CFA @ NCAD is delighted to partner with Creative Spark Dundalk to launch a brand new ‘Professional Diploma in Digital Making’ – a hands-on programme introducing learners from all backgrounds to a range of digital fabrication processes.This diploma is the first of its kind and will be accredited by National College of Art & Design and co-delivered by Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab in Dundalk.

Through this fast-paced 1-year programme, participants will learn how to design for and utilise foundational digital fabrication tools. Learners will conceptualise, design and fabricate their own tools for research that will be employed in their own creative practices and processes, harnessing the opportunities opened up by digital, technological and ecological fabrication.

This programme is accredited by NCAD and delivered at The Enterprise Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab, Dundalk). Creative Spark’s state-of-the-art technical prototyping and fabrication space offers  more than 200 sq. meters of full equipped space, digital fabrication machinery, power tools and technologies including: FDM 3D printing , SLA 3D printing , SLS 3D printing , 3D scanning , Laser cutting, Waterjet cutting , CNC milling, Moulding and casting, Vinyl printing and cutting , Sewing and embroidery, Electronics workbench. 

Blended format

• Biweekly schedule of the course:

  • Online lecture Wednesday 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • FabLab Making Friday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Online Tutorial Wednesday 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • FabLab Making Friday 2:00pm - 5:00pm

The programme comprises of four 12-week modules: 

• Creative Principles – Digital Making,  5 Credits,  Nov – Feb 2024 (12 weeks)
• Creative Agendas 1 – Digital Making, 5 Credits, March 2025 – May  2025 (8 weeks)
• Creative Collaboration 1 – Digital Making,  5 Credits , May 2025  – June  2025 (8 weeks)
• Creative Capstone 1  – Digital Making, 5 Credits, August  2025 – Oct  2025  (6 weeks)

Technologies taught on this programme include: 

• CAD Fundamentals
• Vinyl-cutting
• Laser-cutting 
• Vector-Design 
• 3D printers 
• CNC machine
• Parametric Design and Constraints
• Arduino

Fees and how to apply

There is a fee of €2200 for this programme. Financial supports are available see below.

Apply via NCAD (applications open in September – click APPLY NOW above, to register your interest)

Louth Arts Office Bursaries (Louth-based professionals)

The Arts Service of Louth County Council has joined forces with our partners Creative Spark to offer bursaries to Louth-based artists seeking to gain new qualifications and skills to expand their practice through the Professional Diploma in Digital Making with NCAD and Creative Spark.

There will be four bursaries of €500 which will be awarded through an application process. Apply Here

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet Collaboration

Creative Futures Academy is delighted to collaborate with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet to offer a special partnership rate for this course. This course is supported by ESF+ Funding so you may be eligible for a partnership rate of €1,200 if you are a successful applicant (employed / freelance / sole traders that are ROI residents). Terms and conditions apply. Apply Here