Course Details

Course Code(s):
MASOWRTFAD
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: Stephen Ryan
Address: The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance Email: Stephen.TJ.Ryan@ul.ie
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Brief Description

The Master of Arts in Songwriting is a one year, full-time postgraduate programme, which focuses on the artistic practice of songwriting with opportunities to perform and record work. The course is cognisant of the wide variety of approaches to songwriting that one might adopt and will not attempt to be a ‘how-to’. Rather, this is a space where students can explore and be exposed to a range of writing techniques, whilst having the dedicated time and resources to develop their own body of work. This will be through a combination of solo work and collaboration with a community of fellow songwriters with guidance from songwriting mentors.

The Master of Arts in Songwriting is a one year, full-time postgraduate programme, which focuses on the artistic practice of songwriting with opportunities to perform and record work. The course is cognisant of the wide variety of approaches to songwriting that one might adopt and will not attempt to be a ‘how-to’. Rather, this is a space where students can explore and be exposed to a range of writing techniques, whilst having the dedicated time and resources to develop their own body of work. This will be through a combination of solo work and collaboration with a community of fellow songwriters with guidance from songwriting mentors.

In addition, the course provides a toolkit of core skills that students can draw from in areas such as music theory and arranging, technology and production, promotion, copyright and publishing as well as the central focus of writing, recording and/or performing.

Objectives:

The student will gain:

  • Originality - a strong sense of individual voice
  • Wide core skill set
  • Strong basis for sustainable career as a songwriter / space to explore and spend dedicated time to support existing career as songwriter
  • Critical engagement with artistic practice
  • Songwriting honed through supportive and reflective critique
  • Exposure to wide range of approaches to songwriting



 

Autumn Semester Spring Semester Summer Semester
Core Modules:
  • MD6181 Songwriting Style and Context 1
  • MD6191 Songwriting Process 1
  • MD6031 Media Technologies for Performing Arts & Arts Research
  • MD6091 Professional Development for the Performing Arts
  • MD6071 Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice 1

Students choose 2 of the following elective modules:

  • MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques
  • MD6041 Introduction to Ritual Studies
  • MD6051 Independent Study 1
  • MD6061 Introduction to Somatics
  • MD6111 Colloquium 1
  • MD6201 Instrumental Skills for Songwriters
  • MD6211 Irish World Academy Ensembles
  • MD6221 Applied Music Theory for Songwriters

Core Modules:

  • MD6202 Songwriting Style and Context 2
  • MD6192 Songwriting Process 2
  • MD6072 Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice 2
  • MD6172 Performance and Media Technologies for Songwriters
  • MD6182 Promotion and Dissemination for Songwriters

Students choose 2 of the following elective modules:

  • MD6052 Independent Study 2
  • MD6062 Critical Contexts for Arts Management & Cultural Policy
  • MD6081 Critical Engagements with Irish Traditional Music
  • MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2
  • MD6162 Interdisciplinary Practice
  • MD5522 Final Presentation

A primary degree in a suitable discipline with first or second class honours or an approved equivalent qualification (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) Or
an equivalent capability based on prior professional experience in songwriting and/or performance.

A performance audition and interview will be required in all cases. Additional audio, visual or written material may be required.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • Cover letter outlining interest in course and experience of songwriting to date
  • 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 - €7,270 

Non- EU - €16,900

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.

The programme is beneficial for students wishing to pursue careers in songwriting, recording and/or performance or for those who wish to add to their creative skills in other related areas of work such as community music or music education.