Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Creative Arts

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Digital Arts (Common Entry) starting in Clonmel

A common-entry digital arts degree. Year 1 introduces animation, game art and visual effects, then you pick one for Years 2-4. It suits creative students who like drawing, games and film.

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 full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-4 at TUS)
Award
BSc (Hons) in Digital Animation, Game Art and Design, or Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation (TUS)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Tipperary FET College Clonmel → Years 2–4: TUS Midwest, Clonmel Digital Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: 2 subjects at H5 and 4 at O6/H7 in six subjects, including Maths and English or Irish
  • Or a full QQI Level 5 Major Award with distinctions in at least 3 modules
  • Mature applicants (23 or over on 1 January of the start year) assessed on life and work experience
  • B2 English for non-native speakers (Irish Leaving Cert in English meets this)
  • No portfolio needed: attend an interview and give a short presentation of your creative ability

How to apply

Apply directly to Tipperary ETB (Tipperary FET College Clonmel), not through the CAO. Contact Tipperary ETB FET admissions for details.

Apply to Tipperary FET College Clonmel (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Digital animation concepts
  • Game art and design
  • Visual effects for film, TV and animation
  • Industry-standard equipment and software
  • Choose one of three degrees after Year 1

Where it can lead

  • Animator or technical artist
  • 2D concept artist or 3D modeller
  • Game designer
  • VFX compositor, lighter or effects artist

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Art, Computer Science, Design and Communication Graphics

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.