Course Details

Course Code(s):
MARCSOTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Ewa Zak-Dyndal
Email: ewa.zak-dyndal@ul.ie
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

The MA in Ritual Chant and Song is a programme in chant and ritual vocal repertoires, contextualised by a programme of study in ritual theory and liturgical history. The programme specialises in Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song and welcomes a variety of world ritual vocal repertoires. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers. The programme is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.

The MA in Ritual Chant and Song is a one-year, full-time programme in chant and ritual vocal repertoires, contextualised by a programme of study in ritual theory and liturgical history. The programme specialises in Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, and welcomes a variety of world ritual vocal repertoires. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers. The programme is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.

Objectives:

  • To provide a specialist, vocal training in ritual repertoires, particularly Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, contextualised by the study of liturgical history and ritual theory.
  • To develop a research foundation for the interdisciplinary study of music, performance, theology and anthropology of ritual.
Semester 1 Semester 2

MU5361 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 1
MD6151 Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 1
MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork techniques
MD6041 Introduction to Ritual Studies


Options: students can choose two options from the list below
• MD6051 Independent Study 1
• MD6061 Introduction to Somatics 1
• MD6102 Colloquium 1
• MU6071 Beginners' Ecclesiastical Latin for the Study of Plainchant
• AS6001 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 1
• MD6091 Professional Development for the Performing Arts
• MD6031 Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research

MU5362 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 2
MD6142 Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 2
MD6132 Advanced Ritual Studies


Options: students can choose two options from the list below
• MD6052 Independent Study 2
• MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2
• MD6111 Colloquium 2
• AW6012 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2
• MD6062 Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy
• MD6162 Interdisciplinary Practice

Semester 3 
MD5522 Final Presentation 

 Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

 

A primary degree in a suitable discipline with first or second class honours or an approved professional qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).
An interview will be required in all cases, as well as an audition where necessary. Candidates may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • A sample of writing (c. 2000-3000 words)
  • Videos of you singing 2 songs – one chant if possible, or if not then a cappella. These can be video files, or a link to Youtube videos. These can be sent directly to Ewa Zak-Dyndal (Ewa.Zak-Dyndal@ul.ie) if there are any issues with uploading them with the application.
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €7,600  Non- EU - €17,400

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Careers
One focus of the course is the development of performers so many past students have gone on to develop careers as singers, musicians and musical directors. However students have used skills acquired through this MA in a number of other fields including education (at primary, post-primary, secondary and tertiary levels), technology, arts management, etc.  A good number of graduates of this MA have also gone on to further doctoral study.  

To view talks on the programme please click here