Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Irish Dance

The Bachelor of Arts in Irish Dance is a four-year undergraduate degree program offered by the University of Limerick. This program is designed for students who wish to develop their performance skills and knowledge of Irish dance, as well as explore other forms of artistic expression.

Key Information

• NFQ Level: 8
• Major Award: Honours Bachelor Degree
• Course Code: LM132
• Duration: 4 Years
• Subject Area: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Course Director: Dr. Breandán de Gallaí

About the Course

This program allows students to develop their performance skills in Irish dance, while also introducing them to other performance practices and scholarly traditions. Students will study a range of modules, including performance, Irish music and dance studies, ethnomusicology, and vocational studies. The program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including professional performance, further study, work in cultural institutions, media-related posts, and education.

What You Will Study

The course is structured over four years, with a combination of core and elective modules. In the first year, students will focus on developing their Irish dance practice, as well as being introduced to other dance practices and critical academic engagement with music and dance. From the second year onwards, students will deepen their focus on Irish dance, undertaking additional specialist modules in Irish music and dance studies, ethnomusicology, and vocational issues.

Year 1 Modules

• MD4101 - Performance 1A: Develops students' Irish dance practice with classes focusing on repertoire, technique, percussive dance, and related traditions.
• MD4091 - Irish World Academy Practicum C1: Extends students' knowledge, skill, and dance experience, exposing them to dance disciplines such as ballet and contemporary dance.
• MU4001 - Critical Encounters with Irish Music and Dance: Introduces students to current research engagements with native Irish music and dance traditions.
• MU4011 - Critical Encounters with World Music and Dance: Introduces students to diverse music traditions from around the world.

Year 2 Modules

• MD4103 - Performance 3A: Continues to develop students' Irish dance practice.
• MD4092 - Irish World Academy Practicum C3: Further extends students' knowledge, skill, and dance experience.
• MD4081 - Irish Music and Dance Studies: Engages issues in Irish traditional music and dance studies, applying cultural theory.
• MD4113 - Performing Arts Technology: Introduces students to professional audio and visual technologies relevant to performers.

Year 3 and 4 Modules

• Cooperative Education: Students engage in real-world, professional environments.
• MD4106 - Performance 5A: Develops students' Irish dance practice with a focus on repertoire, technique, and masterclasses.
• MD4116 - Irish World Academy Practicum C5: Extends students' knowledge, skill, and dance experience.
• MU4106 - Arts and Health: Develops awareness and understanding of the impact of the arts on health and well-being.
• MU4013 - Research Skills: Ethnomusicology/Ethnochoreology/Arts Practice: Introduces students to the principles of ethnomusicology and ethnochoreology.

Entry Requirements

• CAO Points History: 398 (Audition required)
• Minimum Grades: Applicants must hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects, including two H5 grades and four O6 grades.
• Additional Considerations: Auditions will take place, and students must pass an interview/audition.

Fees and Funding

• EU Students with Free Fees Status: HEA pays tuition fees, SUSI pays student contribution, and the student pays the student levy.
• Non-EU Students: Students pay tuition fees, student contribution, and student levy.
• Scholarships: Various scholarships are available, including the All Ireland Scholarships, Bursary for my Future Scholarship, and UL Sports Scholarships.

Career Opportunities

• Professional performer
• Choreographer/dance-maker
• Further study (MA, PhD)
• Dance education and teaching
• Community dance and participatory arts practice
• Arts administration and producing
• Performance management and touring coordination

Follow-On Study

• Master of Arts in Irish Traditional Dance Performance
• Master of Arts in Irish Traditional Music Performance
• Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance
• PhD in Arts Practice
• PhD in Research

Student Profiles

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue successful careers in performance, choreography, and education, both in Ireland and internationally.