Programme Overview
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Qualification
NFQ Level
Duration |
CAO Code
Application Deadline
Entrance Test |
Course Fees (EU)
Course Fees (non-EU)
Places |
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.
CAO code for this programme
- MT939 BA (Hons) in Theatre & Drama Studies
Please note that applications for first-year entry close at 5.00pm on 1 February 2027. Late applications cannot be accepted. This deadline applies to all applicants both domestic and international. Information on Advanced Entry pathways is available below.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the programme, standard applicants must:
- meet the minimum entry requirements;
- sit the Entrance Test; and
- complete Garda Vetting (to be completed as part of registration process if offered a place)
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;
- those holding relevant FETAC Level 5 & 6 qualifications;
- mature applicants 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 see more info at the MTU International Office website.
Where qualifications other than the Irish Leaving Certificate are being presented, applicants must comply with all CAO and/or MTU International Office documentation requirements and deadlines. Failure to submit the required supporting documentation by the relevant deadline will result in the application being deemed ineligible for consideration.
Entrance Test
This is a Restricted Access Course, and applicants are assessed through an entrance test, scheduled for 5/6 March 2027. This is a live audition which consists of a group workshop, 1-2-1 audition, and interview. Applicants will be assessed on their performance potential, communication skills, creativity, engagement and suitability for training in theatre and drama. Overseas applicants are encouraged to attend in-person.
The Entrance Test is marked out of 600 points and consists of:
- Workshop: 300 points
- Individual Audition and Interview: 300 points
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 300 points out of 600 to be eligible for consideration. In addition, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 40% in each component of the audition in order to be considered eligible. Applicants who achieve the minimum eligibility threshold are then ranked according to their overall Entrance Test score, and places are offered on the basis of this ranking. Leaving Certificate points are not used for ranking purposes.
Applicants are not permitted to defer the results of the Entrance Test.
Audition Application Form
Applicants who have applied through the CAO or the International office by the closing date will receive an email by Friday, 5 February 2027 containing a link to the BATDS Audition Application Form & inviting them to audition.
The Audition Application Form must be submitted by 5.00pm on Wednesday, 17 February 2027. Late submissions cannot be accepted. The completed and submitted form is required for your audition to be scheduled.
Group Workshop
Each applicant will take part in a 45-minute group drama workshop with other applicants. The workshop will explore movement, voice improvisation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Applicants should come dressed in appropriate loose-fitting clothing suitable for movement and be prepared to work in bare feet or jazz style dance shoes. Participation and engagement form part of the assessment.
Individual Audition and Interview
Applicants will perform a three-to-four-minute classical or contemporary monologue from a published play, learned from memory. Applicants should bring a copy of the monologue on the day. Following the performance, applicants will be invited to explore alternative approaches in response to direction from the audition panel.
The interview will give applicants the opportunity to discuss their previous experience, interest in theatre, and motivation for applying to the programme. Applicants will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the course and life at MTU Cork School of Music. Applicants are encouraged to research and explore the course content in advance. Please see further course information below.
Preparing for Your Audition
- Choose a monologue that is appropriate for your age and experience.
- Select material that allows you to demonstrate communication, imagination, and performance potential.
- Ensure your monologue is learned from memory.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement-based workshop activities.
- Arrive prepared to participate actively in both individual and group activities throughout the assessment process.
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.
Advanced Entry
Applicants with relevant prior learning, including Higher Education qualifications, Further Education awards, recognised prior learning or significant professional experience, may apply for Advanced Entry to Year 2, 3 or 4 of the programme, subject to the availability of places in the relevant year of entry.
All Advanced Entry applicants must apply through the CAO Advanced Entry process. Prospective Advanced Entry applicants are strongly advised to contact the programme team first at csm.fulltimecoursescork@mtu.ie before applying via the CAO. This allows us to discuss your previous study and advise on the most appropriate entry point.
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply for Year 1 entry via the CAO (deadline: 1 February 2027). Applicants who do not meet the requirements for their requested Advanced Entry year may still be suitable for Year 1 entry; however, consideration for a Year 1 place is only possible where a separate Year 1 CAO application has been submitted.
As the number of Advanced Entry places is limited and subject to availability within each year of the programme, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the Round 1 deadline. Applications received in Round 1 will be considered first, and availability for later rounds may be significantly reduced. Early application is strongly recommended.
Round 1 Deadline: 1 February 2027
Applicants who apply by the Round 1 deadline will be assessed on 5/6 of March 2027. Please note that there may be additional assessment requirements depending on the year of application.
Round 2 Deadline: Friday, 28 May 2027
Applications received by the Round 2 deadline will be assessed during week ending 13 June 2027.
Applicants seeking to apply after the Round 2 deadline should contact the MTU Cork School of Music at csm.fulltimecoursesCork@mtu.ie.
To apply via advanced entry please click HERE.
When will I receive a decision?
Following completion of the Entrance Test process, results are reviewed and ranked by the admissions panel. Entrance test results will be communicated to candidates by Friday 7 May 2027.
Offers are issued through the CAO in accordance with the national offers schedule. International and Advanced Entry applicants will be notified directly by MTU once the assessment process is complete.
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. Students develop a range of creative and practical techniques and transferable skills that encourage them to be independent thinking and motivated artists, and articulate and reactive practitioners 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).
Students have the option to take specialist electives in scriptwriting, directing, dance, musical theatre, theatre in the community, dramatherapy, acting in the media, actor training, self-devised theatre projects, and theatre thesis, alongside collaborative performance work. 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.
Work Placement
In the summer before Year 4, each student will complete 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 Department of Learning, Teaching & the Arts, the BA in Theatre and Drama Studies has developed a Learning Community SPARKS. Students avail of weekly activity curated by our staff & students: 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 integrated public productions as the culmination of core performance training. These productions allow students to gain professional level experience as theatre practitioners.
Programme Team
The BA (Honours) in Theatre & Drama Studies is led by Deirdre Collins, Head of Department, and Course Coordinator Ann Barry. The programme is delivered by a specialist team of theatre-makers, performers, directors, designers and educators with extensive professional and industry experience.
Teaching staff include Ann Barry, Ciarán Bermingham, Aisling Byrne-Gaughan, Keith Clancy, Dara Collins, Regina Crowley, Dr. Peadar Donohoe, Aisling Fitzgerald, Valentina Gambardella, Michael Joyce, Hilda Leader-Galvin, Mary Mulcahy, Ciara O'Leary Fitzpatrick, Irene O'Mara, Amy Prendergast, Kieran Prendergast, Hilary Rose, Dr. Trína Scott, Dr. Niki Tulk, Jenny Whyte and Dr. Aideen Wylde.
Further course information on modules offered HERE
Further Information
Email csm.fulltimecoursescork@mtu.ie or phone +353 (0)21 4807309 / +353 (0)21 4807310.
Posters from previous public productions can be found below.
