Program Overview

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Certificate in Drama Education (45 Credits)

Overview

Internationally recognised drama course geared towards unearthing the next batch of world-class drama teachers

Students on this programme take four modules from the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education, allowing them to concentrate on acquiring specific teaching skills.

Why Study Drama Teaching at Griffith College?

• Modules are certified under HETAC's Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects Scheme (ACCS).
• A range of study options are available including part-time evening study, with the possibility to take the programme in three stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.
• Access to performance-oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.
• Access to fully equipped studios with the latest industry-standard music software for writing, recording, performing, editing, mixing, and composing music.
• Highly focused and experienced teachers, many of whom are active in the performance arena.

Course Highlights

• Provides a pathway for the progression of drama students to teachers.
• Can be utilised as a professional development programme to revitalise the practice of existing teachers.
• Leaners are provided with a specific subset of drama teaching skills and knowledge with a view to progressing to a drama teaching qualification.
• Fully accredited by QQI, making them internationally recognised accredited qualifications. The LSMD is the only institution in Ireland offering QQI validated specialised drama education qualifications.
• Flexible schedule with part-time evening study, and day-time sessions (a mixture of Saturdays and Sundays), with the possibility to take the programme in two stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.
• Access to performance oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.

Intake Dates

• Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025

What our students say

I thoroughly enjoyed doing my H.Dip with the LSMD at Griffith College! It exposed me to a broad range of modules and was tailored to our individual strengths and needs. Since completing the course I have gone on to do a Masters and I teach piano & music theory.

Niall Kinsella
Diploma in Music Education

Related Courses

• Certificate in Drama Performance (20 Credits)
• Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education
• Music & Drama 1 to 1 Lessons

Related Articles

• Honorary Fellowship Presented to Aoibhín Garrihy
• 7 Reasons to Study A Drama Education Qualification With the Leinster School of Music and Drama

Course Details

Students complete four modules.

Core Subjects

Preparing the Performer

The module provides learners with classic and contemporary techniques that are relevant to modern theatre practice. The taught programme develops the learners’ skills allowing them to connect with, and recreate, the world around them through the understanding of postural forms, gestures, command of space as a substance to create objects, movement, identification with objects, breath and energy. Finally, they learn to to create a narrative that has a central character and dilemma.

Learn more (PDF file)

The Creative Process

A large part of drama teaching involves the skill of directing. Whether working in the private or public sector, performance, of some kind, is ultimately expected. This module gives learners a grounding in improvisation, which is the basis for devising, and then moves on to working with text. Learners are introduced to a variety of situations where they might need to draw on these different skills and tools, from entering grade exams, putting on their own school productions or devising with community/youth groups.

Learn more (PDF file)

Pedagogy and Drama Teaching Placement

This module consists of three elements. The first element deals with an examination of the theories and processes of teaching, learning and pedagogy as well as the integral part played by assessment in the process, in-group teaching and with individuals. The teaching of drama in the specified curriculum and classroom management is also examined in this section. The second element involves the practical application of the theories and learning in this and other modules in a practical teaching setting. The third element consists of an examination of the theory of inclusion. It deals with defining inclusion and looking at different models of assessing the learner.

Learn more (PDF file)

Professional Practice

This module affords the learner an opportunity to develop a practical business overview of their business that includes important aspects to protect both themselves and the learner in a competitive market. The content examines areas including health and safety, child protection, insurance, data protection, copyright and SME management.

Learn more (PDF file)

Course Contacts

Suzanne Binley

The Leinster School of Music & Drama Programme Director

The Leinster School of Music & Drama Associate Lecturer

• Dublin Main Campus

Timetables

• Sample Timetable 23/24 (PDF file)

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a primary degree in a drama related field, or, a primary degree in a non-cognate (unrelated) discipline plus Grade 10 in Speech and Drama from the LSMD, or an approved substitute.

Candidates with significant prior experience in drama education or performance may also be considered under the College’s APL and APEL policy. In all such cases, candidates will be required to submit their application for consideration by the College’s academic and professional council and may be required to present for interview and/or audition.

English Language

If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

For more information, please visit here.

Fees

Tuition Fees

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland

Study Mode: Part-time

• Dublin: EUR 4,000

Irish/EU citizens, living abroad

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.

General Fee Information

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR 250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Flexible payment options

Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form (PDF file) and send this to the Student Fees Office:

• Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, D08V04N
• Email:

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

Graduates of the programme have taken many routes and are gainfully employed in the Department of Education and Skills primary and secondary schools, in performing arts and private speech and drama schools around the country; and working within the early – years sector. Many graduates have set up their own private classes, drama schools and performing arts schools.

Career Progression

Graduates of the Certificate in Drama Teaching programme will have a good basis for professional progression in drama education and training.