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During this programme, you will:  

• Develop more advanced skills in lyric writing, music arrangement, songwriting research, and composition. 

• Explore a wide range of approaches to, and contexts for songwriting practice. 

• Develop best practice for the promotion and dissemination of your artistic output. 

• Explore relevant recording and live performance technology for songwriters. 

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  

• Full-time 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 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules:  

• explores the creation of meaning and the construction of identity through songwriting and performance. 

• explores the creative process of songwriting and develop the skills to produce a body of work for performance and / or recording. 

• explores current media technologies used in the fields of performing arts, creative arts therapies, and arts research. 

• provides an awareness of professional development skills and contexts central to developing a career in the arts. 

• explores a variety of approaches to the documentation of artistic practices, with a focus on documentation through writing. 

Electives – choose 2:  

Spring Semester 

Core modules:  

• explores how song style and performance practice develop in response to shifting social, economic, political and artistic conditions. 

• enables students to develop more advanced skills in lyric writing, music arrangement and composition. 

• identifies a research topic that will be explored using practice-based research techniques. 

• develops recording and live performance technology practices. 

• examines best contemporary practice for the promotion and dissemination of a singer-songwriter's artistic output. 

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 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 or  
  an equivalent capability based on prior professional experience in songwriting and/or performance. 

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

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
• Cover letter outlining your interest in the course and experience of songwriting to date
• Additional audio, visual or written material may be required. 

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 - €7,995

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.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Songwriting
• Recording
• Performance
• Community music
• Music education 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in 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