The name visual communications, which often replaces the older term graphic design, indicates the increased opportunities available to students in this area.

With the advent of the Internet, websites, multimedia, CD-ROM publishing and computer games, the areas of employment have broadened beyond the traditional print medium. There are third-level courses available in five institutes of technology as well as the National College of Art and Design.

As with other areas, the degree is increasingly the desired qualification. Students can opt for an ab-initio degree or they can study for a diploma, which they may top up with an add-on degree later.

The various colleges have different specialisms and emphasis. Some offer a common first year and students specialise later. The advantage of this approach is that it allows students a little time to make up their minds as to which area would suit them best.

The downside is that some colleges operate quota systems so you are not guaranteed a second-year place in the course of your choice. You should spend some time reading the college prospectuses and contact the college admissions or faculty staff if you have any further queries.

FOR instance, Limerick IT offers a three-year diploma in graphic design. The first year is common, with some 170 places. There are 30 second-year places in graphic design.

The course director in graphic design, Patricia Green, says graduates need to get at least 55 per cent in their diploma to be eligible to go on to the degree. Alternatively, those with a pass can take a year out, getting relevant work experience, and then re-apply. The majority of students go on to degree, she says, and staff would actively encourage them to do so as it leaves them in a better position with respect to employment.

The degree programmes offers students a choice of screen design (website/ multimedia) or print or a combination of both. Job prospects are better in the screen area with one graduate getting a job in TV3 this year, and three securing employment in RTE last year.

John Short, course leader in DIT's visual communications degree, says "this is a brilliant time for graduates to be completing their course. There is 100 per cent success rate in the jobs market, with a very big demand for people in the computer area." A number of graduates have set up new businesses on their own, or with others, and been very successful.

The course is direct entry with no core year. It is a broad-based graphics programme with students taking subjects such as multimedia, photography, illustration, typography, illustration and printmaking. There is an intake of 25 each year and Short says it is one of the most popular courses in the college.

Athlone IT offers a three-year diploma in design (communications). Graduates have been accepted directly on to master's programmes in some colleges. They have also got places in the final year of a variety of degree courses. Graduates have also found work in print, multimedia design, advertising, publishing (book and magazine) and the reprographic industries.