

  • You will gain a university degree from University College Dublin ( UCD) which is ranked in the top 1% of world universities.
  • The National College of Art and Design has been the most significant provider of Art & Design Education in Ireland for over 250 years.
  • Our Thomas Street location has all the energy and excitement of a university campus with a full academic and student life as well as easy access to the dynamic urban and cultural environment of the city. We've been described as "a mecca of arts and design study" by The Irish Times.
  • Our campus facilities include individual studio space for all studio-based students, the NCAD Library, the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL), the NCAD Gallery, the student concourse and Student’s Union area, the Luncheonette Café, the student gallery and a garden and outdoor area for sunny days.
  • Thomas Street

    100 Thomas St, Dublin 8, Ireland, D08 K521, Thomas Street

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National College of Art and Design