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Courses
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University Life
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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageDrama and Theatre Studies
![Banner image for MA/PDip (Drama and Theatre Studies) [full-time, part-time]](https://pxl-ugalway.terminalfour.net/prod01/channel_8/media/nuigalwayie/styleassets/images/course-default-hero.jpg)
MA/PDip (Drama and Theatre Studies) [full-time, part-time]
College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, School of English and Creative Arts- Title of Award
- Master of Arts
- Average Intake
- 15
- Delivery
- On Campus
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2025
- Duration
- 1 year, full-time | 2 year, part-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
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 University of 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.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
RequiredDT6130: Critical Methods in Drama, Theatre and Performance
DT6130: Critical Methods in Drama, Theatre and Performance
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
This course aims to develop students’ critical approaches to writing about theatre and performance.
Different modes of ‘seeing’, analysing and writing on performance from semiotics to reception theory will be
introduced and examined. Students will confront in class discussion and in essays issues related to writing
on theatre such as the role of the critic, gender, globalisation and technology as well as the theoretical
perspectives of postmodernism, psychoanalysis and theatre historiography. There will be visits to the
theatre regularly (tickets will be provided) and students will be asked to write reviews and performance
analysis of these productions. The course is ideally suited to those who wish to develop their writing and
research skills, or to people who wish to develop careers in theatre criticism or research.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Survey approaches to analytical writing in the field of theatre and performance studies.
- Develop skills of literary and theoretical close-reading working with texts and performances in the field of theatre and performance studies.
- Experiment with a range of modes of analytical writing in the field of theatre and performance studies.
- Confront through class discussion and essay assignments the role of the critic, gender, globalisation and technology as well as the theoretical perspectives of postmodernism, psychoanalysis and theatre historiography.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies" by Christopher B. Balme
ISBN: 0521672236.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press - "Theatre Audiences" by Susan Bennett
ISBN: 0415157234.
Publisher: Psychology Press - "The Transformative Power of Performance" by Erika Fischer-Lichte
ISBN: 0415458560.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDT6100: Dissertation
DT6100: Dissertation
15 months long | Credits: 30
Students carry out a research project, through theatre practice and/or conventional library or archive-based research. They will produce a work of original research on any aspect of Drama, Theatre and/or live performance.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Carry out an independent research project on a topic in the area of drama, theatre, performance
- Access and analyse relevant research materials in print and digital format in libraries, public institutions, digital resources, and/or archives
- Make use of research conventions in relation to citation and bibliography, in line with best international practice.
- write an extended work of up to 15,000 words on an original topic.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- MARIANNE NÍ CHINNÉIDE 🖂
- DEIRDRE QUINN 🖂
- KAREN M WALSH 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- AOIFE HARRINGTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- IAN WALSH 🖂
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDT6138: Creative Practices in Drama, Theatre and Performance
DT6138: Creative Practices in Drama, Theatre and Performance
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Creative Practices in Drama, Theatre and Performance builds on key skills for creating and critiquing drama, theatre and performance initiated through a core module running in the first semester, ‘DT6130 Critical Methods in Drama, Theatre and Performance’. While Critical Methods is led by the development of theoretical methodologies for interpreting and analysing plays and performances, Creative Practices is centred on how plays and performances become constructed through essential skills in research, production management and design, and training processes and opportunities. This module will include workshops in theatre archives based at the Hardiman Library, workshops in production management and design (lighting, audio, video) based in the O'Donoghue Theatre, and workshops in the role theatre and performance play in training and teaching, such as the second leave subject in Drama, Film and Performance. This module will ensure MA students are equipped to collaborate and lead creative practice in research, production and education environments.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate capacity to source and analyse materials from a wide range of theatre and performance archives and databases, in particular the Abbey Theatre Digital Archive, the Gate Theatre Digital Archive, the Druid Theatre Archive, the Macnas Archive, the Galway International Arts Festival Archive and more.
- Demonstrate an ability to create stage lighting and set plans along with video and audio system diagrams.
- Produce a draft lesson plan for teaching drama, theatre and performance in an educational setting.
