Ethnochoreology - MA

During this programme, you will:  

• Acquire a thorough grounding in the theory of, and methods in, ethnochoreology. 

• Explore an alternative approach to the study of a range of dance forms including but not limited to Traditional Dance, popular Dance and World Dance. 

• Learn to consider dance within its academic framework. 

• Examine specific world dance cultures to gain an awareness of diverse movement systems within their socio-cultural contexts. 

Key Information:  

• Complete full-time in one year in Irish World Academy 

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters  

• Submit dissertation at the end of the summer semester  

• Students take 5 core modules and 1 elective module in the autumn semester and 3 core modules and 1 elective module in the spring semester 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and embodied experiences 

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules:  

• Ethnochoreology: History and Theory (DA5001) informs students of historical and theoretical perspectives of Ethnochoreology, the interdisciplinary subject which considers dance in its cultural context. 

• Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques (MD6021) introduces basic elements of fieldwork including its ethical principles, participant observation, and interview techniques. 

• Dance Ethnography (DA6021) critically engages students in discourses surrounding ethnographic research methodologies in the field of ethnochoreology. 

• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research (MD6031) explores current media technologies used in the fields of performing arts, creative arts therapies, and arts research. 

• Introduction to Ritual Studies (MD6041) equips students with a knowledge of the emergence and development of ritual studies as an interdisciplinary discourse. 

Electives – choose 1:  

• Independent Study 1 (MD6051)
• Introduction to Somatics 1 (MD6061)
• Professional Development for the Performing Arts (MD6091)
• Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 1 (MD6071)
• Critical Engagements with Irish Traditional Music (MD6081) 

Spring Semester 

Core modules:  

• Current Issues in Ethnochoreology (MD6042) engages students in advanced thinking and debates surrounding current ethnochoreological issues. 

• World Dance Survey (DA5022) examines specific world dance cultures to gain an awareness of diverse movement systems within their socio-cultural contexts. 

• Critical Encounters with Irish Traditional Dance (DA6002) seeks to provide a socio-cultural understanding and an historical awareness of Irish dance practices. 

Electives – choose 1: 

• Independent Study 2 (MD6052)
• Broadening Through Awareness, Activism and the Arts (Postgraduate) (BR5001)
• Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy (MD6062)
• Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2 (MD6072)
• Choreography-for-Camera (MD6082)
• Introduction to Somatics 2 (MD6092) 

Summer Semester 

• Final Presentation (MD5522) 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 Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ 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 and audition if necessary 

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
• Supporting statement – one page
• 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 - €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:  

• Career in Academia
• Career in Performing Arts
• Applied research 

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 

RAS Mikey Courtney “The MA programme in Ethnochoreology has broadened my knowledge of cultural dance and increased my ability to examine movement as a possible reflection of the culture from which it originates. I feel this course has prepared me to bridge gaps of cultural misunderstandings by drawing connections between cultures through movement. I am currently involved in researching Ethiopian Traditional dances and their influences on my creative practices as a Western contemporary dancer.”

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Nic Gareiss “The MA in Ethnochoreology at the Irish World Academy gave me the invaluable chance to explore dance from a research-based perspective via history and the social sciences, while also engaging with the same dance traditions in my own body. This unique approach to thinking, writing, and moving all in one setting provided me an opportunity to encounter the dance traditions of other cultures, as well as enriched my understanding of my own dance practice. I now work as both a professional dancer and dance researcher: concertizing, teaching, and presenting at academic conferences on traditional music and dance, Irish studies, and social theory.”