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During this programme, you will:  

• Learn evidence-based strategies to optimise the health, performance, and longevity of professional and competitive Irish dancers. 

• Gain expertise in injury prevention, nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, applying research to real-world teaching and training. 

• Develop the skills to support dancers at all stages, from adolescents to older adults, enhancing their resilience and reducing injury risk. 

• Gain unique expertise on a wide range of aspects of Irish dancers’ health for performance. 

Key information: 

• Complete part-time over two semesters 

• Delivered online. Lectures at flexible times and recorded for your convenience 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Modules noted with (M) can be taken as micro-credentials 

• You will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Optimisation for Health in Performance of Irish Dancers 

• Can be used to complete 30 credits towards Master of Professional Practice (MPP)      

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Recorded lectures, live sessions, and experiential learning 

• Reflective practice and practical activities 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessments 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

• CT5041 OPTIMISATION OF HEALTH FOR PERFORMANCE IN IRISH DANCING 1 (M) will introduce you to the key principles of health, wellness, and injury prevention specific to Irish dancers, with a focus on musculoskeletal considerations, load management, conditioning, and movement efficiency. Gain practical, evidence-based tools to:
• Injury Prevention in Practice 
   Apply your knowledge of injury risk factors and mitigation strategies to real-world dance settings and student support.
• Anatomy in Action 
   Understand how anatomical structures and individual variation influence injury risk and performance in Irish dance.
• Smart Load Management 
   Create structured training calendars—covering macro, meso, and micro cycles—to support periodisation, peaking and performance peaking.
• Strength & Conditioning for Dancers 
   Design targeted programmes to build strength, flexibility, and balance, using evidence-based approaches tailored to Irish dancers.
• Understanding the Whole Dancer 
   Explore how physical, psychological, and social factors combine to influence injury risk and resilience.
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing 
   Identify and justify health promotion strategies that support dancer wellbeing and optimise performance outcomes. 

Spring Semester 

• CT5042 - OPTIMISATION OF HEALTH FOR PERFORMANCE IN IRISH DANCING 2 (M) will build on foundational knowledge, covering advanced topics such as nutrition, psychology, and performance management to enhance Irish dancers’ longevity and peak performance.  Gain practical, evidence-based tools to:
• Psychological Wellness 
  Understand how mental health and psychological factors influence dancer performance and wellbeing.
• Ethics & Legal Responsibilities 
  Learn your professional obligations as a teacher or parent supporting Irish dancers.
• Nutrition for Irish Dancers 
  Explore evidence-based dietary practices that promote energy, recovery, and peak performance.
• Sleep & Travel Management 
  Set practical goals to improve sleep and manage the effects of jet lag for dancers competing internationally.
• Conflict Resolution 
  Discover effective strategies for resolving disagreements with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting Older Dancers 
   Address the unique needs of older recreational Irish dancers and promote lifelong healthy dance practices.
• Wellbeing in Male Dancers 
  Recognise and respond to the specific challenges male Irish dancers may face in optimising their performance and wellbeing. 

Relevant course materials - such as books and journal articles - will be available digitally via the UL Glucksman Library’s online resources. 

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 honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline. 

• You are also eligible to apply if you have a background in Irish dancing. This may include a qualification from any of the recognised governing bodies for Irish dancing, previous competitive or professional Irish dancing experience, either as a dancer or parent/guardian of a dancer. 

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 (including Irish dancing qualifications)
• A summary of your Irish dancing experience if you are applying via the Recognised Prior Learning Route
• Copy of your CV 

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 - €2,500

Non-EU €2,500

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa. 

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 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 Postgraduate Certificate in Optimisation of Health for Performance in Irish Dancers will offer graduates an opportunity to: 

• Enhance your teaching and/or your dance performance
• Provide holistic advice and support to dancers
• Enhance injury prevention and rehabilitation for Irish dancers
• Complete Research in Irish dance health and wellness. 

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 

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Claire Jalbert graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Optimisation of health for Performance in Irish Dancers in 2024. 

I feel connected to the Irish dancing world in entirely new way thanks to the postgrad certificate experience. As a new teacher, this course has transformed my teaching methods and given me the confidence to support dancers of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. 

I have learned so much from course director, Dr Róisín Cahalan, her panel of expert guest speakers, and my supportive cohort. I highly recommend this programme to dance professionals seeking an informed and holistic approach to teaching."