MA (Drama and Theatre Studies)

Programme description

NUI Galway launched its innovative programme in drama and theatre studies in September 2000. The on-campus ’Bank of Ireland Theatre’, the ’Siobhan McKenna Theatre’ in the Arts Millennium Building, the acquisition by the James Hardiman Library of the archives of the Druid, Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, Macnas, and Belfast Lyric theatre companies provide an infrastructure for a postgraduate degree based upon writing, theatre history, and performance. The programme features supervised archival research, internships, writing workshops, and collaborative methods for devising theatre pieces, as well as traditional graduate seminars. In early October, classes are suspended from Wednesday through Saturday so all students can make their way to the Dublin Theatre Festival, along with tickets to four performances (both fringe and main-stage plays).

Programme aims and objectives

The aim of the one-year programme is to combine professional-quality courses in the history of drama with performance-oriented courses in theatre arts; in all cases the target for student work is either public performance or publication.

ECTS weighting

90 ECTS.

Programme fee, academic year 2009–10

E.U. students: €6,540
Non-E.U. students: €12,500*

*Subject to ratification

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

Application

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code above right.

Minimum entry requirements

Primary degree with second class honours (GPA 3.0) or equivalent. Other applicants holding a primary degree, and having proven achievement in the world of theatre, may be admitted.

Selection criteria

Selection is based on the candidate’s academic record at undergraduate level, relevant previous experience, statement of intent, writing sample, and aptitude for the programme.

Examination arrangements

Courses are semester-long and are assessed at the end of each semester. Fieldwork & Theatre Business is year-long, students submit a portfolio in the summer.

Professional Experience Programme

Through a planned rota of internships within the wide range of Irish theatre companies, students have the chance to learn directly from professionals.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the course have obtained paid employment as actors, teachers, staff members, and managers of theatre companies; some have set up their own production companies; some have gone into doctoral programmes.

Teaching staff

Mary Elizabeth Burke Kennedy; Kieran Carney; Ros Dixon; Adrian Frazier; Max Hafler; Tom Hall; Riana O'Dwyer; Lionel Pilkington; Patrick Lonergan; Veronica Coburn.

Programme content (subject to change)

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