AD212 · Level 8 · 3 or 4 years

Product Design (Portfolio Optional)

National College of Art and Design · Dublin

2026 Round 1 points

531

Up 73 points since 2023 (458).

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Please note: For 2027 entry, the third language and Art requirements have been dropped. You need 2 H5s and 4 O6/H7s, including Irish, English and Maths. NCAD also accepts O6/H7 in Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering, Construction Studies, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing or Biology in place of Maths. This course is not restricted. A portfolio is optional and can add up to 200 bonus points, so the points shown may include these bonus points. The optional portfolio deadline is 5pm on Friday 12 February 2027.

About this course

A product design degree at NCAD where you design useful, everyday objects with people, fairness and sustainability in mind. It has strong workshop facilities and links with design companies.

How long
3 or 4 years
What you study
You learn design sketching, model-making, prototyping, 3D CAD, materials and manufacturing. Year 2 adds ergonomics, service design, electronics prototyping, sustainable manufacture and an international field trip. The final year is made up of two design studio projects and a thesis.
Placement and abroad
In the optional Studio+ year you can choose an industry work placement, an Erasmus exchange, an industry collaboration project or a design engineering module with UCD.
Where it can lead
Graduates work with manufacturers and design consultancies in areas such as consumer electronics, furniture and medical devices, or start their own businesses; some continue to master's study at NCAD, including Medical Device Design.
Who it suits
Suits students who like working out how things work and enjoy building models and prototypes by hand and on screen.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Arts

Artistic fields like Fine Arts, Music, Theatre

The study of Creative Arts involves exploring various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, performing arts, and media arts. This field encourages students to develop cultural awareness. E.g. Fine Arts, Drama and Theatre Studies, Music, Creative Writing.

Points history

2023458202442620254132026531

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026531Published after the final round
2025 413413563
2024 426426550
2023 458408560

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • English: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the National College of Art and Design website ↗

Is Product Design (Portfolio Optional) right for you?

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