Overview
Designed for accomplished performers ready to push their creativity further, the MA in Creative Music Performance at DCU is a one-year programme that brings together musicians from classical, jazz, rock and traditional backgrounds. Through collaboration, research and performance, students refine their craft while developing a distinctive artistic voice for today’s diverse musical world and tomorrow’s creative industries.
Students will deepen their technical skills, collaborate with other creative performers from different backgrounds and have opportunities to showcase their work. With musicians from classical, jazz, rock and traditional Irish music backgrounds learning together, the course offers a unique cross-genre environment where collaboration and creative experimentation are central.
This programme is subject to final approval.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MA in Creative Music Performance prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in the music performance industry. Through advanced performance training, creative collaboration and research, students develop the skills needed for sustainable professional practice in today’s evolving musical landscape.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MA in Creative Music Performance, successful applicants will have:
A recognised honours primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in Music or a degree in which Music is a subject, with a minimum of Second Class Honours (H2:2).
Applicants from other disciplines may be considered where they demonstrate appropriate musical competence (e.g. Grade 8 / Diploma in Performance and Grade 5 theory).
International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
All applicants are required to undertake an audition and interview.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment outlined for direct entry to the programme may apply for access via RPL. DCU recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL applicants will be required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic level training, learning outcomes and assessment to the programme entry requirements. Further information regarding applications via RPL can be found under ‘How to apply’.
More information on RPL can be found here
Programme Structure
The MA in Creative Music Performance is a one-year full-time programme combining advanced instrumental study, ensemble practice, creative research and performance. Students strengthen technical proficiency, refine interpretative skills and create original music while building a professional portfolio.
A key aim of the programme is to foster critical thinking and research literacy, enabling students to engage with diverse methodologies and understand the cultural contexts shaping contemporary music. Through this process, performers explore new influences and develop a distinctive artistic voice.
The programme also prepares students for sustainable professional practice. Graduates present a lecture-demonstration, dissertation and final concert, demonstrating advanced musicianship, research insight and readiness for innovative careers in today’s global musical landscape.
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
- If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 01st July 2026.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2026.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
If you are a non EU applicant and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2026.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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