Drama Education

Overview

Internationally recognised course geared towards unearthing the next batch of world-class drama and arts teachers.



This drama course is designed for the contemporary practitioner in drama education, whether you are interested in teaching in a school or running a practice or studio.



Why Study Drama Education at Griffith College?

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education is one of Ireland’s only specialised certification in drama education qualifications. The H.Dip is available on a part-time basis over a 1 year period and comprises of six modules. The course will provide a path for the progression of drama students to teachers, as well as a professional development opportunity to revitalise the practices of existing drama teachers.



Below are some of the benefits of enrolling:

• Modules are certified under QQI's Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects Scheme (ACCS).

• A range of study options are available including part-time evening study, with the possibility to take the programme in three stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.

• Access to performance oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.

• Highly focused and experienced teachers, many of whom are active in the performance arena



Course Highlights

• Provides a pathway for the progression of drama students to teachers.

• Can be utilised as a professional development programme to revitalise the practice of existing teachers.

• Learners are given a thorough grounding in the theories and processes of teaching drama, and provided with detailed knowledge and practice of drama creatively, practically and pedagogically.

• Fully accredited by QQI, making them internationally recognised accredited qualifications. The LSMD is the only institution in Ireland offering QQI validated specialised drama education qualifications.

• Flexible schedule with part-time evening study, and day-time sessions (a mixture of Saturdays and Sundays), with the possibility to take the programme in three stages under the QQI ACCS scheme.

• Access to performance oriented facilities, including a 600-seater concert hall and an impressively stocked drama library.

Students on the Diploma study six modules.



Core Subjects

Preparing the Performer

The module provides learners with classic and contemporary techniques that are relevant to modern theatre practice. The taught programme develops the learners’ skills allowing them to connect with, and recreate, the world around them through the understanding of postural forms, gestures, command of space as a substance to create objects, movement, identification with objects, breath and energy. Finally, they learn to to create a narrative that has a central character and dilemma.



The Creative Process

A large part of drama teaching involves the skill of directing. Whether working in the private or public sector, performance, of some kind, is ultimately expected. This module gives learners a grounding in improvisation, which is the basis for devising, and then moves on to working with text. Learners are introduced to a variety of situations where they might need to draw on these different skills and tools, from entering grade exams, putting on their own school productions or devising with community/youth groups.



Pedagogy and Drama Teaching Placement

This module consists of three elements. The first element deals with an examination of the theories and processes of teaching, learning and pedagogy as well as the integral part played by assessment in the process, in-group teaching and with individuals. The teaching of drama in the specified curriculum and classroom management is also examined in this section. The second element involves the practical application of the theories and learning in this and other modules in a practical teaching setting. The third element consists of an examination of the theory of inclusion. It deals with defining inclusion and looking at different models of assessing the learner.



Professional Practice

This module affords the learner an opportunity to develop a practical business overview of their business that includes important aspects to protect both themselves and the learner in a competitive market. The content examines areas including health and safety, child protection, insurance, data protection, copyright and SME management.



Psychology of Teaching and Learning

Learners are able to design effective classes for their ‘learners in a context’ informed by the main theories of learning and understanding different approaches to learner motivation. Learners can format classes informed by understanding the human limits of attention, perception and memory. Learners can structure lesson development through informed application of instructional design theories.



Applications of the Creative Process

Part 1: Theatre Histories aims to provide learners with an awareness of the diversity of theatrical styles and encourage the learner to consider ways to relate historical works and conventions in a classroom setting. Part 2: Production and Technical Theatre aims to provide learners with a knowledge base and planning strategy to develop and present a theatre production in a managed and safe way and encourage the learner to apply these principles in the classroom. Part 3: Application of Directing aims to put into further practice the skills that have been developed throughout previous modules with regard to directing. Learners direct a scene, from a period covered in Theatre History, and use theatrical elements of Production to enhance the performance.

A primary degree in a drama related field or A primary degree in a non-cognate (unrelated) discipline + grade 10 in Speech and Drama from the LSMD, or an approved substitute. Candidates with significant prior experience in drama education or performance may also be considered under the College’s APL and APEL policy. In all such cases, candidates will be required to submit their application for consideration by the College’s academic and professional council and may be required to present for interview and/or audition.



English Language

If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.



Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.



For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility.



Applicants over 23 years of age on 1st January (of this year) will be asked for a copy of their passport.

1 year part-time.

Intake Dates

We run one intake for this course, commencing as follows:

Autumn: September*



*subject to sufficient numbers.

Academic Progression

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education may progress on to study at Level 9



Career Progression

Graduates of the programme have taken many routes and are gainfully employed in the Department of Education and Skills primary and secondary schools, in performing arts and private speech and drama schools around the country; and working within the early – years sector. Many graduates have set up their own private classes, drama schools and performing arts schools.