Music, Film & Drama BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Music, Film & Drama BA (Hons) at University College Dublin invites you to explore the profound impact of these art forms on human experience. This four-year undergraduate programme is designed for students keen to understand the cultural and historical contexts of music, film, and drama, and to analyse their dynamic interplay. You will develop a critical vocabulary and fluency in analytical techniques, examining how these disciplines shape and are shaped by society. This course offers a rich academic journey for those passionate about the arts and their societal significance.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured to progressively deepen your expertise over four years. Your first year establishes foundational knowledge and analytical skills, while subsequent years allow you to specialise through elective modules, focusing on specific genres or issues. You will have the opportunity to undertake a humanities internship or study abroad in your third year, enriching your practical and global perspectives. In your final year, you will conduct a major dissertation, working one-on-one with a faculty expert, culminating in a substantial research project.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) program offers a comprehensive exploration of music, film, and drama, spanning historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications. Students will engage with diverse modules such as composition, physical theatre, film and media studies, and music history, alongside opportunities for internships and study abroad. The curriculum culminates in a dissertation and advanced studies in areas like screen comedy, animation, and contemporary theatre, preparing graduates for a wide range of creative and academic pursuits.

1 First Year

Composition, Performance, and Reception
Intro to Physical Theatre
Musicianship
The Theatrical Event
Introduction to Film & Media (including case studies in digital innovation, film, television and other media forms)
Music, Culture and Society
Theatre Context and Conventions
Performance Electives

2 Second Year

Producing Music, Film and Drama
Popular Music and Culture
Staging Performance
Documentary and Ethnography
Music History Since 1750
History of TV
Irish Theatre
Action Adventure Cinema
Musics of the World
Performance Electives
UCD Special Collections: Archival Research Methods

3 Third Year

Apply for a competitive internship in an area that interests you and/or relates to your area of study
Study abroad for a trimester/year to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in a new culture
The Symphony & European Culture
Contemporary Alternative Cinema
Staging Texts
Educational Drama & Augusto Boal
Topics in Ethnomusicology
Contemporary Theatre in Performance
Performance Electives

4 Fourth Year

Dissertation
The Oedipus Myth
Modernism and Avant-Garde
Screen Comedy
Music and Film
Revolutions in 20th Century World Theatre
Animation
The Orchestra
Beckett in Performance
Melodrama in Film and Theatre
Performance Electives

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,585.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,585.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,585.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,585.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 106,343.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 349.00 - USD 849.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,930.00 - USD 5,613.00
Transport USD 842.00 - USD 1,965.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 6,176.00 - USD 9,683.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfield campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

99%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdvertising & Media SalesCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducational Support ServicesGaming & Interactive MediaPhotojournalism & Visual MediaPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySocial Media & Content StrategyStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Dublin City University

RTE

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

University of Galway

Why Study Music, Film & Drama BA (Hons) at University College Dublin

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University College Dublin in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music, Film & Drama BA (Hons) at University College Dublin

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks, without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English test requirements, scores vary by test. For instance, a TOEFL overall score of 90 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5 is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Film Directors, Music Producers, Drama Teachers, Screenwriters, or Arts Administrators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This 4-year program delves into Music, Film, and Drama, offering insights into their cultural and historical development. Students will explore how these art forms influence and transform one another.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Music, Film & Drama BA (Hons) program is September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot.
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