- Research, write, and present a dissertation proposal that includes a research question, research context, methodology, literature review, technical requirements, sources, and schedule of work.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "The Production Manager's Toolkit" by Gillett, Cary ; Sheehan, Jay
ISBN: 1138838845.
Publisher: Routledge - "Navigating Ireland's Theatre Archive" by Houlihan, Barry
ISBN: 1787073726.
Publisher: Peter Lang - "Theatre and Education" by Nicholson, Helen
ISBN: 978023036463.
Publisher: Palgrave - "Research Methods in Theatre and Performance" by Baz Kershaw; Helen Nicholson
ISBN: 978074864157.
Publisher: Edinburgh UP
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6123: Playwright's Workshop I
DT6123: Playwright's Workshop I
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
A weekly writer’s workshop in which students will explore fundamental dramaturgical playwriting strategies and structures through analysis of plays from different genres and in-class writing tasks.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse and identify dramaturgical structures as well as particular genre specific theatrical devises
- Develop prompts for starting and completing written work
- Plan, structure and complete original short play
- Critically reflect on writing and situate it within established genres
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- DEARBHLA MOONEY 🖂
- IRENE OMALLEY 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- IAN WALSH 🖂
Reading List
- "The Secret Life of Plays" by Steve Waters
Publisher: Nick Hern Books - "How Plays Work" by David Edgar
Publisher: Nick Hern - "Playwriting a Practical guide" by Noel Greig
Publisher: Routledge
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6127: Producing 1
DT6127: Producing 1
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
This module builds understanding of the role of the producer and the practical skills needed to fulfil that role. It covers such areas as understanding how to set up a company, engaging in strategic planning and development, financial planning, project management, while also focussing on key case studies from the Irish arts sector.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Engage with the role of the Creative Producer as creative, financial, administrative, technical and promotional lead of an artistic project or event.
- Understand the steps of successful Project management from concepts and contracts, to monitoring and evaluation
- Write a strategic plan for an organisation or collective, that is both costed and viable.
- Understand the steps of setting up an artistic company or collective through researching case studies and business models.
- Plan and cost a 'season' of artistic events.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- MARIANNE NÍ CHINNÉIDE 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- AOIFE HARRINGTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- IAN WALSH 🖂
- MAIRÉAD NÍ CHROININ 🖂
Reading List
- "So You Want to be a Theatre Producer?" by James Seabright
ISBN: 9781854595379. - "Introduction to Arts Management" by Bloomsbury
ISBN: 978147423979.
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6120: Ensemble Acting and Devising
DT6120: Ensemble Acting and Devising
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
A practical and theoretical introduction to twentieth-century acting and performance techniques with special emphasis on Artaud, Grotowski, and Peter Brook.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Engage in practical ensemble-based activities for devising theatre practice.
- Describe and put into practice modern and contemporary theories of ensemble
- Describe and put into practice the ideas of key practitioners, such as Boal, Brook and Chekhov.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- MARIANNE NÍ CHINNÉIDE 🖂
- KAREN M WALSH 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- AOIFE HARRINGTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- THOMAS CONWAY 🖂
Reading List
- "The Empty Space" by Peter Brook
- "Towards a Poor Theatre" by Jerzy Grotowski
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6134: Creative Arts Ideas Lab
DT6134: Creative Arts Ideas Lab
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
In this module, students work through phases of developing a project that will aim to find innovative solutions to key problems in the creative arts. Established methodologies for working through a project from an idea to its realization are explored through weekly seminars and practical sessions. While the module involves the development of key skills (structuring workshops, pitching for a project) and critical thinking, it will also place strong emphasis on learning through doing. There will be a presentation of the project at the end of the semester. The project developed will form the basis for the larger project explored in the practice as research dissertation.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a critical understanding and engagement with key theoretical frameworks and methodologies.
- Application of methodologies and theories in the field of creative arts in the development of an idea to its realisation.
- Develop a pitch presentation that persuasively communicates ideas with a foundation in implementation strategy.
- Write a research plan for larger practice as research project.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (50%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "New Media in the White Cube and Beyond" by Christiane Paul
ISBN: 9780520243972. - "Why are artists poor?: The Exceptional Economy of the Arts" by Hans Abbing
ISBN: 9053565655.
