Founded in 1997, IADT is unique in Ireland to be the only Institute of Art, Design & Technology. It has about 2000 students, divided into three schools: Creative Arts, Creative Technologies and Business & Humanities. Its size gives it a very personal, friendly, but not claustrophobic feel and a really creative and productive buzz.
Creativity is what IADT is about. While its art and design reputation is well known, Students from the Creative Technologies this year won "Best Irish Windows ...
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Founded in 1997, IADT is unique in Ireland to be the only Institute of Art, Design & Technology. It has about 2000 students, divided into three schools: Creative Arts, Creative Technologies and Business & Humanities. Its size gives it a very personal, friendly, but not claustrophobic feel and a really creative and productive buzz.
Creativity is what IADT is about. While its art and design reputation is well known, Students from the Creative Technologies this year won "Best Irish Windows 7 Phone Application" by Microsoft. there are unusual and creative degree programs aimed at new digitally oriented job markets. While there is a creative aspect to the technology, many students say is an emphasis on programming back end, more than Front-end web development.
The Business & Humanities school has a bent towards entrepreneurialism in the knowledge, media and arts sectors.
Film
IADT's huge status as the National Film School is reflected in the high profile of its Advisory Board, including: John Boorman, Pierce Brosnan, Roddy Doyle, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, Ken Wardrop and Bill Whelan among others.
The college's films and animated films have won a string of major international competitions over the years: "Best Short Film" at the European Film Awards in Berlin (2006), Royal Television Society Student Award (2007), Kodak Student Commercials Awards and a BAFTA award in (2010), and a selection for the Sundance Film Festival(2011). Last year, graduates and former students received a record twenty-two nominations across twelve categories at the 2010 Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards.
Future Development
Construction of a new National Film School building was started last year, to include a HD TV/film Studio, a blue screen studio and two radio studios. Unfortunately, with the bankruptcy of property company McNamara which was contracted to build it, construction has come to an indefinite standstill, with no word on a completion date. This is bound to pose logistical problems for the college which has made plans for expansion based on the increased facilities.
IADT is located on a single modern campus about a mile from Dun Laoghaire. Several bus routes connect it with DART and LUAS services. There is limited parking in the college grounds, but students must apply for a parking permit, and should apply early.
Verdict
IADT is a vibrant, friendly college close to Dublin, but contained in its own campus, and retaining its own unique feel and community, and with a strong emphasis on course excellence. If you find the larger colleges and universities overwhelming, and you are interested in the Arts or creative technologies, this might just be the place for you.
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