Ritual Chant and Song

Entry requirements

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MA in Ritual Chant and Song is a one-year, full-time programme in ritual vocal repertoires, contextualised by a programme of study in ritual theory and liturgical history. The programme specialises in vocal repertoires including Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, as well as a variety of world ritual vocal repertoires. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers. The programme is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.

Fees and funding

Assessment