Crawford College Of Art And Design

SUMMARY

Crawford College of Art and Design is a leading art, design and media college based in Cork, Ireland. It forms part of Munster Technological University. The college offers comprehensive programmes in fine art, applied art, media communications, photography, visual communications, art therapy, arts education and related disciplines across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Its teaching combines studio‑based practice, academic theory, media technology and critical discourse, preparing students for careers in the creative and cultural sectors as well as broader industries where creative thinking, design and communication are valued.

 HISTORY

The roots of Crawford College trace back to 1850, when the institution began as the Cork School of Design, established under the auspices of the Royal Cork Institution. In the early years, the school provided foundational training in drawing, painting, design and related artistic disciplines — serving as a centre for design education in Cork and beyond. Over time, as art and design practices evolved, the school expanded both its curriculum and ambition.

By the 1880s, support from prominent local patrons — notably the influential brewing (Crawford) family — allowed the school to grow. In 1885, the institution was renamed the Crawford Municipal School of Art in recognition of that patronage. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the school developed its reputation. Under the headmastership of artists and educators such as James Brenan (who served from 1860 to 1889), the institution nurtured generations of artists and designers.

In 1979, the art school was relocated to a new purpose‑built campus on Sharman Crawford Street, Cork city centre. This marked a major shift, reflecting the growth in student numbers, expansion of disciplines, and the need for dedicated workshops, studios and other facilities. Over the decades, the school continued to adapt to changing demands of arts education. In January 2010, its media communications department was formally integrated into the college structure to reflect the growing importance of digital media, photography, visual communications and multimedia disciplines.

With the establishment of Munster Technological University, the college became formally known as MTU Crawford College of Art & Design. Today it stands as a dynamic, multi‑campus institution offering diverse programmes across fine art, applied arts, media, education, therapy, and postgraduate research — combining tradition with modern creative practice.

VISION

The founding vision behind Crawford College was to create a centre of excellence for art and design education in Cork — one that would cultivate artistic talent, foster creativity, and provide accessible education to aspiring artists and designers. From its early days as Cork School of Design, the emphasis was on equipping students with foundational skills in drawing, design, and decorative arts.

Over time, the college sought to nurture individual creative voices, encourage experimentation, and produce graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to both local and international artistic communities. The integration of media, digital communications and applied art signalled a commitment to ensure that graduates remain relevant and employable in a rapidly changing world. Today, Crawford College’s vision is to support a diverse and creative community that explores art, design, technology, culture and media.

TOP COURSES

Master Of Education [Art And Design] has workshops in art and design disciplines such as drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, sculpture along with graphic design, environmental design and digital media. This will provide students with the subject knowledge they need to teach the second level Art and Design curriculum. Ongoing professional school placement in a second level school – where you will teach students and work with the school’s art teacher – will develop the student’s capacity as an educator within the Irish second level education system.

MA Art And Engagement prepares graduates to develop a professional practice in arts rich engagement with individual, group, and broader societal contexts. Participants on this Masters programme will develop an understanding of the role of the arts within learning, change-making and the development of culture. The applied nature of the course enriches the graduate with practical tools and skills. Through research, reflection, group and practical work, participants will explore different ways of learning, investigating the transformational power of the arts in personal and societal regulation through a broad scope of contemporary methodologies.

BA Contemporary Applied Arts is an innovative interdisciplinary programme with an emphasis in Ceramics, Glass and Textiles, either as a chosen specialism or in combination. It offers students the opportunity to creatively develop and make objects. The emphasis is on an open and experimental exploration grounded in historical context and current critical debate about contemporary practice. This course offers a creative and playful approach to materials and idea development in Ceramics, Glass, and Textiles with a strong emphasis on practical skills, conceptual development and self-directed exploration.

Certificate in Cultural Citizenship provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to attend and complete a programme of study at MTU. The Programme is run for 1 day per week for 3 semesters. Each student will complete up to 1.5 years of third level education starting with an advocacy module and then choose from one of the four electives. Art, Music, Hospitality or Sports, they will then attend one full year of study in their chosen elective. The five art elective students are looking forward to joining the student body of CCAD as the academic year continues.

JOB INTEGRATION SERVICES

Crawford College alumni become artists, designers, curators, art educators, media professionals, therapists, and arts‑administration professionals. The courses — from fine art to applied art to media and communications — gives flexibility and helps students fit into diverse sectors. Because the curriculum emphasises both creative practise and critical thinking, students graduate with visual literacy, conceptual thinking, design sensibility, communication, media production, collaboration and project management.

These skills are valued in creative industries and in any job that requires design thinking, aesthetic judgement or communication. Further, postgraduate programmes in art therapy, arts education and digital media offer specialised paths that can lead to roles in education, therapy, community arts, media, journalism and public relations — broadening the scope for employment beyond traditional fine‑art practice.

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