Course Summary
DCU’s MA in Choral Studies is the first programme of its kind in Ireland. It offers an unrivalled opportunity to engage with the interpretation of choral repertoire from historical and contemporary contexts, and to create and perform new music under expert guidance.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in Music, or in which Music is a subject, with a minimum of Second Class Honours. OR
• Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in another discipline, with supporting evidence of competence in Music, such as Grade 8/Diploma in instrumental/vocal studies, Grade 5 theory (ABRSM), and vocal/choral experience appropriate to commencing a Level 9 programme. OR
• Practitioners in the fields of conducting and composition who do not meet these prerequisites will be invited to submit a curriculum vitae and details of competence in music (as above), and may be asked to participate in an interview.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email [email protected]
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal
Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note, this programme commences next in September 2025. There is no 2025 intake.
This programme won't have an intake in 20245 but will have an intake in 2025.
Fees
EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,200 Per Annum.
Non EU Fee Part time: €8,100 Per Annum.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Graduates may progress or enhance their careers in areas such as:
• Choral conducting
• Composition
• Ensemble singing
• Music teaching (subject to relevant qualifications)
• Choral arts administration
• Music criticism
• Broadcasting
• Recording and production
• Editing and choral publishing
Graduates may also pursue doctoral research in choral studies or related areas.
Duration
The programme is offered part-time over two years. Lectures take place in Drumcondra on Monday evenings and on one Saturday per semester.