The MA in Drama and Theatre Studies, housed at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, is a world-leading course that combines critical perspectives on the practice of theatre history/theory with theatre-making. A diverse range of modules allows students to build a programme that suits their chosen career trajectory– whether in theatre practice, Irish drama, playwriting, theatre criticism, applied theatre or a blend.

As a student at the O’Donoghue Centre, you will benefit from being immersed in a supportive, invigorating community of world-class practitioners and scholars, whilst also being based in Galway, home to a vibrant arts and theatre scene.

This MA programme blends theoretical and practical approaches to the study of drama, and is particularly suited to applicants who wish to produce theatre publicly, write or review plays, teach drama, or carry out further academic research.  Applicants with a general interest in theatre are also very welcome. As a student on the course, you can benefit from University of Galway’s unique partnership with Druid Theatre, recently described by The New York Times as “one of the world’s great theatre companies.” Led by Garry Hynes, participation in the Druid Academy involves masterclasses, and workshops as part of your degree.

• We value finding the balance between theory and practice, historical and contemporary genres, individual work and collective co-creation. 
• We believe theatre, performance, storytelling and creativity are essential to a vibrant and energised society. 
• We specialise in contemporary performance practices (including but not limited to devised theatre and collective co-creation), producing, playwriting, applied theatre, archival research, and Irish theatre underpinned by diverse staff research specialisms across the spectrum of theatre history and performance studies. 

Students can opt to take the course on a full-time (one year) basis or a part-time (two year) basis. 

Curriculum Information

Our building also features state of the art facilities in which to study and stage your practice during your postgraduate degree alongside visiting world-class artists and festivals throughout the year including but not limited to the Galway International Arts Festival, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children and Galway Theatre Festival.  

Recent graduates have gone on to work with many theatre companies including the Abbey Theatre, Baboró, Branar, the Gate Theatre, the Galway International Arts Festival, Rough Magic, the Young Vic (London) and others. They have also found employment in education, the heritage and tourist industries, arts organisations, business and the public service. Many have progressed to PhD study, often winning scholarships in support of their studies and continuing on to work in academia in the UK, Ireland and the United States.  

Students can choose to do an internship of approximately three weeks with professional theatre company or arts institution either in Ireland or abroad.

Between May and mid-July, students can do an internship of approximately three weeks with a professional theatre company or arts institution in Ireland or abroad. University of Galway's partnerships with theatre companies are an important part of the course during this experience and throughout.

As a student on the course, you can benefit from University of Galway’s unique partnership with Druid Theatre, recently described by The New York Times as “one of the world’s great theatre companies.” Led by Garry Hynes, participation in the Druid Academy involves masterclasses, and workshops as part of your degree.

We place strong emphasis on interacting with working theatre professionals, as shown by our exciting partnerships with Druid Theatre, Galway International Arts Festival, the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre and many individuals and organisations. You can  take workshops as part of the Druid Academy; attend workshops with visiting practitioners; apply for the opportunity to complete an internship with leading theatre institutions such as the Abbey, Druid, Fishamble, Corn Exchange, or Rough Magic; and visit the theatre, both in Galway and Dublin.

• Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway is ranked in the top 100 Performing Arts subject rankings in the QS World University Rankings for 2024.

• Winner of Best Master’s Programme-Creative, Social and Professional Studies at the Education Awards in 2025.  

• Dr. Ian Walsh
• Dr Miriam Haughton
• Prof Patrick Lonergan
• Dr Charlotte McIvor
• Ms Marianne Ní Chinnéide
• Máiréad Ní Chróinín

There is continuous assessment through regular writing assignments, performance work and end-of-semester projects, comprising 60 credits. At the end of the second year, all students will complete a minor dissertation worth 30 credits.

Dr Charlotte McIvor 
E: charlotte.mcivor@universityofgalway.ie  

Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted via a qualifying exam if they have relevant professional experience or be admitted to the PDip.

A university arts degree (minimum standard 2.2, or US GPA 3.0). Students will be accepted on the basis of the degree result, as well as the following key supporting materials:

• Applicants to this programme must submit a writing sample of 5 - 6 typed pages. This may consist of an academic essay, creative writing, or theatre reviews.
• A Personal Statement outlining suitability for and interest in the programme is required
• Two written references are required.
• A copy of your current CV is also required.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted via a qualifying exam if they have relevant professional experience (please include a professional CV in theatre, creative arts, and/or other field) or may be admitted to the PDip. 

Applicants who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a Level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their course work during the year.

English Language Requirement

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Siobhan McKenna Scholarship: 

• This scholarship automatically applies to applicants who have accepted and paid their deposit by 15th May 2026
• €4,500 [Comprising a Bursary of €2,500 and a Fee Waiver of €2,000
• This scholarship honours Siobhán McKenna, the late world-renowned actress of stage and screen who was also a theatre director, translator and activist. The scholarship is awarded annually based on previous practical experience and academic achievement to one individual whose application materials gives evidence of current and/or future potential in acting, directing, translation, politically engaged arts or/and use of indigenous/native language or languages in the arts.
• Read more about the inaugural Siobhán McKenna scholarship winner, Nouf Rafea, and the history of the award.
• Applicants to our MA in Drama and Theatre Studies who have accepted and paid their deposit by 15th May 2026, will have their applications considered for this scholarship competition which is adjudicated by a panel of Drama and Theatre Studies staff.

Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here. 

http://www.universityofgalway.ie/drama