Program Overview

MA in Choral Studies

Course Details

• Course Code: DC664
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 9
• Delivery Modes: Part-Time
• Duration: 2 Years

Overview

The MA in Choral Studies is a unique programme in Ireland that offers an unrivalled opportunity to engage with the interpretation of choral repertoire from historical and contemporary contexts, and to create and perform new music under expert guidance.

Careers & Further Options

• Career Areas:
  • Choral conducting
  • Composition
  • Ensemble singing
  • Music teaching (subject to relevant qualifications)
  • Choral arts administration
  • Music criticism
  • Broadcasting
  • Recording and production
  • Editing and choral publishing
• Graduates may also pursue doctoral research in choral studies or related areas.

Entry Requirements

• General Entry Requirements:
  • Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in Music, or in which Music is a subject, with a minimum of Second Class Honours.
  • OR Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in another discipline, with supporting evidence of competence in Music, such as Grade 8/Diploma in instrumental/vocal studies, Grade 5 theory (ABRSM), and vocal/choral experience appropriate to commencing a Level 9 programme.
  • Practitioners in the fields of conducting composition and choral practice who do not meet these prerequisites will be invited to submit a curriculum vitae and details of competence in music (as above) and may be asked to participate in an interview.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

• The programme is offered part-time over two years.
• Lectures take place in Drumcondra on Monday evenings and on one Saturday per semester.
• Overview:
  • Students must successfully complete six core taught modules:
    • Conducting, Interpretation and Style
    • Choral Music: Historical and Analytical Approaches
    • Composition for Voices
    • Creative Approaches to Text
    • Choral Contexts: National Infrastructure for the Arts
    • Choral Leadership
  • In addition, students complete a research module, which includes a series of seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis on choral studies or a portfolio of compositions/arrangements.

Fees and Funding

• Part-time:
  • EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,300 Per Annum
  • Non EU Fee Part-time: €8,300 Per Annum

How To Apply

• To apply for this programme, all applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025
• Deferrals are not permitted on this programme.

Life On Campus

• Life on Campus:
  • At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience.
  • We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities.
  • All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
• Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• Faculty FAQs:
  • Is DCU all one campus?
    • DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses.
  • If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
    • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
  • Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
    • We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
  • Does DCU provide accommodation?
    • DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.