Drama Teaching

Overview
Internationally recognised drama course geared towards unearthing the next batch of world-class drama teachers.

Students on this programme take four modules from the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education, allowing them to concentrate on acquiring specific teaching skills.

Why Study Drama Teaching at Griffith College?
The Certificate in Drama Teaching is available on a part-time basis by the LSMD and comprises of four modules from the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education, Ireland's only specialised certification in drama education qualifications. Students of the course will be required to participate in Teaching Practice and will benefit greatly from a faculty with over a century of experience in Music and Drama Teacher training.
• Modules are certified under HETAC's Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects Scheme (ACCS).
• A range of study options are available including part-time evening study, with the possibility to take the programme in three stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.
• Access to performance oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.
• Access to fully equipped studios with the latest industry-standard music software for writing, recording, performing, editing, mixing and composing music.
• Highly focused and experienced teachers, many of whom are active in the performance arena.

Course Highlights
• Provides a pathway for the progression of drama students to teachers.
• Can be utilised as a professional development programme to revitalise the practice of existing teachers.
• Leaners are provided with a specific subset of drama teaching skills and knowledge with a view to progressing to a drama teaching qualification.
• Fully accredited by QQI, making them internationally recognised accredited qualifications. The LSMD is the only institution in Ireland offering QQI validated specialised drama education qualifications.
• Flexible schedule with part-time evening study, and day-time sessions (a mixture of Saturdays and Sundays), with the possibility to take the programme in two stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.
• Access to performance oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.

Students complete four modules.
Core Subjects
Preparing the Performer
The module provides learners with classic and contemporary techniques that are relevant to modern theatre practice. The taught programme develops the learners' skills allowing them to connect with, and recreate, the world around them through the understanding of postural forms, gestures, command of space as a substance to create objects, movement, identification with objects, breath and energy. Finally, they learn to to create a narrative that has a central character and dilemma.

The Creative Process
A large part of drama teaching involves the skill of directing. Whether working in the private or public sector, performance, of some kind, is ultimately expected. This module gives learners a grounding in improvisation, which is the basis for devising, and then moves on to working with text. Learners are introduced to a variety of situations where they might need to draw on these different skills and tools, from entering grade exams, putting on their own school productions or devising with community/youth groups.

Pedagogy and Drama Teaching Placement
This module consists of three elements. The first element deals with an examination of the theories and processes of teaching, learning and pedagogy as well as the integral part played by assessment in the process, in-group teaching and with individuals. The teaching of drama in the specified curriculum and classroom management is also examined in this section. The second element involves the practical application of the theories and learning in this and other modules in a practical teaching setting. The third element consists of an examination of the theory of inclusion. It deals with defining inclusion and looking at different models of assessing the learner.

Professional Practice
This module affords the learner an opportunity to develop a practical business overview of their business that includes important aspects to protect both themselves and the learner in a competitive market. The content examines areas including health and safety, child protection, insurance, data protection, copyright and SME management.

Applicants must have a primary degree in a drama related field, or, a primary degree in a non-cognate (unrelated) discipline plus Grade 10 in Speech and Drama from the LSMD, or an approved substitute.

Candidates with significant prior experience in drama education or performance may also be considered under the College's APL and APEL policy. In all such cases, candidates will be required to submit their application for consideration by the College's academic and professional council and may be required to present for interview and/or audition.

English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

How to Apply
All applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage.

Applicants over 23 years of age on 1st January will be asked for a copy of their passport.

1 year part-time.

Academic Progression
Graduates of the programme have taken many routes and are gainfully employed in the Department of Education and Skills primary and secondary schools, in performing arts and private speech and drama schools around the country; and working within the early – years sector. Many graduates have set up their own private classes, drama schools and performing arts schools.

Career Progression
Graduates of the Certificate in Drama Teaching programme will have a good basis for professional progression in drama education and training.