Admission Requirements
Applicants must fill out all the information required on the online form, which includes the submission of two references, one academic and a professional reference, copies of the transcripts of previously completed education levels, and a CV.

In addition, applicants are also required to upload a copy of the following documents separately, within the Additional Documents section:
a) Letter of application – a letter that outlines the applicant’s theatre education and design experience to date. This may also include experience in other areas of theatre, especially work in technical theatre. Ideally, applicants will have some experience in their chosen major to be accepted on to the course or otherwise demonstrate previous engagement with the performing arts or a passion for adapting their skillset to their chosen discipline. Candidates for the Lighting Design Major must have technical experience in the field.

b) Statement of purpose – a statement outlining the applicant’s ambitions in terms of stage design. Applicants should describe the role of theatre in their life, justify the choice of a career as a designer in their chosen major, and why they wish to pursue further education.

c) Portfolio – a portfolio of the applicant’s theatre work to date,
including visual accounts of work processes and finished pieces, as well as illustration of the conceptualising and research work developed (sketches, swatches, model boxes, technical plans, etc).

Closing Date: 31st March 2025

<a href="https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/courses/stage-design-mfa/" target="_blank">Click here to apply</a>

Next Intake: September 2025

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Career Opportunities
This programme allows students to specialise in or combine stage design disciplines (set, costume, lighting design) and is tailored to provide talented individuals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in the professional theatre and related industries.