Program Overview

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Introduction to the MA in Ethnochoreology

The Master of Arts (MA) in Ethnochoreology at the University of Limerick is a unique program that explores dance as a cultural practice. This program offers a lens through which to study movement, identity, and tradition, providing an alternative approach to the study of Irish Traditional Dance, popular dance, and world dance.

Program Overview

The MA in Ethnochoreology is a one-year, full-time program that combines academic rigor with practical exploration. Students engage with interdisciplinary perspectives, including ritual studies, media technologies, and somatics. The program is ideal for students interested in the academic study of dance, particularly those seeking to pursue doctoral research or careers in cultural research, education, or the performing arts.

Program Content

The program consists of core and elective modules, which are taught during the autumn and spring semesters. Students take five core modules and one elective module in the autumn semester, and three core modules and one elective module in the spring semester. The core modules include:

• Ethnochoreology: History and Theory
• Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques
• Dance Ethnography
• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research
• Introduction to Ritual Studies
• Current Issues in Ethnochoreology
• World Dance Survey
• Critical Encounters with Irish Traditional Dance

Elective modules include:

• Independent Study 1 and 2
• Introduction to Somatics 1 and 2
• Professional Development for the Performing Arts
• Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 1 and 2
• Critical Engagements with Irish Traditional Music
• Broadening Through Awareness, Activism and the Arts (Postgraduate)
• Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy
• Choreography-for-Camera

Final Presentation

The final presentation is a key component of the program, where students perform specialist repertoire at the standard of a public recital or conduct a research project to the level of a master's standard dissertation, or a combination of both.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honor, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. The university may shortlist and invite applicants to an interview and audition if necessary.

Other Entry Considerations

The university encourages applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements to apply, as long as they can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience for the program. The university also values prior learning and supports different ways to qualify through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

International Students

International students should visit the postgraduate entry requirements for international students for details on country-specific qualifications.

Checklist of Documents

Applicants should provide:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Copy of birth certificate or passport
• English translation of qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of CV
• Supporting statement (one page)
• Additional audio-visual and/or written material

English Language

Applicants should provide an English Language Competency certificate. For details on accepted language qualifications, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Fees

The fees for the program are:

• EU: 7,995
• Non-EU: 18,000

Annual fees are billed by semester, and students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Funding

Further information on funding and scholarships is available.

Graduate Profile

This program can lead to careers in academia, performing arts, and applied research. Graduates have gone on to work as professional dancers, dance researchers, and educators, and have presented at academic conferences on traditional music and dance, Irish studies, and social theory.