Master in Dance Performance

Key Points

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The MA is unique in that it facilitates two independent streams of dance, traditional Irish dance and contemporary dance. Although independent, interactivity between these two dance genres is facilitated in the form of shared workshops, seminars and electives. The programme offers advanced classes in both dance forms and is designed to meet the creative and artistic needs of both traditional Irish and contemporary dancers.

Program description

The Master of Dance Performance is a one-year full-time postgraduate programme. It is unique in that it facilitates two independent streams of dance, traditional Irish dance and contemporary dance. Although independent, interactivity between these two dance genres is facilitated in the form of shared workshops, seminars and electives. The programme offers advanced classes in both dance forms and is designed to meet the creative and artistic needs of both traditional Irish and contemporary dancers.

The programme provides a learning environment for advanced performance in Traditional Irish Dance and Contemporary Dance; explores aspects of repertoire and style within each of the two performance genres and facilitates interactivity through the elective system with other related areas of study.

Program structure

Traditional Irish dance performance

Semester 1

Incorporation of Irish dance practices 1
Dance practice 1
Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Artistic Research
Writing and documentation of artistic practice 1
Introduction to somatics 1

Options: Students may choose one option from the list below.

Professional development for the performing arts
Interdisciplinary improvisation
Colloquium 1
Independent Study 1
Introduction to fieldwork techniques

Semester 2

Embodying the practice of Irish dance 2
Dance practice 2
Choreography for camera
Writing and documentation of artistic practice 2
Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy

Options: Students may choose one option from the list below.

Introduction to somatics 2
Colloquium 2
Independent Study 2
Broadening through consciousness activism and the arts

Semester 3

Final presentation

Contemporary dance performance

Semester 1

Contemporary dance techniques for performance 1
Practice: Dance Repertoire 1
Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Artistic Research
Introduction to somatics 1
Writing and documentation of artistic practice 1

Options: Students may choose one option from the list below.

Colloquium 1
Professional development for the performing arts
Interdisciplinary improvisation
Introduction to fieldwork techniques
Broadening through awareness, activism and the arts
Independent Study 1

Semester 2

Embodying the practice of Irish dance 2
Dance practice 2
Choreography for camera
Writing and documentation of artistic practice 2
Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy

Policy Options: Students can choose one option from the list below

Introduction to somatics 2
Colloquium 2
Independent Study 2
Broadening through consciousness activism and the arts

Semester 3

Final presentation

Admission requirements

A primary degree with first or second class honours or equivalent qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). An equivalent qualification based on previous professional experience.

An interview will be required in all cases, as well as an audition when necessary. Candidates may be asked to submit additional audio-visual and/or written material.

What to include with your application

Transcripts and Qualification Certificates
English language qualification if English is not your first language
Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of having successfully completed a degree qualification taught through English or meet one of the criteria below (no more than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation exams from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is reached.
Irish Leaving Certificate English – Ordinary Level Grade D or higher
TOEFL – 580 (paper-based) or 90 (Internet-based)
IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any component.
Examination in English for Academic and English Language Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
English Language at GCE ‘O’ level / English Language GCSE – Grade C or above.
Cambridge Assessment English – Certificate of Proficiency in English – Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade B
GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Local Examinations Delegate – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6