The Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre and Performative Practices) is a programme of study running for 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time) from the date of first registration for the programme.

Applications will be considered from graduates in any subject other than Drama and Theatre Studies. Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree (2H2 or above).  Applicants with significant professional-level drama and theatre experience will also be considered. Applicants will be asked to attend a workshop and/or interview with staff from Drama and Theatre Studies.  Screen arrangements may be made in the case of applications from international students.

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre and Performative Practices) programme consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from Levels 2 and 3 of the undergraduate BA degree. 

30 credits from year 2:

Students take 30 credits from the following: 
DR2002 Performative Writing in Contemporary Theatre (10 credits)
DR2003 Theatre and Performative Practices (10 credits)
DR2008 Theatre of the Image (5 credits)
DR2009 Cultures of Voicing (10 credits)
DR2012 Cultures of Movement and Place (10 credits)
DR2016 Performance Technologies (10 credits)
DR2019 Applied Drama and Theatre (10 credits)
DR2020 Ways of Seeing and Doing Performative Arts Practice (10 credits)
DR2022 Special Studies in Production (5 credits)
DR2024 Special Studies with Visiting Specialist (5 credits)
DR2025 Special Studies in Interdisciplinary Performative Practices (5 credits)
DR2027 Theatre and Performative Practice 3 (10 credits)
DR2028 Engaging the Profession 1 (5 credits per module)

Note: not all modules will be available each year.

30 credits from final year:

Summer period in between Year 2 and Year 3: Optional module: DR3001 Practical Internship Work Placement (5 credits)
This module is recommended as it reduces in term workload as well as offering valuable work placement experience.

Students choose 30 credits from the following:
DR3001 Practical Internship Work Placement (5 credits)
DR3006 Special Studies in Theatre and Performative Practices (5 credits)
DR3008 Interdisciplinary Performative Practices Advanced (5 credits)
DR3009 Special Studies in Theatre Production (5 credits)
DR3013 Final Year Project (20 credits)
DR3015 Performative Writing: Fields of Application (10 credits)
DR3017 Cultures of Voicing: Advanced (10 credis)
DR3018 Cultures of Movement and Place: Advanced (10 credits)
DR3019 Performance Technologies: Advanced (10 credits)
DR3020 Applied Drama and Theatre: Advanced (10 credits)
DR3021 Special Studies with Visiting Specialists 2 (5 credits)
DR3023 Research Placement (5 credits)
DR3024 In Semester Internship (5 credits)
DR3025 Engaging the Profession 2: Pitching Theatre Projects (5 credits)
DR3026 Engaging the Profession 1: Theatres and Arts Organisations (5 credits)

(Note that not all options are available each year—but workload structure will allow for even balance across semesters)

Applicants who complete the Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre and Performative Practices) with a second class honours or equivalent may apply to be admitted to the MA in Theatre and Performative Practices.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2019/2020 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2019/2020.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre and Performative Practices) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of dramatic texts and historical and contemporary contexts of theatre production and be able to discuss critically key aspects of the relationship of particular play texts to their social, cultural and theatrical context;
• Define the vocabulary and conceptual framework of applications of performative practices in social or educational contexts, especially with regard to theatre as a teaching subject;
• Demonstrate and apply understanding of theatre production process by contributing creatively to a production process from research through to performance;
• Show development of basic physical skills and voice techniques and apply them to communicate with an audience;
• Initiate a process of embodied inquiry and demonstrate a basic understanding of the art of acting and devising theatre;
• Demonstrate an understanding of traditional and contemporary critical perspectives on performance, and of relevant theories, issues and debates relating to the subject.