The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) is Ireland’s national art and design college, in the centre of Dublin.
At a glance
| Origins | 1746 |
| Became NCAD | 1971, by an Act of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) |
| Campus | 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland |
| Schools | 4: Design; Education; Fine Art; Visual Culture |
| Students | Over 1,300 full-time and about 700 part-time |
What is it?
NCAD’s story starts in 1746, when the Dublin Society took over a private drawing school. In 1971 an Act of the Irish parliament made it the National College of Art and Design.
All of its teaching happens on one campus on Thomas Street in central Dublin. Fashion Design is one of the specialisms in its School of Design.
Schools and departments
- School of Design
- School of Education
- School of Fine Art
- School of Visual Culture
Fashion courses you can study
These are NCAD’s fashion and textile specialisms, with their official names:
- Fashion Design (School of Design)
- Textile & Surface Design (School of Design)
- Jewellery & Objects (School of Design)
- Textile Art and Artefact (School of Fine Art)
How to apply
- Undergraduate applicants submit a portfolio. NCAD publishes portfolio guidelines every year.
- International students have a separate undergraduate application page.
Entry requirements, fees and deadlines change every year. Always check the official website before you apply.
Sources
All facts on this page come from the official website of NCAD. Last checked: 1 November 2026.