Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The MA in Drama and Theatre Studies, offered at the ODonoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, is an internationally renowned program that integrates scholarly analysis of theatre history and theory with hands-on performance creation. Students can tailor their studies through a variety of modules, aligning with professional aspirations in areas like performance, Irish theatre, scriptwriting, critique, community theatre, or a combination. Studying at the ODonoghue Centre means joining a dynamic network of accomplished artists and academics, all while enjoying Galway's thriving cultural landscape. This program uniquely merges academic inquiry with creative practice, ideal for those pursuing careers in professional theatre production, dramatic writing, arts education, or academic scholarship. Those with a broad passion for theatre are equally encouraged to apply. Enrolled students gain exclusive access to University of Galway's collaboration with Druid Theatre, hailed by The New York Times as a global theatrical powerhouse under Garry Hynes' leadership, featuring specialized workshops and masterclasses through the Druid Academy.
Career Pathways
Alumni have secured positions with prestigious institutions such as the Abbey Theatre, Gate Theatre, Rough Magic, and London's Young Vic, among others. Graduates also thrive in educational settings, cultural tourism, arts administration, corporate sectors, and government roles. Numerous students advance to doctoral research, frequently earning prestigious funding awards.
A university arts degree (minimum standard 2.2, or US GPA 3.0). Students will be accepted on the basis of the degree result, a writing sample (5–6 pages)—which can be an academic essay, creative writing piece or theatre reviews—a personal statement outlining suitability for and interest in the programme, and names and contact details of two references. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted via a qualifying exam if they have relevant professional experience, or may be admitted to the PDip. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a Level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their course work during the year.
English Language Requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall; Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE): 180 overall; TOEFL: 88 overall (7 Listening, 16 Speaking, 18 Writing, 8 Reading); Pearson PTE: 61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component.