This BFA degree offers a broad and holistic approach to the performing arts, one that not only concentrates on performance from a participatory perspective (that is to say, on being a performer), but also prepares the student for the wide and exciting range of careers available in the performing arts industry. While performance remains a central aspect of the programme, students are also prepared for the vast array of work that supports and produces performance, such as directing and staging, creating written material for performance, production, management, marketing and funding of the performing arts.

The programme is based around live theatrical performance (with elements of recording used for diagnostic and development purposes), but at the same time a graduate is prepared for further study in all cognate specialisms in the performing arts, as well as entry into a professional career.

This programme is designed to provide graduates with the skills to work as actors in theatre, film and television. Coursework includes skills classes, workshops, masterclasses from industry professionals and performances in the universities's Black Box theatre. Throughout the three years, students are introduced to the main acting genres and given a range of approaches to acting. In addition to vocal and movement skills, students learn how to create characterisation. Although we will want to see students develop as creative individuals, they will also learn to be part of an ensemble.

We have developed this programme in consultation with arts practitioners in Ireland and abroad. It has the support of nationally and internationally-acclaimed theatre and film practitioners as well as major locally-based arts organisations including the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company, The Model Arts Centre and The Hawk’s Well Theatre.

This programme is unique in Ireland, offering tuition to Level 8 in the linked fields of acting and theatre design. The design strand is linked to the Abbey Theatre, giving students access to rehearsals, technical departments, work placements and backstage.

Step into the spotlight—or shine behind the scenes.

If you’re passionate about theatre, film, or performance and want to develop your skills in a professional, creative environment, this course is for you. The Performing Arts programme helps you explore the world of performance, whether you dream of being on stage, in front of a camera, or behind the scenes making it all happen.

This course provides a dynamic and challenging programme, introducing learners to the various disciplines involved in working on stage, in film and on television. Although the primary focus is on acting, the course provides an opportunity for learners to participate actively in all elements of creating and producing drama. There is an emphasis on the practical skills and the understanding of acting techniques and stage craft.

The aim of the Certificate in Personal and Professional Development programme is to enable learners:

• To understand the theory of key transferable skills and abilities (including digital literacy) for lifelong learning and work, through their higher education
• To deepen understanding of their previous real world learning through looking at theoretical frameworks, and to apply this learning in new contexts.
• To develop self-confidence and the abilities needed to take part in lifelong learning, including higher education, in addition to taking a variety of different roles the workplace.

An Cosán has worked in partnership with IT Carlow to develop this blended online Certificate.

The purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Personal Trainer and Sports Coach to enable the learner to work effectively within a Fitness Centre, a Gym or with Sporting Organisations.

The main aim of the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based Exercise) is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical and theoretical skills in order to provide personal training and gym-based exercise to the general public and to gain employment in the fitness industry.

This course provides the student with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills as an introduction into the fitness sector. It will allow students to assist in the delivery of safe and appropriate exercise programmes for the wider population. Students will gain experience in a broad range of sports and fitness components. The course also includes a number of ITEC components which are worldwide industry recognised courses.

Practical classes will be timetabled on-site at Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena and the National gymnastics Training Centre at Sports Campus Ireland Campus.

This course is suited to those who wish to specialise in chemistry for the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a very important branch of Chemistry that is applied to the synthesis and formulation of new therapeutic drugs as well as the manufacture of medicinal compounds on a large scale.

In this programme you will receive an excellent education in chemistry (physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry), and have the opportunity to specialise in pharmaceutical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry.

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science option will prepare you for a career primarily as a pharmaceutical scientist. This degree course is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature and will open a world of career opportunities across a diverse range of sectors. This degree course is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature. You’ll spend extensive time studying in state-of-the-art laboratories, preparing you for the work environment upon graduation. You’ll study the full range of core science subjects, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical science and medical devices. 

The course content is specifically designed to meet the needs of the many relevant employers both nationally and internationally, and contains topical, cutting edge, industry specific material.

The lectures are supplemented with in-depth analysis of relevant case studies, projects, assignments, interactive videos, web tools, and site visits. A substantial portion of the contact time in the first three years is spent in the laboratory gaining practical experience.

The Pharmaceutical Healthcare course provides students with an integrated curriculum of practice and theory focussing on the key concepts in pharmaceutical sciences and technology.

It develops students’ knowledge of the fundamental principles, as well as latest developments and applications, equipping them for employment in a variety of areas within biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as associated industries.

The programme will introduce learners to many of the aspects of a manufacturing plant. Learners will also complete work placement in a manufacturing setting. As a result of the work placement and studying such topics as quality control, health and safety, continuous improvements in manufacturing and science skills, graduates will be very employable and improve their chances of securing a job as a production operator or packaging operator in a manufacturing business.