AD217 · Level 8 · 3 or 4 years · Portfolio course

Illustration (Portfolio)

National College of Art and Design · Dublin

2026 Round 1 points

603

Your portfolio is marked and added to your points, so the points shown include portfolio marks and can go above 625.

Down 111 points since 2023 (714).

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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 and English. The portfolio deadline is 5pm on Friday 12 February 2027.

About this course

An illustration degree at NCAD where you learn to tell stories and communicate ideas through images. Illustration is used in publishing, advertising, animation and digital media.

How long
3 or 4 years
What you study
Year 2 covers drawing, printing, composition, narrative and sequence, with real commissions, work with other disciplines and a research trip. In the final year you set your own programme, take on live competition briefs and build a portfolio and degree show. You also work alongside the graphic design course and share its facilities.
Placement and abroad
An optional Studio+ year offers internships, industry placements, work abroad or an Erasmus study period.
Where it can lead
Graduates work freelance or in design studios, advertising, web development, animation and publishing; some go on to postgraduate study, including an MFA in Communication Design.
Who it suits
Suits students who love drawing and storytelling and enjoy turning a brief into original images.

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

2023714202472720256572026603

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026603Published after the final round
2025 657625657
2024 727727–
2023 714714–

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

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 Illustration (Portfolio) right for you?

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Similar courses in Arts

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Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.