QQI LEVEL 5

Printmaking

Course Details

BTEI

QQI Level 5

Part-time (9.30 - 15.30, Thurs)

Places: 15

Start Date: 24/09/2026

Finish Date: December

*FREE – Applicants must meet the BTEI criteria in order to qualify for free fees. We have a limited number of places for paying students (€50). Details on our FAQ page.

Summary

STARTING Thursday 24 SEPTEMBER 2026:

Experience the patience and press of printmaking ⎈

Over 12 weeks, our part-timeI Printmaking course introduces students to the languages, materials, and processes of contemporary and traditional printmaking through experimentation, observation, and hands-on studio practice.

Beginning with lino and woodblock processes focused on tone, line, texture, carving, and composition, the course gradually expands into drypoint etching on Diabond through the printing press, Tetra Pak printing, monoprint, colour layering, oil-based inks, paper experimentation, and a workshop in screen printing.

Alongside technical development, learners will explore contemporary and historical printmaking practices while building their own personal visual responses and preparing work for exhibition presentation.

The course is led by James Merrigan, artist, critic and screen printer, whose ongoing print-based practice operates through the DIY publishing and screenprinting platform Small Night Zine/Projects, producing artist publications, posters, zines, and exhibitions exploring the relationship between text, image, and contemporary visual culture: http://smallnightzine.org

Every Thursday for 12 weeks, starting 24 September, the course is free for BTEI eligible applicants (see criteria in “Entry Requirements” below) and just 50 euro for non-BTEI students.

  • Title: Art

    Code:  5M1985

    Level: 5

    Type: Minor

  • This standalone 12-week printmaking course will walk you through the traditional and non-traditional techniques of printmaking – mono prints, lino block, wood block, etching on acetate and aluminum, screen-printing – by using source material such as drawing, collage and photography as the foundation of successful prints. Through demonstration, printmaking exercises and gallery field trip you will learn about the importance of line, tone, colour and technique in the making of beautiful and compelling prints.

    This course is perfect if you are returning to learning with ambitions to pursue Level 5/ 6 or higher education; or if you always wanted to explore your creative impulses but never got the opportunity.

    The course will support students in making successful applications to full-time QQI level 5 and 6 courses like our Portfolio Preparation Level 5 and Advanced Portfolio Preparation Level 6 full-time programmes.

    • Explore a diverse range of printmaking techniques and processes

    • Develop your unique artistic style through personalised guidance and exploration, unlocking your creative vision.

    • Learn the essential skills to present your work professionally

    • Gain valuable feedback and support from experienced artists and educators through expert mentorship.

    • Discover new mediums and approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of your creative potential, exploring your artistic passion.

    • Build the confidence and skills needed to begin and sustain your art practice in further art education or independently

  • 5N1373 Printmaking

  • The course will support students in making successful applications to full-time QQI level 5 and 6 courses like our Portfolio Preparation Level 5 and Advanced Portfolio Preparation Level 6 full-time programmes.

  • Places are based on a first come, first basis. There is no portfolio or interview required to gain entry onto this course. We prioritize BTEI eligible students who have a medical card or in receipt of a social welfare payment, listed below:

    • Medical Card

    • Supplementary Welfare Allowance

    • Job Seekers Benefit (Unemployment Benefit)

    • Job Seekers Allowance (Unemployment Assistance)

    • Family Income Supplement

    • Farm Assist

    • Carer's Allowance

    • One-Parent Family Payment

    • Back-to-Work Allowance

    • Community Employment

    • Part-time Job Incentive Scheme

    • Widow's and Widower's Non-Contributory Pension

    • Blind Person's Pension

    • Pre-retirement Allowance

    • State Pension (Non-Contributory) (Old Age Non-Contributory Pension)

    • Guardian's Payment Non-Contributory (Orphans Non-Contributory pension)

    • Illness Benefit, where this has been held for a continuous period of at least 6 months (Disability Benefit)

    • Disability Allowance

    • Invalidity Pension

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Art of Black & White Analogue Photography | QQI Level 5