Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts – 2 Years

We offer a vibrant, vigorous and creative course, designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills that can help them advance to further study and the professional world of performing arts. This hands-on performing arts course offers an opportunity to improve your performing, auditioning and technical production skills. Learn to work collaboratively with other creative individuals. Display your talents and discover your strengths. Students will work in various professional theatres and performance venues.

Our tutors and visiting practitioners are industry professionals.

Entry to the course is through audition.

Course Content

Please note: Modules may vary yearly.

Year 1 – Higher National Certificate (HNC)

• Professional Development
• Acting 1
• Voice and Speech for Actors
• Stagecraft
• Singing 1
• The Performing Arts Industry
• Investigation of Specialism

Year 2 – Higher National Diploma (HND)

• Creative Research Project
• Working in the Performing Industry
• Acting 2
• Stage Management
• Sound Design
• Auditioning
• Costume Design
• Sound Design
• Performance Project

Special Features

Workshops with industry professionals.
Performance within a professional theatre context.
Professional placement.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate (including LCA).

Appropriate approved prior learning (APL).

Mature students, and those without a formal education, are welcome to apply.

Applicants will be invited to audition. Auditions will take place in person. Applicants must prepare an audition piece of their choice. Monologue/song/dance, spoken word/ poem/ etc. The piece should be a minimum of two minutes and a maximum of three.

Certification

Year One – Higher National Certificate

Year Two – Higher National Diploma 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our course can pursue a career in many areas of theatre/film and the broader entertainment industry. Progression to top up degrees in both Irish and UK colleges.

College Links

Top–up (BA Hons) Degree in Drama – Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE, accredited by The University of Wolverhampton

We also facilitate advanced entry to UK colleges through UCAS and Irish colleges

Duration

2 Years Full-time

Course Charges

Year 1: €713
Year 2: €453

This course is free for those over 21 and in receipt of a social welfare payment*. Click here for more information and to check eligibility.