Publisher: Leiden University Press - "Performance Theory" by Richard Schechner
Publisher: Routledge - "Art and its Institutions: Current Conflicts, Critique and Collaborations" by Nina Montmann
Publisher: Black Dog Publishing
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6140: Designated Emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy
DT6140: Designated Emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 0
This pathway is a designated emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy within the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate basic to advanced skills in playwriting including the creation of original plays and/or shorter dramatic texts of multiple lengths, forms and genres across the required programme playwriting modules and final playwriting dissertation project
- Articulate and reflect on the role of dramaturgy in understanding and practicing the playwright's craft, including the ability to situate the learner's original work within theatrical and/or cultural lineages of practice and discuss the relationship between form, genre, and audience impact/reception in historical and theoretical contexts
- Connect learning in core skills or other optional modules within the wider MA in Drama and Theatre Studies programme or related areas to the development of individual playwriting craft, focus and/or development of understanding of theatrical dramaturgy and/or critical reflection skills necessary for the playwright
- Plan and execute a playwriting dissertation project with critical reflection component as the capstone academic experience of the MA designated emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module DT6140: "Designated Emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy" and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6139: Designated Emphasis in Theatre Practice and Production
DT6139: Designated Emphasis in Theatre Practice and Production
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 0
This pathway is a designated emphasis in Theatre Practice and Production within the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate practical techniques and skills across a range of theatrical forms and genres
- Execute a variety of practice-based assessment tasks
- Work collaboratively in a group and solo in the development of practice-based projects and tasks
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module DT6139: "Designated Emphasis in Theatre Practice and Production " and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6122: Performance Lab
DT6122: Performance Lab
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This course explores the relationship between theory and practice in a laboratory format that combines making and staging work with critical investigation. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a critical vocabulary for approaching practice as research that will result in the creation of new devised or staged work guided by student's shared intellectual and artistic interests. The first part of the semester will be focused on a survey of divergent approaches to the creative process in contemporary performance practice by way of artist accounts, film viewings and performance outings, and engagement with critical theory focused in theatre and performance studies. In the second half of the semester, students will work in groups with instructor supervision to create or stage a collective work that engages a research problem or question resulting in public performance of these works. Students will also complete a final research paper locating their performance project and its desired interventions in genealogies of theatre and performance practice. Assessment: Weekly written assignments, practical classroom exercises, group performance project and final research paper.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Compare and contrast varying methods of contemporary theatre making
- Experiment actively with contemporary physical theatre and devising techniques in a collaborative workshop format
- Create an original performance or stage an original interpretation of a piece for performance
- Demonstrate advanced skills of group collaboration
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- KAREN M WALSH 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- AOIFE HARRINGTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
Reading List
- "Frantic Assembly Book of Devising Theatre" by Frantic Assembly
ISBN: 978-113877701. - "A Director Prepares" by Anne Bogart
ISBN: 978-041523832. - "Postdramatic theatre" by Hans-Thies Lehmann; translated and with an introduction by Karen J?urs-Munby
ISBN: 0415268133.
Publisher: London ; Routledge, 2006.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6109: Applied Theatre
DT6109: Applied Theatre
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This course introduces students to core concepts and practices in the field of applied theatre techniques which includes but is not limited to educational theatre, Theatre for Social Change, community arts/theatre,Theatre of the Oppressed and other Boalian techniques, theatre for development, and prison theatre.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify key working methods and genres in the practice of applied theatre.
- Distinguish between different working methodologies and genres within the larger field of applied theatre.
- Analyse key debates over ethics and collaboration in this field of practice.
- Building on our practical classroom exercises, lead basic exercises from each major genre of applied theatre discussed in class.
- Interrogate the role of the faciliator in applied theatre work.
- Propose a framework for their own independent applied theatre project.
