Drama (Performance)Drámaíocht (Léiriú)

This is a three-year, full-time course in practical drama training and education. TU Dublin Conservatory 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, 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 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 productions and 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.

Modules include Acting, Voice and Speech, Ensemble Performance, Movement, Singing & Dance, Drama Facilitation, Monologue and Scene Study, Shakespeare and the Acted Word, Irish Drama and Modern Drama, Renaissance Drama to Romantic Drama, Theatre in Education, Acting to Camera, Radio Drama, and Contemporary Theatre and Drama.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can apply to study abroad in the Theater Department of Columbia College Chicago in the second semester of Year 2. Students are also eligible to apply for Erasmus exchanges.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course.

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 www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

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

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting 

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
• Drama Facilitators
• Researchers

Recent graduates have been employed in:

• The Abbey Theatre
• Gate Theatre
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• RTÉ
• BBC
• London’s West End
• Buena Vista Films International
• Showtime
• Smashing Times Theatre Company
• National and international schools and healthcare centres
• Netflix

Graduate Job Titles:

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

Roles where Drama would be useful:

• Arts Administrator
• Actor
• Broadcast Presenter
• Teacher
• Theatre Stage Manager
• Tour Guide

Graduate Employers:

• Abbey Theatre
• BBC
• Bewley's Cafe Theatre
• Buena Vista Films International
• Dublin Fringe Festival
• Fishamble: The New Play Company
• Gate Theatre
• Landmark Productions
• London’s West End
• National Gallery of Ireland
• Project Arts Centre
• Rough Magic Theatre Company
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• RTÉ
• Schools and healthcare centres in Ireland and abroad.
• Showtime
• Smashing Times Theatre Company
• Smock Alley Theatre
• The MAC, Belfast
• ANU Productions
• Druid Theatre Company
• The New Theatre
• Netflix
• Livin Dred Theatre Company
• Barnstorm Theatre Company
• HotForTheatre
• Barabbas
• Lane Productions
• The Performance Corporation
• The Corn Exchange
• Pan Pan Theatre Company
• The Ark
• Galway International Arts Festival

My Qualification: What Next?

For more details about the career opportunities available after this course, please refer to our career-focussed guide: “My Qualification: What Next?”

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 Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2026 are now open and will close on 31 March 2026.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

My education from the Conservatory of Music and Drama made me a confident, well-rounded theatre-artist. Since my graduation I have worked as an actor, dancer, theatre director and most recently a choreographer.

I was taught me how to research and take responsibility for my own art-making. Since graduating I have had several grants to travel abroad to study in Seattle, Massachusetts, New York and recently attend a European conference on the performing arts in Copenhagen.

My career highlights to date include: a year-long mentorship by Fishamble Theatre Company as an emerging director. Staging my first group choreography, Flock, in Castletown House, Co. Kildare. Working as a dance artist in residency with Genesis Collective, Dance House. Acting with Gavin Kostick in ‘Heart of Darkness’ (winner Spirit of the Fringe). Commissioning a new play, ‘Jetlag Waltz’, by John Grogan for my company Ready Fire Aim. Running a monthly arts night, Art Party, to showcase new music, dance and theatre talent in Dublin in the workman's club.

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