May Pioneering exploration day for new Leaving Cert subject

University of Galway hosts unique event for 5th year students studying Drama, Film and Theatre Studies

University of Galway hosted a pioneering exploration day to support the first students in Ireland to study the new Leaving Certificate subject Drama, Film and Theatre Studies.

More than 70 fifth year students and teachers from Clifden Community School, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway Community College, Galway Educate Together Secondary School and Merlin College took part in the event.

These five schools are among the first nationwide to deliver the newly introduced Leaving Certificate subject, which commenced in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of creative arts education in Ireland.

The exploration day was co-designed by secondary school teachers and academic staff from the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, ensuring close alignment with the new curriculum and the needs of students encountering the subject for the first time.

Students engaged directly with key elements of the curriculum, including theatre and film interpretation and creativity in practice, through a programme of hands-on workshops, interactive analysis sessions, technical training delivered by university experts and performances and screenings by University of Galway students.

A highlight of the day was a guest talk from Fran Keaveney, of Creative Ireland’s Creative Careers initiative, offering insights into career pathways in the creative industries and demonstrating how their studies can translate into future opportunities.

Fran Keaveney said: “I was extremely impressed by the Exploration Day at University of Galway. It gave students and teachers valuable insight into theatre, film and the wide range of careers in the sector. The students were engaged, curious and eager to learn, and it would be great to see more initiatives like this supporting those considering creative career paths.”

The Drama, Film and Theatre Studies Exploration Day highlights University of Galway’s commitment to early engagement with schools and to building strong collaborations with educators and creative sector partners.

Darren McDonagh, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies teacher in Merlin College, Galway, said: “This was a highly valuable event for both students and teachers, bringing theory and practice together in a meaningful way. It clearly highlighted the subject’s potential, from the Creativity in Practice project to future study and career pathways, while also giving students the chance to connect with like-minded peers. We look forward to continued collaboration with University of Galway as the subject develops.”

By introducing students to an on-campus learning environment, the initiative highlights pathways from school to higher education and careers in the creative arts.

Dr Seán Crosson, Head of Discipline in the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at University of Galway, said: "Our exploration day reflects our strong commitment to working with schools and showcasing clear pathways into film, creative arts and teaching. This is further supported by our Creative Europe-funded Film Corner Clubs project, which is providing innovative resources to support the teaching of the Drama, Film and Theatre Studies Leaving Certificate subject.”

Dr Ian Walsh, Head of Discipline Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway, said: 'It was wonderful to meet students of the new Leaving Certificate subject in Drama, Film and Theatre and to share some of our expertise with such an enthusiastic and creative cohort as well as show them around our state-of-the art facilities in the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance.”

Students interested in studying in this area at University of Galway can choose from a range of undergraduate programmes that offer pathways into the creative industries and to teaching in Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, including: Bachelor of Arts (Film & Digital Media) (GY127); Performance and Screen Studies (within GY101); and Bachelor of Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies) (GY118). Further information, including how to apply, is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/ba-degrees/

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