MA Drama & Performance Studies
Academic Year 2020/2021
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
The MA in Drama and Performance Studies gives students the opportunity to analyse, explore, and reflect critically on contemporary theatre and performance. The programme engages with current theoretical and practical philosophies of performance, taught by a mix of academic staff and special guest contributors from professional fields.
This programme is designed for students who like going to the theatre and are interested in learning skills to critically review and analyse such performances. The UCD School of English, Drama and Film offers unique insights to students. through its deep involvement in the progress of Irish literary affairs. Many of Ireland's leading writers were educated at UCD including: James Joyce, Edna O'Brien and Roddy Doyle.
Reflects on theatre writing and performance
Engages with current theoretical and practical philosophies of performance
Academic and Professional Theatre staff of international standing
Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
Programme Outcomes
Apply detailed and advanced theoretical knowledge and research methods in drama and performance studies
Develop original conceptual ideas in theatre production
Impact on and advance individual discipline-specific and transferable skills
Organise, present, articulate and disseminate advanced ideas appropriately and effectively
Foster and appreciate self-evaluative and reflective learning
Utilise the opportunity of being based in a city like Dublin and benefit from the experience of its thriving theatre activities
Advocate on behalf of the cultural sectors
Grasp the historic, cultural, political, social and economic contexts from which theatre work emerges and to interrogate, reflect and evaluate plays and performances in the light of current critical practices
Advance critical, artistic, reflective, evaluative and conceptual research paradigms in this subject area and beyond
Initiate projects in self-motivated, self-directed, autonomous and group learning settings
Enhance employability by extending transferable and adaptable skills
Engage critically as spectators and as citizens of culture and performance more broadly
Manage the appropriate resources, (including online resources, databases, digital tools), and possess the faculty to critique and synthesise information
Demonstrate innovative, independent thinking and creativity in approaches and responses to complex issues
Work knowledgeably and collegially in multidisciplinary contexts and in practice-based creative processes
Be confident, assured and responsible for career goals and progression
Nurture and advance the well-established relationships of UCD Drama Studies with the Irish and international academic and artistic theatre and performance communities
Advance critical, artistic, reflective, evaluative and conceptual research paradigms in this subject area and beyond
Advocate on behalf of the cultural sectors
Apply detailed and advanced theoretical knowledge and research methods in drama and performance studies
Be confident, assured and responsible for career goals and progression
Demonstrate innovative, independent thinking and creativity in approaches and responses to complex issues
Develop original conceptual ideas in theatre production
Engage critically as spectators and as citizens of culture and performance more broadly
Enhance employability by extending transferable and adaptable skills
Foster and appreciate self-evaluative and reflective learning
Grasp the historic, cultural, political, social and economic contexts from which theatre work emerges and to interrogate, reflect and evaluate plays and performances in the light of current critical practices
Impact on and advance individual discipline-specific and transferable skills
Initiate projects in self-motivated, self-directed, autonomous and group learning settings
Manage the appropriate resources, (including online resources, databases, digital tools), and possess the faculty to critique and synthesise information
Nurture and advance the well-established relationships of UCD Drama Studies with the Irish and international academic and artistic theatre and performance communities
Organise, present, articulate and disseminate advanced ideas appropriately and effectively
Utilise the opportunity of being based in a city like Dublin and benefit from the experience of its thriving theatre activities
Work knowledgeably and collegially in multidisciplinary contexts and in practice-based creative processes
Comment
Vision and Values Statement
The MA in Drama and Performance Studies is aimed at graduates whose wish to work in theatre, the cultural sector, media, education and /or research, and attracts those who are passionate about analysing, exploring, and reflecting deeply on modern and contemporary theatre and performance within their broad cultural, societal, and political contexts. By exploring the various complex interfaces between creative and critical practices, this programme will add greater depth, knowledge and value to the existing skills sets of our students.
Our programme's unique and purposeful learning environments comprise seminars, laboratory sessions, master classes, research seminars, international field trips, work placements and supervised research. Students and their lecturer/tutors work together in a spirit of mutual inquiry, reflection, experiment, discussion and debate. Dedicated onsite facilities allow students the opportunities to engage in practice as research and present findings/presentations in studio settings.
As our pedagogic ethos emphasizes the hybridity and complementarity of theory and practice, the palette of assessment strategies is purposefully broad, testing and rewarding. Assessments include essays, class presentations, theatre reviews, performance analysis, practice-based studio presentations, portfolios, guided independent research practice / production, reflective journals, playwriting/dramaturgical exercises, as well as minor thesis/ practice-as-research projects.
The final dissertation comprising a minor thesis or theis project, is where innovative methodologies, creative propositions and analytic originality are guided and supported by experienced academic staff /supervisors. Core values, such as independence, creativity, collaboration, critical reflection, cultural engagement, invariably play to the strengths and inclinations of our student cohort. Such a stakeholder sensibility generates commitments to the flourishing, empowerment, constructive challenging, and enrichment of yourself and other citizens.
Related Programmes
MA Film Studies FT