Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama (Performance)

This is a three-year, full-time course in practical drama training and education. TU Dublin Conservatoire has over 25 years’ experience in drama training and is one of the leading centres of education in the performing arts in Ireland.

Our graduates have had national and international success as actors, directors, playwrights, drama facilitators and drama researchers.

You’ll study fundamental acting techniques, voice and language in performance (including Shakespeare), and performance in a variety of cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts. You’ll develop your body through movement, singing, dance and combat. You’ll experiment with dramaturgy, playwriting and directing. You’ll learn how to use drama in social and educational contexts through performance and running workshops, and how to analyse and write about a wide range of drama and performance.

Over the three years, there are two small-scale performance opportunities, one industry showcase, and one large-scale graduating production. While practical performance is at the core of the course, you’ll be required to undertake substantial academic research and analysis as well.

Students will learn valuable skills for their future, including creative thinking, empathy and active listening; resilience, flexibility and agility; core academic skills; curiosity and lifelong learning, teamwork and collaboration, project management and public speaking.

Modules include Acting, Ensemble Performance, Voice, Movement, Singing, Dance, Drama Facilitation, Critical Analysis, Monologue and Scene Study, Dramaturgy, Playwriting, Directing, Global Theatre and Performance Histories, Performing Shakespeare, Theatre and Drama in Education, Screen Acting, Audio Performance, Administration and Portfolio Career Skills for Artists, Contemporary Drama and Performance, Preparation for the Industry.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at TU Dublin QQI FET Applicants.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at TU Dublin Mature Applicants.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Garda Vetting

Once registered on the course, students are required to apply for Garda vetting, and will receive guidance on this as part of their Drama Facilitation modules. See TU Dublin Garda Vetting.

RESTRICTED COURSE

Cut-off date for Irish/EU applications is 1st February for original CAO application choices, or 1st March if added as a late change-of-mind on an existing CAO application.

Cut-off date for international applications is 31st March.

Application and Audition

You will be asked to submit a short written application, including a personal statement about why you feel TU962 BA (Hons) in Drama (Performance) is the appropriate degree programme for you, and a short critical analysis of a professional performance you have seen.

You will also be required to attend one three-hour in-person audition session, when you will be asked to participate in the following:

• Group workshop: You will participate in a drama workshop with other applicants.

• Presentation of monologue: You will present a prepared 2–3-minute monologue from a play of your choice in front of the group. We recommend that you choose a piece close to your own experience, age, and culture, drawn from a full-length professional script (which you should read in full in order to inform your performance). You must be fully off-book for this monologue (i.e., you must have learned the speech fully by heart, and not be reading from a script). If you are unsure about where to obtain a suitable monologue, we will offer some examples and advice when sending you details of how to book your audition slot.

• Movement session: You will be led through a short and simple series of movement exercises, designed to showcase your movement potential. No movement or dance experience is required, but be sure to dress appropriately.

• Questions: You may ask drama staff and current students any questions you have about the course.

For applicants who are unable to attend an in-person audition due to geographic distance or access considerations, a self-tape audition option is also available.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates go on to work as:

• Actors
• Directors
• Playwrights
• Drama Facilitators
• Researchers
• Stage Managers
• Producers

Graduates have been employed in:

• Abbey Theatre
• Amazon Prime Video
• Amblin Entertainment
• ANU Productions
• Apple TV+
• BBC
• Bewley's Cafe Theatre
• Buena Vista Films International
• Druid Theatre Company
• Dublin Fringe Festival
• Fishamble: The New Play Company
• Galway International Arts Festival
• Gate Theatre
• Landmark Productions
• Livin Dred Theatre Company
• London’s West End
• National and international schools and healthcare centres
• Netflix
• Rough Magic Theatre Company
• Royal Court Theatre
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• RTÉ
• Schools and healthcare centres in Ireland and abroad.
• Showtime
• Universal Pictures
• Warner Bros. Pictures

Graduate Job Titles:

• Actor
• Community Arts Worker
• Dramatherapist
• Dramaturg
• Playwright
• Producer
• Stage Manager
• Teacher
• Theatre Director
• Voiceover Artist

Roles where Drama would be useful:

• Actor
• Arts Administrator
• Media Presenter
• Researcher
• Stage Manager
• Teacher
• Tour Guide

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU)

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration, Accommodation and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses typically open in November each year for entry the following September. Applications for TU962 close on 31^st March.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

“In the shifting sands of professional acting, I have always found a sure footing due to the exceptional training I received in the TU Dublin Conservatoire.”
— Clare Barrett, award-winning actress.

“This course changed my life. I knew I wanted to work in theatre but the degree gave me the tools to assess why I wanted to make theatre and what I wanted to make. It also gave me a support network of other artists and professionals. I would recommend this course for anyone who wants to work in theatre or anyone who wants to study something they love.”
— Ciara Elizabeth Smyth, award-winning playwright and screenwriter

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.