Songwriting - MA Programme content
Equip yourself with the core skills to pursue a career in songwriting, songwriting research, and performance with this full-time MA.
Key information
EU fees per year
€8,400
Non-EU fees per year
€18,600
NFQ Level
NFQ Level 9 Major
Duration
One year
Attendance
Full-time
Programme type
Taught
Delivery
In-person
Start date
September
Award
Masters
Key information
- Complete full-time in one year
- Delivered on campus
- Modules taught in-person during autumn and spring semesters
- Submit dissertation at the end of the summer semester
- Students take 5 core modules and 2 elective modules each semester
You will learn through a blend of
- Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities
- Reflective practice and guided research
- Regular feedback from faculty and peers
Programme content
Core modules
- Songwriting Style and Context 1 (MD6181) explores the creation of meaning and the construction of identity through songwriting and performance.
- Songwriting Process 1 (MD6191) explores the creative process of songwriting and develop the skills to produce a body of work for performance and / or recording.
- Media Technologies for Performing Arts & Arts Research (MD6031) explores current media technologies used in the fields of performing arts, creative arts therapies, and arts research.
- Professional Development for the Performing Arts (MD6091) provides an awareness of professional development skills and contexts central to developing a career in the arts.
- Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice 1 (MD6071) explores a variety of approaches to the documentation of artistic practices, with a focus on documentation through writing.
Electives – choose 2
- Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques (MD6021)
- Introduction to Ritual Studies (MD6041)
- Independent Study 1 (MD6051)
- Introduction to Somatics (MD6061)
- Colloquium 1 (MD6111)
- Instrumental Skills for Songwriters (MD6201)
- Irish World Academy Ensembles (MD6211)
- Applied Music Theory for Songwriters (MD6221)
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Core modules
- Songwriting Style and Context 2 (MD6202) explores how song style and performance practice develop in response to shifting social, economic, political and artistic conditions.
- Songwriting Process 2 (MD6192) enables students to develop more advanced skills in lyric writing, music arrangement and composition.
- Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice 2 (MD6072) identifies a research topic that will be explored using practice-based research techniques.
- Performance and Media Technologies for Songwriters (MD6172) develops recording and live performance technology practices.
- Promotion and Dissemination for Songwriters (MD6182) examines best contemporary practice for the promotion and dissemination of a singer-songwriter's artistic output.
Electives – choose 2
- Independent Study 2 (MD6052)
- Critical Contexts for Arts Management & Cultural Policy (MD6062)
- Critical Engagements with Irish Traditional Music (MD6081)
- Introduction to Somatics 2 (MD6092)
- Interdisciplinary Practice (MD6162)
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Core module
- Final Presentation (MD5522) equips students to perform specialist repertoire at the standard of a public recital or conduct a research project to the level of a master's standard dissertation or a combination of both.
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Area(s) of interest
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