- Demonstrate knowledge of a more advanced repertoire of activities and techinques from one targeted area of specialisation in applied theatre.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- KAREN M WALSH 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- AOIFE HARRINGTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- THOMAS CONWAY 🖂
Reading List
- "The Applied Theatre Reader" by Sheila Preston and Tim Prentki
- "Theatre of Good Intentions: Challenges and Hopes for Theatre and Social Change" by Dani Snyder-Young
- "Games for Actors and Non-Actors" by Augusto Boal
- "Community Performance: An Introduction" by Petra Kuppers
- "Local Acts: Community-Based Performance in the United States" by Jan Cohen-Cruz
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalDT6141: Drama and Theatre Studies Work Placement
DT6141: Drama and Theatre Studies Work Placement
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module is centred on a work placement and addresses professionalisation strategies and processes in the field of drama and theatre studies at large. Topics covered in preparatory work placement workshops will address personal development and professional career planning.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify a range of roles and professional areas in the field of theatre and performing arts.
- Exhibit knowledge of the scope and interrelationship of major organisations in the field of theatre and performing arts in Ireland.
- Create and implement a plan for individual professional development in the field of theatre and performing arts.
- Critically reflect on a work experience with an organisation in the field of theatre and performing arts.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- PATRICK LONERGAN 🖂
- MARIANNE NÍ CHINNÉIDE 🖂
- KAREN M WALSH 🖂
- CHARLOTTE MCIVOR 🖂
- MIRIAM HAUGHTON 🖂
- EMMA BRINTON 🖂
- IAN WALSH 🖂
Reading List
- "So You Want To Be A Theatre Producer?" by James Seabright
ISBN: 978185459537. - "How To Start Your Own Theatre Company" by Reginald Nelson
ISBN: 978155652813.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
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.
Recent graduates have gone on to work with many theatre companies including the Abbey Theatre, Baboró, Branar, the Gate Theatre, the Galway International Arts Festival, Rough Magic, the Young Vic (London) and others. They have also found employment in education, the heritage and tourist industries, arts organisations, business and the public service. Many have progressed to PhD study, often winning scholarships in support of their studies and continuing on to work in academia in the UK, Ireland and the United States.
Students can choose to do an internship of approximately three weeks with professional theatre company or arts institution either in Ireland or abroad.
Between May and mid-July, students can do an internship of approximately three weeks with a professional theatre company or arts institution in Ireland or abroad. University of Galway's partnerships with theatre companies are an important part of the course during this experience and throughout.
As a student on the course, you can benefit from University of 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 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.
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.
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.
Dr Charlotte McIvor
E: charlotte.mcivor@universityofgalway.ie
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted via a qualifying exam if they have relevant professional experience or be admitted to the PDip.
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
A university arts degree (minimum standard 2.2, or US GPA 3.0). Students will be accepted on the basis of the degree result, a writing sample (5–6 pages)—which can be an academic essay, creative writing piece or theatre reviews—a personal statement outlining suitability for and interest in the programme, and names and contact details of two references. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted via a qualifying exam if they have relevant professional experience, please include a professional CV (in theatre, creative arts, and/or other field) or may be admitted to the PDip. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a Level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their course work during the year.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Full Time | 1 | €7,750 | €19,500 | €140 | €7,890 | €19,640 | ||
| Masters Part Time | 1 | €4,000 | €19,500 | €140 | €4,140 | €19,640 |
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Siobhan McKenna Scholarship:
- This scholarship automatically applies to applicants who have accepted and paid their deposit by: Date to be confirmed in May 2025.
- €4,500 [Comprising a Bursary of €2,500 and a Fee Waiver of €2,000
- 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
- Applicants to our MA in Drama and Theatre Studies who have accepted and paid their deposit by: Date to be confirmed in May 2025, will have their applications considered for this scholarship competition which is adjudicated by a panel of Drama and Theatre Studies staff.
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
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Course Introduction
The MA in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Galway is a dynamic and practice-rich programme based at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance. It blends critical study with hands-on theatre-making, allowing students to shape their learning across areas such as Irish drama, playwriting, directing, applied theatre, and performance theory. With strong industry links, including the Druid Academy and access to world-class archives and performance spaces, this course is ideal for those pursuing careers in theatre, education, criticism, or research. Full-time and part-time options are available.
