Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in Dance Performance

The University of Limerick's Master of Arts (MA) in Dance Performance is a one-year, full-time program at NFQ Level 9. It supports dancers to deepen technical skill, evolve creative voice, and perform new work. Students can choose their pathway in either Irish Traditional Dance Performance or Contemporary Dance Performance.

Programme Content

The program fosters collaboration across both pathways through shared workshops, seminars, and electives. Students undertake intensive, primarily studio-based research in performance, choreography, and creative practice, supported by Somatics, writing/documentation, and media technologies. The studies culminate in a Final Presentation in the summer semester.

Key Information

• Complete full-time in one year
• Delivered on campus at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters
• Submit final presentation at the end of the summer semester
• Choose Irish Traditional Dance Performance or Contemporary Dance Performance

Irish Traditional Dance Performance Stream

Autumn Semester

Core modules:

• Embodying Irish Dance Practices 1 (DA6041)
• Dance Practicum 1 (DA5111)
• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research (MD6031)
• Introduction to Somatics 1 (MD6061)
• Writing & the Documentation of Arts Practice 1 (MD6071) Electives – choose 1:
  • Colloquium 1 (MD6111)
  • Professional Development for the Performing Arts (MD6091)
  • Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques (MD6021)
  • Independent Study 1 (MD6051)

Spring Semester

Core modules:

• Embodying Irish Dance Practices 2 (DA6032)
• Dance Practicum 2 (DA5112)
• Choreography for Camera (MD6082)
• Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2 (MD6072)
• Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy (MD6062) Electives – choose 1:
  • Introduction to Somatics 2 (MD6061)
  • Colloquium 2 (MD6111)
  • Independent Study 2 (MD6052)

Summer Semester

• Final Presentation (MD5522)

Contemporary Dance Performance Stream

Autumn Semester

Core modules:

• Contemporary Dance Techniques for Performance 1 (DA6031)
• Practicum: Dance Performance Repertoire 1 (DA5141)
• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research (MD6031)
• Introduction to Somatics 1 (MD6061)
• Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 1 (MD6071) Electives – choose 1:
  • Colloquium 1 (MD6111)
  • Professional Development for the Performing Arts (MD6091)
  • Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques (MD6021)
  • Independent Study 1 (MD6051)

Spring Semester

Core modules:

• Contemporary Dance Techniques for Performance 2 (DA6022)
• Practicum: Dance Performance Repertoire 2 (DA5142)
• Choreography for Camera (MD6082)
• Writing and the Documentation of Art Practice 2 (MD6072)
• Critical Contexts of Arts Management and Cultural Policy (MD6062) Electives – choose 1:
  • Introduction to Somatics 2 (MD6061)
  • Colloquium 2 (MD6111)
  • Independent Study 2 (MD6052)

Summer Semester

• Final Presentation (MD5522)

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject.
• An interview and audition (online) will be required in all cases.
• Candidates will be required to submit additional audio-visual material via online links that demonstrate previous experience in contemporary dance.

Fees

• EU: €7,995
• Non-EU: €18,000
• Annual fees are billed by semester.

Graduate Profile

This course can lead to careers in dance performance, artistic directorship, and arts development. Graduates have gone on to work with dance companies, festivals, and organizations, setting them up for careers in dance performance, choreography, or further research.