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Drama Studies

BA (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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At UCD we understand drama as the art of being human. The Drama course is for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the fundamental role theatre and performance play in shaping society and the individual, and who wish to enlarge their critical engagement with a wide variety of performance texts and cultures.

Our mission is to produce graduates capable of fulfilling their highest potential as creative and critical citizens. Develop your creativity and your practical and analytical skills through classes in the history of theatre, in current theoretical methods and approaches to theatre and performance, and in a wide range of generic, historical and national literatures. Investigate methods of making, watching, discussing, and producing theatre, drama and performance through scholarly, creative, and practical “on-your-feet” tasks and assignments.

At UCD we understand drama as the art of being human. The Drama course is for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the fundamental role theatre and performance play in shaping society and the individual, and who wish to enlarge their critical engagement with a wide variety of performance texts and cultures.

Our mission is to produce graduates capable of fulfilling their highest potential as creative and critical citizens. Develop your creativity and your practical and analytical skills through classes in the history of theatre, in current theoretical methods and approaches to theatre and performance, and in a wide range of generic, historical and national literatures. Investigate methods of making, watching, discussing, and producing theatre, drama and performance through scholarly, creative, and practical “on-your-feet” tasks and assignments.

About This Course

At UCD we understand drama as the art of being human. The Drama course is for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the fundamental role theatre and performance play in shaping society and the individual, and who wish to enlarge their critical engagement with a wide variety of performance texts and cultures.

Our mission is to produce graduates capable of fulfilling their highest potential as creative and critical citizens. Develop your creativity and your practical and analytical skills through classes in the history of theatre, in current theoretical methods and approaches to theatre and performance, and in a wide range of generic, historical and national literatures. Investigate methods of making, watching, discussing, and producing theatre, drama and performance through scholarly, creative, and practical “on-your-feet” tasks and assignments.

Seminars, workshops, small groups, theatre visits and practical engagement in-studio are at the core of our teaching pedagogy. We educate our students for life and hope that the experience of studying and making theatre and performance helps them learn who they are, search for a larger purpose for their lives, and leave college as creative and engaged global citizens.

In Drama Studies, students engage with theatre and performance in theoretical and practical ways. You will study a diverse range of performance forms, from classical Greek plays to contemporary Irish and international theatre and performance. Drama Studies modules include:

First Year

Modules include: Theatre Matters • Collaborative Practice: Introduction to Physical Theatre • Theatre Context & Conventions • Theatre & Activism

Second Year

Contemporary Ireland Onstage • Performance & Everyday Life • Documentary Theatre • Introduction to Acting • Playwriting • Collaborative Practice: Introduction to Devising • Ghosts & Monsters Onstage • Contemporary British Theatre

Third Year

Performance Across the Globe • Contemporary Theatre & Performance • Digital Theatre • Directing for the Stage • Solo Performance • Theatre of Martin McDonagh • Queer & Trans Theatre • Performance Project • Independent Project

Study Drama Studies

Art History Irish Studies
English Italian
Film Studies Latin
German Linguistics
Greek Mathematics
Greek & Roman Civilisation Music
History Spanish
Irish/Gaeilge Statistics
Irish Folklore Portuguese

  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität,
  • Freiburg, Germany
  • Sorbonne Université, France
  • University of Turin, Italy
  • University of Verona, Italy
  • University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • University of Coimbra, Portugal
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • University of British Columbia, Canada
  • University of Miami, USA
  • University of Otago, New Zealand

A degree in Drama Studies will develop your presentation, teamwork, performance and analytical skills, allowing you to pursue careers in the following areas: Theatre Industry (writer, director, actor, dramaturge, producer, theatre and cultural management), Tourism, Advertising and Public Relations, Education (teaching, research and educational drama), Journalism and Broadcasting.

Drama Studies will develop your knowledge of theatre and performance, and hone and enhance your research and writing skills through academic and practical study. Masters programmes are offered in specialised areas of Drama and Performance, including a collaborative MA in Theatre Practice, jointly offered by UCD and The Gaiety School of Acting, and an MA in Writing for Stage & Screen, which entails intensive playwriting and screenwriting components. (www.ucd.ie/englishdramafilm/study/ postgraduate). PhD options are also available.

UCD School of English, Drama and Film
p. +353 1 716 8604
e. englishdramafilm@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
 DRAM20110 Contemporary Ireland On Stage Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 DRAM20010 Performance in Everyday Life Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5CR:
Option List A: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students must select at least one module from the list below. The remaining two option modules can be chosen from this list, or List B, or one from each.
 DRAM20090 Contemporary British Theatre Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5CR:
Option List A: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students must select at least one module from the list below. The remaining two option modules can be chosen from this list, or List B, or one from each.
 DRAM20180 20thCentury AvantGarde Theatre Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5CR:
Option List A: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students must select at least one module from the list below. The remaining two option modules can be chosen from this list, or List B, or one from each.
 DRAM20200 Contemporary American Drama Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students are not required to select any modules from the list below, but can choose their remaining two option modules from this list, or List A, or one from each.
 DRAM20170 Introduction to Acting: Monologue Workshop Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students are not required to select any modules from the list below, but can choose their remaining two option modules from this list, or List A, or one from each.
 DRAM20190 Playwriting Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: 3 x 5 credit modules must be chosen across both option lists. Students are not required to select any modules from the list below, but can choose their remaining two option modules from this list, or List A, or one from each.
 DRAM20030 Devising Theatre: A Practical Approach Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 DRAM30100 Contemporary Theatre & Performance Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 DRAM30320 Performance Across the Globe Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30280 Solo Performance Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30310 Digital Theatre Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30300 Directing for the Stage Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30340 Site-Based & Immersive Theatre Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 ENG32030 Theatre of Martin McDonagh Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 ENG32780 Presenting Tennessee Williams Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30130 Independent Project Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30350 Performance Festival Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 DRAM30100 Contemporary Theatre & Performance Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 DRAM30320 Performance Across the Globe Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30280 Solo Performance Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30310 Digital Theatre Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0CR:
Students can choose maximum one module from option list A below.
DRAM30300 Directing for the Stage Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30340 Site-Based & Immersive Theatre Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 ENG32030 Theatre of Martin McDonagh Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 ENG32780 Presenting Tennessee Williams Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30130 Independent Project Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Students are required to take 10 credits from the list below. An additional 5 or 10 credits may be taken in place of your electives. If you have any queries about this, please contact the English, Drama & Film School Office.
 DRAM30350 Performance Festival Spring  5

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

This course gave me the backing of a world-renowned university and access to some of the finest academics in the field of theatre and performance. UCD offers modules in both the analysis of playwrights and texts, along with practical on-your-feet performance modules. As such, I am entering the workforce with a degree that is grounded in all aspects of drama and theatre. The teaching team always encouraged me to ask questions and are always available for advice regarding assignments or further study options. My degree has made me aware of the lack of diversity and inclusion that exist within the theatre community and has given me the vocabulary I need to challenge these inequalities and think critically about how to address these issues.

Daniel Mallon, Student

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Drama Studies:

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Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
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DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
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