Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

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Course Overview

New for 2012, the BA degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies is an exciting 4 year denominated programme developed for students with a keen interest in all aspects of drama and performance.

This world-class new programme provides a unique opportunity to study drama, theatre and performance from a practical, theoretical and historical perspective. You will explore all aspects of performance from theatre to film, story telling and new media. Teaching on the programme will take a variety of forms, from lectures and seminars to practical workshops, performances and internships.

One of the most innovative features of the programme is its emphasis on putting learning into practice, through seminars in acting, design and directing, through workshops with professional theatre companies, and through the option of internships with arts organisations and professional placements in Year Three.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

The denominated BA degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies allows students to combine specialist knowledge of the area with a choice of two other subjects from the general Arts degree in the first year of study, and with one subject from the BA in years two and four.

In the first year, Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies makes up half of the course, and students also choose two other subjects from a choice of 20 subjects on the general Arts degree.
In the second year, students study Drama, Theatre and Performance, and one other subject carried over from first year. In the third year, the emphasis is on professional and practical experiences, as students undertake internships and other practice-based activities. In the final year, students continue their study of Drama, Theatre and Performance and their chosen Arts subject, taking both for their final degree.

Year 1

In the first year, students take six modules, all of which blend practical and academic approaches. These modules provide students with a broad overview of the subject, focusing on acting, directing, European drama, traditional performance cultures in Ireland and more. Students visit the theatre every week and take workshops with theatre practitioners.

Year 2

In the second year, students have opportunities to specialise in areas that particularly interest them, selecting six modules from a broad range of options. These include classes in playwriting, acting, film studies, theatre history, scenic design, theatre reviewing and Irish drama.

Year 3

The third year is dedicated entirely to Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies. Students who are studying a language as their other degree subject may choose to study abroad at a university where that language is spoken. Students may also choose to go on an exchange at a university in the United States, Canada or the UK. Students who choose to remain in Ireland take professional internships with Irish theatre companies, engage in independent research projects involving archival research and/or performance research, and may stage a play as part of a national arts festival.

Year 4

In the final year, students select four modules from a broad range of options that combine academic and practical elements. A major feature of the final year is an independent research project, which is supervised by academic staff. Staff also work closely with students to advise them on future opportunities in theatre, research and other areas.

Further Education

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Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

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Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student Contribution

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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