Tipperary fashion design students awarded places on Limerick design course

Three QQI Level 5 Fashion Design students from the Tipperary ETB Further Education and Training Centre in Archerstown, Thurles have achieved outstanding success this year, having earned direct offers to join Year 2 of the prestigious BA in Fashion Design at the Limerick School of Art and Design, part of the Technological University of the Shannon.

This academic leap is a testament to the power of alternative progression routes into higher education and a proud milestone for the Fashion Design course.

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The students completed a 33-week intensive programme in fashion design, working in a state-of-the-art fashion studio at the Archerstown campus.

Under the expert guidance of their tutors, they developed strong creative portfolios across core areas such as design research and concept development, textile design and illustration, and pattern drafting and garment manufacture.

From first stitches to final garments, the course nurtures technical skill and personal creativity, qualities that helped secure their places in second year of LSAD’s competitive fashion degree.

Beyond the studio, students gained first-hand exposure to the wider creative world through curated site visits to national institutions including Collins Barracks and the National Gallery in Dublin.

A particular highlight of the year was a series of guest lectures organised by lead tutor Niamh Lynch, featuring industry professionals from fashion powerhouses such as LOEWE and high street giant Primark.

These talks offered students invaluable insights into the evolving fashion industry and its global networks.

While many graduates progress to art and design degrees, the course also opens doors to teaching careers.

One such pathway leads to the BA in Education (Home Economics and Business) at Mary Immaculate College, Thurles.

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Through the Round Zero CAO application, QQI level 5 students can apply based on their course results and an interview, rather than relying on Leaving Certificate points, a transformative opportunity for many aspiring educators.

One such former student, who graduated from the Fashion Design programme in 2024, has now successfully completed Year 1 of the MIC Home Economics and Business degree and is set to continue into Year 2 this September.

The Fashion Design course in Archerstown continues to grow in reputation, thanks in part to its purpose-built design studio facilities, which are designed to mirror a professional workspace.

With access to industry-standard sewing machines, cutting tables, mannequins, and visual research resources, students are supported in creating work that is both technically strong and conceptually rich.

The course is also fully funded, including all materials and supplies.

The students are mentored by industry professionals, committed to student progression and industry engagement, making the course a launchpad for aspiring designers and future educators alike.

These recent achievements reflect the value of Tipperary ETB’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality further education and training opportunities across the region.

As these students prepare to take the next step in their creative careers at LSAD and MIC, they carry with them not only their portfolios, but the confidence that comes from a solid foundation and hands-on experience.

Course co-ordinators wish to say congratulations to the tutors and students, remarking that this success marks the beginning of what promises to be a vibrant future for fashion design education in Thurles.

Those interested in beginning a career in the fashion industry who wish to undertake the course can email admissions@tipperaryetb.ie, or call 067 71001.

Course co-ordinators say to be sure to secure a spot early, as space is limited.