愛爾蘭國立高威大學

Course Overview

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 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.

Course Outline

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.

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

Graduates of this degree have engaged in further study in a variety of areas. Many have gone on to engage in further training in acting, design, directing and/or playwriting. Others have specialized in arts management and arts policy. Some have engaged in work in specialized areas such as Musical Theatre, and some have gone on to develop academic careers.

Because your degree allows you to graduate with a second arts subject, our graduates can also engage in further study in their other area. Students have gone on to take further study in Education (training to be a secondary school teacher), Psychology, Law, languages, and much more.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this degree will have the ability to pursue careers in the performing arts, information technology, education, the public service, film and television media, heritage and tourism, business, and may also pursue further academic study in the area of drama, theatre and performance.