University of Limerick - Ritual Chant & Song

Course Overview/Contact:

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.

Objectives:

• To provide a specialist, vocal training in ritual repertoires, particularly Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, contextualised by the study of liturgical history and ritual theory.
• To develop a research foundation for the interdisciplinary study of music, performance, theology and anthropology of ritual.

For academic queries on this programme contact: 
Course Director:  Dr Eleanor Giraud 
The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance
Fax : 353-61- 234743
Email : eleanor.giraud@ul.ie

Graduate Profile:

Careers
The prime focus of the course is the development of performers so many past students have gone on to develop careers as traditional musicians. However students have used skills acquired through this MA in a number of other fields including education (at primary, post-primary, secondary and tertiary levels), technology, arts management, etc.

Programme Content:

Semester 1	Semester 2
MU5361 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 1 MD6151 Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 1 MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork techniques MD6041 Introduction to Ritual Studies MD6061 Introduction to Somatics 1 Options: students can choose one option from the list below • MD6051 Independent Study 1 • MD6102 Colloquium 1	MU5362 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 2 MD6142 Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 2 MD6132 Advanced Ritual Studies MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2 Options: students can choose one option from the list below • MD6052 Independent Study 2 • MD6111 Colloquium 2
Semester 3
MD5522 Final Presentation

 Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Entry Requirements:

A primary degree in a suitable discipline with first or second class honours or an approved professional qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).
An interview will be required in all cases, as well as an audition where necessary. Candidates may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material.

What to include with your application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

 

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.