Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Creative Arts

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design starting in Tralee

A four-year creative degree that starts in further education in Tralee and finishes at MTU Kerry. It covers animation, VFX and motion design. It suits creative students who like drawing, film and digital tools.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
4 years (Years 1-2 at Kerry College, Years 3-4 at MTU Kerry)
Award
BA (Hons) in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design (MTU)
Where you study
  • Years 1–2: Kerry College (Kerry ETB), Clash Road Campus, Tralee, plus some modules at MTU Kerry North Campus → Years 3–4: Munster Technological University, Kerry North Campus, Tralee

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five subjects at O6, or four at O6 plus LCVP Distinction
  • Or QQI Level 4 award with Distinction
  • Mature applicants (23 by 1 January of the year of entry) are assessed individually
  • Personal statement, portfolio of creative work and interview required
  • Non-native English speakers should check the English language requirement with Kerry College

How to apply

Apply directly to Kerry ETB (Kerry College), not through the CAO. Send an application form, personal statement and portfolio, then attend an interview.

Apply to Kerry College of FET - Clash Road Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Character design, drawing and figure studies
  • 2D and 3D modelling and animation
  • Visual effects, compositing and motion graphics
  • Stop motion, sound and video production
  • Work placement in Year 3 and a final year production

Where it can lead

  • Animation
  • Film and TV
  • Games
  • Advertising
  • Web, mobile and online content

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Art, Computer Science, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Apprenticeships in Creative Arts

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.