Print Contemporary Practice – BA (Hons)

Campus: Clare Street, Limerick City
years: 3

Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate – Add-Ons
Study Mode Full Time
Department Fine Art

Course Overview

The Print Contemporary Practice (PCP) course has been developed with the needs of the student as core to the delivery of this fine art specialisation. The PCP workshop is housed on the ground level of the LSAD campus and has large spacious facilities dedicating to a wide range of printmaking processes. This provides a professional working space for students to develop a complex range of skills in printmaking, which is an ever expanding, and multi-faceted discipline.

To maintain a high level of expertise and compete with the worldwide changes and trends in printmaking as a practice the main aim of the programme is to study printmaking and all its related components at the forefront of research in this area. Students are provided with comprehensive workshops, lectures and tutorials in these areas, which establish an environment that encourages experiential learning and critical thinking through active engagement in the processes.

Why Choose BA (Hons) Print Contemporary Practice?

Welcome to the vibrant realm of Print Contemporary Practice (PCP), where creativity converges with traditional and cutting-edge craftsmanship.

Crafting Mastery: You will learn a range of traditional and digital printmaking processes, from etching to silkscreen. Guided by mentors, forge your artistic identity in a studio fuelled by collaboration.

Artists as Mentors: All your lecturers and tutors are working artists and printmakers who will guide you through experiential learning techniques and context. Technical officers ensure you are equipped with the materials you will need to develop your own creative voice.

Innovation Awaits: PCP is not just a course; it’s a place of possibility. Step into our bright and spacious printmaking workshops, where your imagination can make its mark.

Contact Details

Suzannah O’Reilly and Noelle Nonnan

Programme Leaders

Email: PCPprogrammeleaders@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Entry into Print Contemporary Practice is by competition and selection during US800 First Year Art & Design (Common Entry).

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 2

Development of skills acquisition. The student will have acquired a basic understanding of printmaking techniques in Year 1. The focus of Year 2 will be building on those skills and growing a broader base of techniques while simultaneous adapting project briefs to support the implementation of printmaking methods. Printmaking processes being delivered are etching, woodcutting, smart plate and stone lithography, silkscreen, collography. Additional areas being delivered to support printmaking techniques include digital media and photography, drawing, research, professional practice and workshop health and safety. Seminars and talks on the practice of print on a national and international platform will be delivered weekly to support workshop methodologies. Students also collaborate with other programme areas and institutions on print specific projects.

Year 3

Implementation of printmaking skills with a self-directed project. The student will use a wide range of skills acquired in Year 2 to develop a response to themes and pathways that will have arisen for the student through numerous projects in Year 2. Year 3 will provide the delivery of intermediate to advanced skills in printmaking i.e. photo etching, colour separation, experimental silkscreen processes, printmaking on ceramic surfaces, plate lithography & carborundum. Students also receive an introduction to FabLab which house laser and 3D print technology. Additional areas delivered in Year 3 to enhance development and specialisation of printmaking skills are photography, medium & large format, digital techniques, professional practice, European Erasmus exchange (optional), field trips (nationally and internationally). Teaching students concept development is a strong focus in Year 3.

Year 4

Specialisation of techniques that have been acquired from Year 2 and 3. Students develop into advanced printmaking skills. The student focuses on their self-directed project. Visiting lecturers will deliver advanced and professional workshops and seminars. Printmaking techniques are taught at an advanced level and are specific to student needs. Concept development, presentation methods, engaging with an audience, degree show production and display are also delivered. Photography and digital media are offered as optional.

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course have worked in the following areas:

Independent Printmakers
Printmaking Studio Directors
Printmaking Technicians
Interdisciplinary Artists
Art Educationalists
Teachers
Researchers
Curators
Graphic Artists

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.