Bachelor of Arts in Voice Entry requirements

Minimum grades    

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English

Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

Additional considerations    

Auditions will take place in April 2027.   

A later audition date will be set for those who select the programme using the CAO change of mind function. 

Applicants must pass an interview/audition.  

BA Voice (LM134) Audition Process for Entry

The audition for BA Voice LM134 at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, will be conducted either online or in person. CAO applicants will be contacted by the admissions office to choose an online or in-person audition date (both are equally valid).

Audition Criteria:

Perform two contrasting songs.

Songs may be in any style/genre.

Accompaniment: Applicants may use backing tracks, self-accompany, bring an accompanist, or sing without accompaniment.

Face-to-face: Applicants attend the audition at the Irish World Academy building to perform two songs and interview.

Or

Online: Applicants will be invited to submit a video recording of their performance of two songs and attend a remote interview.

Up to 200 CAO audition points may be awarded to LM134 applicants for admission.

After your audition, the Admissions Department of the University will contact you to let you know the outcome.

Key Areas Assessed at BA Voice Audition:

• Vocal ability: Through the performance of two contrasting songs at audition, applicants will demonstrate vocal ability. Sing your selected songs in a key that is comfortable e.g. are there parts that feel too low or too high for your voice?The panel will listen for key musical elements such as pitch and rhythmic accuracy.
   
• Technical skills: The panel will assess vocal technique choices in your two chosen songs. Consider a technical approach that is best suited to the repertoire that you have chosen. Think about what you can show us in your song contrast. (E.g. two different styles or a mood contrast – happy/sad; fast/slow)
   
• Overall performance quality: impact of the performance. Confident delivery of your two songs. Communication of the text within your chosen repertoire e.g. if it is a musical theatre song, consider character, context and style as appropriate. If you sing a self-composed song, think about artistry and performance quality.
   
• Experience and motivation: Articulation of prior performance experience and motivation to study the BA Voice. To understand more about your musical background, tell us about any relevant performance experience, music/singing exams or instruments that you play. What motivates you to study BA Voice and what are your career ambitions?

All students must undergo a Garda Vetting process.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Application information for mature student applicants

QQI Entry
Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Go to the UL Admissions QQI page for a full list of modules. 

Alternative Entry Pathway 

Students who do not enter directly through the CAO may wish to consider the Certificate in Music and Dance (NFQ Level 6). Successful completion of this one-year programme may provide a pathway to Year 2 of Irish World Academy BA programmes, subject to academic achievement, performance standards and available places.