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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageBA in Drama, Theatre and Performance
The BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance (GY118)
The denominated BA degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies allows you to combine specialist knowledge of the area with one other subject from the general Arts degree. Popular choices include English, Psychology, Legal Studies and many others.
All of the classes are small (approx 25 students), providing students with an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
INFORMATION AND STUDENT HANDBOOKS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS 2024-2025
Undergraduate Student Handbook 2024-2025
Visiting Students
Drama Visiting Students Handbook 2024-2025
Information for Prospective Students
MODULES AND STRUCTURE: BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance (GY118)
The BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance runs for four years.
In first year, students take Drama and TWO other Arts subjects (e.g. English, French, Psychology, Philosophy, etc).
In second year, students take Drama and continue with ONE of their Arts subjects.
In third year, students ONLY do Drama.
In fourth year, students do Drama and their ONE other Arts subject, graduating with a degree in Drama and that one other subject.
What other subjects do students usually take?
Popular choices include:
- Drama and English
- Drama and Psychology
- Drama and Legal Studies
- Drama and a continental European language (French, Italian, Spanish or German)
- Drama and Irish
But a wide range of other options are available!
Structure of the Degree
The programme involves following a set of core modules (classes taken by all students) that aim to provide all students with a strong grounding in the key areas of Drama and Theatre Studies. These are complemented by optional modules and by opportunities to appear in productions.
First Year
Students study
- DT1115 Introduction to Acting
- DT1108 and DT1109 Theatre Histories (classroom and practice-based learning)
- DT1105 Stagecraft 1 (introduction to theatre technology, design, and related topics)
Second Year
Students study
- DT2105 Modern Drama
- DT2104 Contemporary Theatre
- DT2107 Stagecraft 2
- DT2106 Irish Theatre
- DT204 Playwriting
- DT2109 Theatre Production Practicum
All six modules involve practice-based and classroom-based learning.
Third Year
In third year, students engage in intensive study in Drama and Theatre Studies. They do not take their other degree subject during this period.
Students have opportunities to audition or interview to participate in a production; this usually happen in the second semester.
In the first semester, students take one of the following activities:
- DT3109 Internship (work experience with a professional theatre company, usually 4-6 weeks, with critical reflection component)
- TP312 International exchange (US, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain).
- Optional modules (areas often include DT3123 Musical Theatre, DT3125 Voice and Shakespeare, DT3103 Irish Language Drama and Theatre and DT3107 Children’s Theatre.)
In the second semester, students take one of the following options:
- TP307 Production with full-time director
- DT3110 Internship (work experience with a professional theatre company, usually 4-6 weeks, with critical reflection component)
- TP310 International exchange (US, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain)
- Independent study.
Final Year
In the final year, students are working towards the creation of their own independent theatre project, and will be taking classes that are specially prepared for employment after graduation. Modules include:
- DT4101 Contemporary Irish theatre (learning about the professional theatre sector in Ireland today)
- DT4108 Arts management (practical skills for running your own company)
- DT4107 Advanced theatre project (working towards the creation of your own new work)
- DT4102 Performance Studies (practice-based class).
