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During this programme, you will:  

• Explore a range of vocal ritual repertoires, focusing in particular on Gregorian plainchant and Irish traditional song (sean-nós). 

• Acquire specialist vocal training in Gregorian plainchant and Irish sean-nós. 

• Engage with ritual theory, manuscript studies, and historical context as frameworks for understanding ritual vocal repertoires. 

• Develop a research foundation for the interdisciplinary study of music, performance, theology and anthropology of ritual. 

• Examine theories of ritual practice with an emphasis on the nascent, emergent and creative dimensions of ritual. 

Key Information: 

• Complete full-time in one year  

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters  

• Submit a dissertation, perform a recital, or combine both approaches, at the end of the summer semester  

• Students take 4 core modules and 2 elective modules in the autumn semester and 3 core modules and 2 elective modules in the autumn semester 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Seminars, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• One-on-one and ensemble repertoire and technique vocal classes 

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules:  

• explores a range of vocal ritual repertoires, such as Gregorian plainchant and Irish traditional song (sean-nós). 

• introduces foundational skills in reading medieval notation, studying chant, and exploring the historical contexts of Western plainchant. 

• introduces basic elements of fieldwork including its ethical principles, participant observation, and interview techniques. 

• equips students with a knowledge of the emergence and development of ritual studies as an interdisciplinary discourse 

Electives – choose 2:  

Spring Semester 

Core modules:  

• develops practical vocal instruction through the provision of specialist vocal training appropriate to the idiomatic performance of a range of vocal repertoire. 

• develops advanced skills in manuscript studies and deepens scholarly understanding of Western plainchant. 

• introduces current theories of ritual practice with an emphasis on the nascent, emergent and creative dimensions of ritual. 

Electives – choose 2:  

Summer Semester 

• 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 engage with 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  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. 

• The university will shortlist and invite you to an interview. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:   

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents:  

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• A Personal Statement explaining their interest in the programme/why they're applying
• A sample of writing (c. 2,000-3,000 words)
• Videos of you singing two songs – one chant if possible, or if not then a cappella. These can be video files, or a link to YouTube videos. If there are any issues with uploading them with the application, they can be sent directly to Dr. Eleanor Giraud (Eleanor.Giraud@ul.ie).
• Candidates may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material.. 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements  

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €TBC

Non- EU - €18,000

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

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).   

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships. 

Graduates of this programme have pursued diverse careers, including:  

• Performance (singers, musicians, church music directors)
• Education (including schools, community settings, and tertiary institutions)
• Arts management and cultural policy
• Further doctoral research 

Still Curious?  

Feel free to contact the course director Dr. Eleanor Giraud (Eleanor.Giraud@ul.ie) directly in order to informally discuss the programme and your potential application.  

In addition, the University regularly hosts webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.    

Online Information Sessions