MA in Creative Practice
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Course Overview
Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Master of Arts in Creative Practice is an interdisciplinary programme which offers creatives an opportunity to develop and refine their practice while earning a postgraduate qualification.
This structured MA blends a process of sustained creative development with an exploration of relevant academic and industry focused concerns. This practice-led approach provides creatives with a context in which to build a stand-out portfolio of industry-ready work, with an opportunity to gain a postgraduate qualification and a framework within which to develop and innovate in their specific area of creative practice.
Students may choose to enrol on the Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Practice. For this, students will complete 30 credits of taught modules focusing on research, entrepreneurship, AI, creative practice and collaboration.
The programme blends online lectures, in-person supervision and virtual resources and is designed with individual flexibility in mind. Participants will have access to world-class facilities, expert supervision, and an environment that fosters innovation.
Applications are welcome from those seeking an opportunity to refine and develop their practice in the areas of cinematography, directing, digital design, acting, audio mixing, mastering, music composition, online content creation, postproduction, photography, AI-driven content creation, live performance, immersive media and more. The curriculum of this structured MA integrates modules focusing on research, entrepreneurship, AI, creative practice and collaboration. The programme aims to prepare participants for contemporary creative industries while also empowering them to redefine these industries.
This interdisciplinary programme allows students to develop and refine their creative practice across a broad range of creative disciplines while completing a group minor creative project and an individual major project. It is relevant to practitioners in the following areas:
- Film & Media Production – Direct, edit, and produce compelling narratives for screen.
- Music Composition & Production – Experiment with composition, scoring, and digital production techniques.
- Sound Design - Craft and manipulate audio elements like dialogue, music, and sound effects to enhance storytelling, build atmosphere, and evoke emotion.
- Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance, Comedy, Improvisation) – Develop live and recorded performances which integrate innovative approaches.
- Creative Writing (Screenwriting, Digital Storytelling) – Hone narrative techniques for film and other digital storytelling platforms.
- Graphic & Digital Design – Master industry-standard tools to create visually striking content.
- Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR) – Explore immersive storytelling through emerging technologies.
- AI-Enhanced art and content – Leverage artificial intelligence in an informed manner so as to enhance creativity.
- Entrepreneurship in the Arts – Gain the knowledge needed to build a sustainable career as an independent creative practitioner.
What makes this course different
Create a professional portfolio of original compositions for media and screen content
Write for, conduct, and record with a full orchestra
Travel to international film music symposia
Connect with a network of international scoring professionals
Career Opportunities
This programme, combining a sustained opportunity to refine and develop participant’s engagement with their discipline with relevant academic and industrial contextualisation, ensures that graduates are prepared for traditional, digital, and future-facing creative careers and capable of blending artistic excellence with technological innovation and industrial/contextual awareness.
Course Delivery and Modules
The programme comprises four 5 credit modules, and one 10 credit module delivered on a one-semester full-time basis, followed by a 60 credit Major Project which is completed over two full-time semesters. Those taking the part-time option will complete all modules with the exception of the Major Project over two semesters, and then complete the Major Project over a further two semesters.
Semester 1 – Online Delivery (Synchronous) (Two afternoons per week)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm):
Semester 1 – Thursday Evening
- Minor Project Supervision
Semester 1 – On-Campus Delivery (Saturdays)
- Two Intensive Practical Days (6 hours each). Dates for Saturday delivery will be confirmed:
Semester 2 and 3 – Online Delivery:
- Major Project Supervision
The programme may be offered in full-time or part-time mode in a particular year.
Students undertaking the programme will complete the following Modules:
- Creative Practice (5 Credits)
- Research Methods for Creative Practice (5 Credits)
- Entrepreneurship & Industry (5 Credits)
- Innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) (5 Credits)
- Minor Project (10 Credits)
- Major Project (60 Credits)
Education Progression
Graduates will be comprehensively equipped to progress, in most cases, directly into jobs in the Creative industries.
Graduates will be suitably qualified to progress to further study at PhD level at DkIT or in other institutions.
Fees and Funding
EU Fees:
- Full-time (EU): €4,500
- Part-time (EU): €4,500
Non-EU Fees:
- Full-time (EU): TBC
Fees
Entry requirements
Standard Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a 2.2 honours bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent in a relevant field such as music, film, theatre, drama, media, art, design, technology, or communication. Applications are also encouraged from mature applicants who can demonstrate significant recognized prior learning and/ or a significant level of achievement in a relevant area of creative practice.
Graduates of other creative disciplines will be assessed for entry through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on a case-by-case basis. Candidates will be interviewed where this is deemed necessary or appropriate.
International (non-EU Applicants)
In addition to having obtained the equivalent degree as per the standard entry requirements, international applicants must also provide evidence of proficiency in English. The English requirements are as follows:
- Grade B2 equivalent on CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
OR
- have achieved IELTS 6.5 (or internationally recognised equivalent)
Non-Standard Entry Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may apply for entry to the programme in accordance with the procedures outlined in the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Learn More about RPL at DkIT
How to apply
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.
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