Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Summary
IADT is a great option for students seeking a focused creative and digital learning environment and not wanting a large multi-subject campus. The institute is known for programs in animation, film, design, visual communication, photography, creative media, television, radio, digital media, user experience, immersive media, applied psychology, entrepreneurship, creative computing and arts management related study. It is a great choice for students looking to build a portfolio, develop a creative voice, hone technical ability and gain industry awareness whilst studying in the Dublin region.
IADT offers undergraduate level programmes to students entering from second level school or equivalent qualification. Undergraduate areas cover animation, design for film, graphic design, visual communication, art, photography, film and television production, creative media technologies, immersive media, user experience design, applied psychology, English and equality studies-related areas, creative computing, business and entrepreneurship, arts management and cultural enterprise-related study. Such programs are usually practical and project oriented. Students may undertake portfolio, film, design brief, script, creative technology, research, exhibition and collaborative production work.
IADT offers postgraduate masters, postgraduate diplomas and higher diplomas in selected creative, media, design, technology, psychology and cultural areas. Postgraduate options could include user experience design, cyberpsychology, screenwriting, broadcast production, design, creative media, art, animation, cultural event management, entrepreneurship and applied psychology-related study, subject to current availability. These programs are for graduates interested in specialization, developing advanced creative work, transitioning into a professional creative field or developing research-based practice.
IADT supports research and practice based research at the doctoral level in selected fields. PhD study may be available in areas such as creative practice, design research, film, media, visual culture, digital media, cyberpsychology, applied psychology, cultural studies, entrepreneurship and technology-related research, where supervision is available. Doctoral study should be viewed separately in that it involves a research proposal, supervisor fit and strong academic or creative research preparation. IADT may be of particular interest to students with an interest in practice-based research, creative production, digital culture and human-centred technology.
Non-EU students pay fees as published in IADT fee and payment documents. International undergraduates with non-EU fee status should apply directly through the international undergraduate application process and should submit documents including passport, CV, personal statement, academic transcripts and proof of English, IADT confirms. The institute also confirms the payment rules for non-EU students, including 100% payment of fees in advance for visa-required students before the stated deadline or before the visa application. Students should check the exact current fee from IADT’s fee schedule before publishing final program level cost, as fees for creative and postgraduate programmes can vary by year and by course.
IADT is most suited to students seeking a specialist creative and technology institution in Dublin with a strong focus on art, design, film, media, psychology, digital innovation and creative enterprise. It is particularly relevant for students who want portfolio-based learning, practical projects, creative collaboration and a smaller specialist campus near Dublin’s creative and media sectors.
About Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
IADT is a good choice for students who want to pursue a career in creative industries, digital media, design, film, animation, photography, psychology, user experience or cultural enterprise. Its programs aim to help students develop practical skills, creative confidence, critical thinking and professional awareness. Students learn through studio projects, production work, design briefs, exhibitions, screen projects, research, collaboration and presentations.
The location of the institute in Dún Laoghaire is also important. Students are close to Dublin’s creative, technology, media, cultural and startup sectors while studying in a coastal town setting. This gives students access to a professional creative market without being in a huge campus environment.
Particularly good for students who want a smaller specialist institution. It doesn't teach all disciplines, only creative and digital ones. It can be a benefit for students who want to be surrounded by other designers, artists, filmmakers, media students, technologists, psychologists, and creative entrepreneurs.
IADT is for students who want to study creative subjects in Ireland with a practical and professional focus. This is especially useful for students who are looking to build a portfolio, learn creative production, visual storytelling and design thinking, digital media literacy and human-centered technology.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) History
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology was established in 1997.
It developed as a specialist institution for art, design, technology and media education.
The institute built its campus identity in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.
IADT became known for creative and digital education.
It developed strong programs in film, television, animation, design and visual communication.
The institute expanded into creative technologies and user experience-related fields.
IADT also developed academic activity in psychology and cyberpsychology.
It strengthened links with creative industries, media companies and cultural organizations.
The institute built a reputation for portfolio-based and practice-based learning.
IADT developed postgraduate study in creative, digital and psychological fields.
It also supports research and practice-based research in selected areas.
Today, IADT is recognized as one of Ireland’s leading specialist creative and digital institutions.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Highlights
Specialist public institute in County Dublin
Established in 1997
Located in Dún Laoghaire
Focused on art, design, media, film, technology, psychology and creative enterprise
Offers UG, PG and research study separately
Medium of instruction is English
Strong for animation, film, design, photography, creative media, user experience, cyberpsychology and applied psychology
Portfolio and project-based learning are important in many programs
Good location near Dublin’s creative and digital sectors
IADT has 2,500+ students according to its public profile
Student body represents 55 countries according to its public profile
IADT hosts 30+ companies annually through enterprise and innovation activity
Non-EU applicants apply directly to IADT
Visa-required non-EU students may need to pay 100% fees before visa application
Strong option for students seeking specialist creative education in Ireland
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Admission Process
Select UG, PG or PhD study level.
