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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 2023 (CAO)
31 May 2023 (non-EU)

 

Entrance Test
11 March 2023

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:

 

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 Saturday 11 March 2023. The assessment consists of a workshopaudition 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.

 

Posters from previous public productions can be found below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further Information

Email csm.fulltimecoursescork@mtu.ie or phone +353 (0)21 4807309 / +353 (0)21 4807310.

Semester Timeline

Date

Jan Mon 16

Semester 2 commences

Jun Wed 20

Academic Year finishes

Jun Tue 5

MEBs

May Mon 28

Advanced Recital Competition final

May Sat 26

Advanced Recital Competition prelims

May Mon 7

Degree Assessments & Examinations

May Fri 4

Semester 2 Lectures end* (confirm BATDS)

Apr Thu 12

Degree Entrance Tests for CAO Applicants

Mar Mon 26

Easter Holidays

Mar Sat 24

Professional Studies 2 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Mar Fri 23

Degree classes finish for Easter Break

Mar Sat 17

School Closed for St Patricks weekend

Feb Sat 24

Professional Studies 2 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Feb Mon 12

Reading Week

Jan Sat 27

Professional Studies 2 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Jan Mon 15

MEBs

Semester 2 Lectures commence (confirm BATDS)

Jan Mon 8

Degree Performance Assessments

Dec Mon 18

Degree Assessments & Examinations

Dec Fri 15

Semester 1 Lectures end

Nov Sat 25

Professional Studies 1 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Nov Sat 18

Open Day for CSM Undergraduate Degree Courses

Oct Mon 30

Reading Week

Oct Thu 26

Conferring Ceremony

Oct Sat 21

Professional Studies 1 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Sep Sat 23

Professional Studies 1 (MA in Performance, Conducting and Composition, Year 1)

Sep Mon 11

Semester 1 classes and lessons commence for all full-time students

Sep Fri 1

Academic Year commences

Aug Thu 31

Registration for 1st year undergraduate and Masters Degrees

Jan Wed 4

BATDS Year 4 recommences

Oct Thu 27

CSM Awards Ceremony for full-time students

Sep Mon 5

Registration for Years 2 - 4 BMus, BATDS, BAPM & Class Meetings

Induction of MA/MSc in Music & Technology

Induction of MA (Performance/Conducting/Composition)

MEBs

Aug Mon 15

Autumn Examinations

Color Reference

Exam

Class

Holidays

Other

Semester Timeline

Date

Jun Sat 16

Individual lessons Finish

May Mon 28

Grade Examination Week

Musicianship Exam Fortnight

Advanced Recital Competition Final

May Sat 26

Advanced Recital Competition Prelims

May Mon 7

Chamber Music Competition Week

Apr Mon 9

Classes recommence

Mar Mon 26

Easter Holidays

Mar Tue 20

Classes recommence

Mar Sat 17

School Closed for St Patricks weekend

Mar Sun 4

Senior Recital Competition Final

Feb Mon 19

Classes recommence

Feb Mon 12

Mid-term Break2

Feb Sun 11

Junior Recital Competition Final 15:00

Feb Fri 9

Junior Recital Competition Prelims

Jan Fri 19

Term 2 Fees due

Jan Mon 8

All teaching re-commences

Dec Fri 22

Classes & lessons for part-time students finish

Dec Mon 11

Piano Accompaniment Competition Week

Dec Fri 1

Junior Concerto

Nov Mon 6

Classes recommence

Oct Mon 30

Mid-term Break1

Oct Fri 20

CSM Awards Ceremony

Sep Mon 11

Bands, Choirs, Orchestras, Drama group rehearsals commence

Sep Fri 1

Academic Year commences

Mar Tue 14

Application forms available for all part-time courses commencing in September 2016 (accepted from 9am)

Mar Fri 10

Open Day for part-time courses - schedule available from public office during February

Mar Thu 2

Senior Recital Competition Prelims

Feb Tue 14

Senior Concerto

Color Reference

Exam

Class

Holidays

Other

Competitions