BA Drama and theatre studies

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

First and second years

First and second years will provide you with a foundation in the skills and vocabularies of the theatre historian, analyst and practitioner. During these years, the course introduces drama, theatre and performance, and places them in a contemporary and relevant context. Teaching is by lecture, seminar and practical workshop, covering Theatre History (from the Greeks to the present), Performance Analysis, and Contemporary Performance Research (including studies in semiotics, feminism and gender, dramaturgy, postmodernism and more). Single Honours students also take courses in practical areas of theatre (Embodied Practices, Performance and Technology, and Crew Rotation). Training in study, research, and writing skills is provided to support you with the academic elements of the course.

Third and fourth years

All students take a compulsory module in the contemporary performance research strand alongside their own choice from a range of optional modules, striking a balance between the academic and the practical nature of the course (based on your chosen exit pathway).

The range of modules allows you to favour study in historical and theoretical fields or in practical aspects of theatre. The range of options may include theatre and Ireland, embodied Shakespeare, stage, costume and lighting design, playwriting, devising, directing, theatre management, acting, performance and technology, women and theatre, and applied drama and theatre. Students exiting through Drama via Major, Joint Honours, or Single Honours pathways also complete a staff-supervised Capstone project. The Drama Capstone project allows students to integrate their interests into an individual research-led submission combining practice, presentation and reflection (such as a long dissertation or blended practice-as-research).

This is a restricted entry course, therefore, applications must be submitted to the CAO by 1 February of the proposed year of entry. If you indicate Drama Studies or Drama and Theatre studies as a choice of subject, you will be sent a questionnaire to complete in March. On the basis of the completed questionnaire some applicants will be called to attend a workshop and interview (during April/May) before final selections are made.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: Academic: Grade 6.5;*

EU & Non-EU fees for academic year 2022/23 are:

EU Fees €5,681

Non EU Fees €20,609

Many of our graduates seek employment in theatre or related professions and a large percentage of today’s Irish theatre-makers are alumni. Some graduates opt to take further training or apprenticeships, whilst others go straight into working in specialist areas of theatre, film, or television (such as directing, acting, design, playwriting, management, community drama and teaching). Some have formed their own theatre companies; many have won awards. Others have chosen research careers beginning with further study at postgraduate level. Even for graduates who decide not to pursue theatre as a career, the core skills of research, writing, organisation, collaboration, and interpersonal communication that they gain on the course last a lifetime.