BA in Theatre & Drama Studies

Programme Overview

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
in Theatre & Drama Studies

NFQ Level
8

Duration
4 years (8 semesters)

CAO Code
MT939

Application Deadline
1 February 2025 (CAO)
31 May 2025 (non-EU)

Entrance Test
21 & 22 March, 2025

Course Fees (EU)
€3,007 + tuition fees (if applicable)

Course Fees (non-EU)
€13,500

Places
20

Course Overview

Applications

Applications should be made to:

the Central Applications Office (CAO) if an Irish, EU or UK applicant;
the MTU International Office if a non-EU applicant.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the programme, standard applicants must:

meet the minimum entry requirements;
sit the Entrance Test; and
complete Garda Vetting.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate in at least six subjects (i.e. H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects); one of the subjects must be English or Irish. There is no specific requirement for Maths (a grade F2 or higher in foundation level Maths is recognised as one of the subjects for entry).

In addition to the Leaving Certificate, academic qualification can also be considered from:

UK A-Levels and similar European / international examinations (see CAO advisory document for further information);
those holding relevant FETAC Level 5 & 6 qualifications;
mature candidates with relevant subject experience.

Non-EU minimum entry requirements are available through the MTU International Office.

If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Entrance Test

This is a Restricted Access Course and all applicants must sit an Entrance Test, scheduled for 21& 22 March, 2025. The assessment consists of a workshop, audition and interview.

Workshop

Each candidate will take part in a 45-minute group drama workshop with other applicants. Candidates should come dressed in appropriate loose-fitting clothing suitable for movement. Participation in the workshop will be observed by lecturing staff.

Audition and Interview

For the audition and interview, candidates will be assessed individually and will need to perform, from memory, a three-to-four minute classical or contemporary monologue from a published play. Please bring a copy of your monologue with you on the day. After performing, candidates will be asked to explore different approaches to their monologue in response to direction from lecturing staff. In the interview, candidates will be asked about their experience of performance and their interest in theatre and the BATDS course. They will also get the opportunity to ask questions about the BATDS degree programme.

Garda Vetting

Vetting is conducted by the National Vetting Bureau (formerly known as the Garda Central Vetting Unit). The National Vetting Bureau (NVB) helps to assess the suitability of all applicants on this programme. It is important to note that participation in or completion of this programme may be affected by subsequent disclosure/discovery.

Course Information

This is a four-year programme that centres on theatre performance training, with supporting modules to facilitate wider career options. The programme aims to produce artists that are physically and vocally flexible and intellectually alive and curious. You will develop a range of creative and practical techniques and transferable skills that will encourage you to be an independent thinking and motivated artist, and an articulate and reactive practitioner equipped to succeed in a competitive profession. Alongside core disciplines of voice, movement and acting studies, you will study theatre history, theatre design, theatre technology (sound and lighting), production studies (including stage management) and have the option to take specialist electives in scriptwriting, directing, dance, musical theatre, dramatherapy, and theatre in education. Small group and large ensemble practical and workshop sessions are balanced with lectures, tutorials and field-based studies.

Based in the heart of Cork City, MTU Cork School of Music occupies a purpose-built conservatory building, regarded as one of the best facilities in the world for creative and performing arts education with an amazing technological infrastructure. For more info, visit our facilities page.

Programme outcomes, course schedule and module content is available at here.

Work Placement

In the second semester of Year 3, each student will have a supervised work placement in an appropriate professional environment. The work placement is done as a complete module with 84 hours of work contact required.

Industry Partnership

In association with the MTU Teaching and Learning Unit, the BA in Theatre and Drama Studies has developed a partnership with the Everyman Theatre entitled EVERYMANSPARKS: Industry Insights. Students avail of weekly activity curated by our staff with the artistic director of the theatre, including workshops from industry professionals, rehearsed readings, screenings, attendance at productions and post-show talks.

Public Performances

In the third and fourth year, students work on an integrated public production of a play as the culmination of the core performance training. These productions allow each student gain professional level experience as theatre practitioners.