University of Galway hosted an exploration day to support the first students to study the new Leaving Certificate subject Drama, Film and Theatre studies.
More than 50 fifth-year students from Clifden Community School, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway Community College, Galway Educate Together Secondary School and Merlin College attended the event. These five schools are among the first in the country to deliver the newly introduced Leaving Cert subject, which commenced in September 2025.
Fran Keaveney of Creative Ireland’s Creative Careers initiative offered insights into career pathways in the creative industries and demonstrating how their studies can translate into future opportunities. He said that the event gave students and teachers "valuable insight into theatre, film and the wide range of careers in the sector".
"The students were engaged, curious and eager to learn, and it would be great to see more initiatives like this supporting those considering creative career paths," Keaveny added.
The exploration day was co-designed by secondary school teachers and academic staff from the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, ensuring close alignment with the new curriculum and the needs of students encountering the subject for the first time.
Students engaged directly with key elements of the curriculum, including theatre and film interpretation and creativity in practice, through a programme of hands-on workshops, interactive analysis sessions, technical training delivered by university experts and performances and screenings by University of Galway students.
Drama, Film and Theatre Studies teacher in Merlin College, Darren McDonagh said that in bringing theory and practice together, it gave the students the opportunity to "connect with like-minded peers". By introducing students to an on-campus learning environment, the initiative highlights pathways from school to higher education and careers in the creative arts.
Dr Seán Crosson, Head of Discipline in the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at University of Galway, said the event affirms University of Galway's "commitment to working with schools and showcasing clear pathways into film, creative arts and teaching".
Students interested in studying in this area at University of Galway can choose from a range of undergraduate programmes that offer pathways into the creative industries and to teaching in Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, including: Bachelor of Arts (Film & Digital Media ) (GY127 ); Performance and Screen Studies (within GY101 ); and Bachelor of Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies ) (GY118 ).
Further information, including how to apply, is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/ba-degrees/.
