Drama and Theatre Studies (MA)

Siobhán McKenna Scholarship

Course Overview

The MA in Drama and Theatre Studies, housed at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, is a world-leading course that combines critical perspectives on the practice of theatre history/theory with theatre-making. A diverse range of modules allows students to build a programme that suits their chosen career trajectory– whether in theatre practice, Irish drama, playwriting, theatre criticism, applied theatre or a blend.

As a student at the O’Donoghue Centre, you will benefit from being immersed in a supportive, invigorating community of world-class practitioners and scholars, whilst also being based in Galway, home to a vibrant arts and theatre scene.

This MA programme blends theoretical and practical approaches to the study of drama, and is particularly suited to applicants who wish to produce theatre publicly, write or review plays, teach drama, or carry out further academic research.  Applicants with a general interest in theatre are also very welcome. As a student on the course, you can benefit from NUI Galway’s unique partnership with Druid Theatre, recently described by The New York Times as “one of the world’s great theatre companies.” Led by Garry Hynes, participation in the Druid Academy involves masterclasses, and workshops as part of your degree.

• We value finding the balance between theory and practice, historical and contemporary genres, individual work and collective co-creation. 
• We believe theatre, performance, storytelling and creativity are essential to a vibrant and energised society. 
• We specialise in contemporary performance practices (including but not limited to devised theatre and collective co-creation), producing, playwriting, applied theatre, archival research, and Irish theatre underpinned by diverse staff research specialisms across the spectrum of theatre history and performance studies. 

Students can opt to take the course on a full-time (one year) basis or a part-time (two year) basis. 

Why choose this course?

Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway is ranked in the top 100 Performing Arts subject rankings in the QS World University Rankings for 2024. 

Our proven track record in scholarship and teaching positions O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance as the most exciting place in the world to study and research Irish theatre.  

Our building also features state of the art facilities in which to study and stage your practice during your postgraduate degree alongside visiting world-class artists and festivals throughout the year including but not limited to the Galway International Arts Festival, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children and Galway Theatre Festival.  

We place strong emphasis on interacting with working theatre professionals, as shown by our exciting partnerships with Druid Theatre, Galway International Arts Festival, the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre and many individuals and organisations. You can  take workshops as part of the Druid Academy; attend workshops with visiting practitioners; apply for the opportunity to complete an internship with leading theatre institutions such as the Abbey, Druid, Fishamble, Corn Exchange, or Rough Magic; and visit the theatre, both in Galway and Dublin.

Lecturers on the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies have internationally renowned expertise, especially in Irish drama, theatre, and performance; performance studies; intercultural theatre; theatre and feminisms; popular performance, theatre history and much more. We are also home to the Abbey and Gate Theatre Digital Archives, as well as the Druid, Siobhán McKenna, and Arthur Shields archives. 

Siobhan McKenna Scholarship: 

This scholarship automatically applies to applicants who have accepted and paid their deposit by 15 May 2024. 

Value: €4,000 [Comprising a Bursary of €2,500 and a Fee Waiver of €1,500]

This scholarship honours Siobhán McKenna, the late world-renowned actress of stage and screen who was also a theatre director, translator and activist. The scholarship is awarded annually based on previous practical experience and academic achievement to one individual whose application materials gives evidence of current and/or future potential in acting, directing, translation, politically engaged arts or/and use of indigenous/native language or languages in the arts.

Read about the inaugural Siobhán McKenna scholarship winner, Nouf Rafea, and the history of the award here.

Applicants to our MA in Drama and Theatre Studies who have accepted and paid their deposit by 15 May 2024 will have their applications considered for this scholarship competition which is adjudicated by a panel of Drama and Theatre Studies staff.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín is the Druid Artist in Residence. A Galway native, Máiréad Ní Chróinín established Moonfish Theatre, with her sister Ionia, in 2006. Moonfish have also created numerous works for young people, including Moonfish Pop-Up Worlds: Memory Paths, a project commissioned by Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare Library Services, Tromluí Phinocchio/Pinocchio - a Nightmare, winner of the Stewart Parker New Irish Language Writing Award, and The Secret Garden. Dr Ní Chróinín is also an artist and researcher in the area of theatre and digital technology

Dr. Ian Walsh

B.A, M.A., Ph.D

Lecturer Above the Bar: Drama and Theatre Studies
E: ian.walsh@nuigalway.ie
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Dr Miriam Haughton

B.A, M.A, Ph.D

Senior Lecturer
Drama and Theatre Studies
O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance
School of English and Creative Arts
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Prof Patrick Lonergan

BA., MA., PhD.,

Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies
E: patrick.lonergan@universityofgalway.ie
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Dr Charlotte McIvor

BA, PhD.

Senior Lecturer
Drama & Theatre Studies
O'Donoghue Centre
Drama Theatre and Performance
University of Galway
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Ms Marianne Ní Chinnéide

BA, HDip, MA.

Lecturer
T: +353 91 494482
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Requirements and Assessment

There is continuous assessment through regular writing assignments, performance work and end-of-semester projects, comprising 60 credits. At the end of the second year, all students will complete a minor dissertation worth 30 credits.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

All students take two core modules covering essential field methodologies for research and theatre practice at the postgraduate level:  

• Critical Methods in Drama, Theatre and Performance 

• Creative Practices in Drama, Theatre and Performance 

 Students then choose optional modules from a variety of key areas, including: 

• Devising and Theatre making 

• Playwriting 

• Theatre business/producing 

• Applied Theatre 

• Work Placement 

Students can choose a designated emphasis for deeper specialization in “Theatre Practice and Production” or “Playwriting and Dramaturgy” if desired.  

Curriculum Information

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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