Choose the exact IADT course.
Check academic and English language requirements.
Prepare passport, CV and personal statement.
Prepare academic transcripts and certificates.
Prepare English language proof where required.
Prepare portfolio, showreel, writing sample or research proposal where required.
Submit the official international application.
Complete interview or selection tasks if required.
Wait for application assessment.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete fee payment according to visa status and offer rules.
Complete visa, accommodation and registration steps.
Admission Details
IADT has separate admission routes for undergraduate, postgraduate and research applicants.
Non-EU undergraduate applicants apply directly to IADT.
International applicants are expected to submit passport, CV, personal statement, transcripts and English proof.
Creative programs may require portfolio review.
Visa-required non-EU students may need to pay 100% of fees before visa application.
Non-visa-required non-EU students may pay a minimum of 50% first, with balance due before the stated deadline.
Program-level fees should be confirmed from the active IADT fee schedule.
International students should prepare visa and financial documents early.
Final course and fee details should be verified before payment.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
Applicants should hold a recognized high school qualification.
English language proficiency is required for international students.
Non-EU applicants apply directly to IADT through the international undergraduate route.
Applicants should submit a passport, CV, personal statement, academic transcripts and English proof.
Creative programs may require a portfolio or additional selection evidence.
Film, animation, design and photography applicants should show creative readiness.
Psychology applicants should show analytical, writing and research readiness.
Admission depends on academic background, creative evidence, English level and course requirements.
PG Eligibility
Applicants should hold a recognized bachelor’s degree.
The degree should normally be relevant to the selected program.
English language proficiency is required unless officially exempted.
Creative programs may require portfolio, showreel, writing sample or project proposal.
Psychology and cyberpsychology applicants should have suitable academic preparation.
Some programs may require CV, references, interview or professional experience.
Admission depends on course requirements and available places.
PhD Eligibility
Applicants normally need strong academic or creative research preparation.
A master’s degree may be required for many research areas.
A research proposal is usually required.
Supervisor fit is essential.
English language proficiency is required.
Practice-based research applicants should show creative or professional evidence.
Admission depends on research quality, supervision capacity and funding.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Courses Fees
Non-EU Undergraduate Programs
Fee: Confirm the exact active IADT international fee schedule for the selected course before applying
Payment Rule for Visa-Required Students: 100% student fee must be paid in advance of the stated deadline or before submitting the visa application
Payment Rule for Non-Visa-Required Students: Minimum 50% tuition fee is normally required within the stated offer period, with the balance due before the academic deadline
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years depending on award level and course
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification, English language proficiency, personal statement and program-specific creative or academic requirements
Admission Mode: IADT International Undergraduate Admission Route
PG Fees
Non-EU Postgraduate Programs
Fee: Confirm the exact active IADT international postgraduate fee schedule for the selected course before applying
Payment Rule: Non-EU fee payment rules apply according to visa status and offer conditions
Duration: Usually 1 Year full-time or flexible structure depending on program
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; portfolio, CV, personal statement, interview or professional experience may be required
Admission Mode: IADT Postgraduate Admission Route
PhD Fees
Research Doctorates
Fee: Confirm directly with IADT for the exact research category and academic year
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years full-time
Eligibility: Strong bachelor’s and/or master’s degree, research proposal, supervisor fit, English language proficiency and suitable creative or academic research background
Admission Mode: IADT Research Admission Route
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Scholarships
IADT may offer scholarship or funding information for eligible students depending on course and funding cycle.
Scholarship availability can vary by nationality, academic merit, creative portfolio and program level.
Some awards may be connected to Irish national scholarship schemes.
Research students may apply for funded projects where available.
Government of Ireland scholarships may support selected applicants.
Creative students may also explore external arts, film, design or cultural funding options.
Scholarship approval is not automatic after admission.
Students should check deadlines before applying.
Continuing eligibility may depend on academic progress.
A strong scholarship profile should show creative quality, academic strength, motivation and course fit.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) Career Outcomes
IADT graduates can build careers in Dublin, Ireland, Europe and international creative or digital markets.
Animation graduates can work in animation studios, games, visual development, character design and digital storytelling.
Film and television graduates can work in production, editing, directing, cinematography, screenwriting and post-production.
Design graduates can work in graphic design, branding, visual communication, UX design, product design and creative agencies.
Photography and art graduates can pursue creative practice, galleries, commercial photography, visual culture and arts organizations.
Creative media graduates can work in digital production, interactive media, immersive media, web content and media technology.
Psychology and cyberpsychology graduates can pursue research, UX, human behavior, digital wellbeing, education and further psychology study.
Creative enterprise graduates can work in arts management, cultural events, startups, festivals, creative business and audience development.
PhD graduates can pursue academia, creative research, design research, media research, consulting and specialist creative practice.
