Q&A

Q: I`M in fifth year and had hoped to study drama at degree level in TCD but the 1997 points are very high. What kind of courses are these and what career could I take up afterwards? Are there any other options in the CAO system or in any other system in the Dublin area and what would I need to get in?

- Dublin student

A: TCD has two degree courses. The first one is the two subject moderatorship TR001 (20 places) where you can study drama jointly with any one to the following subjects: classical civilisation, English literature, French, German, Greek, history of art and architecture, Italian, Latin, modern Irish, music, Russian, sociology or Spanish and Portuguese.

The second degree is drama and theatre studies TR025 (12 places available). There are no special subject requirements as long as you fulfil matriculation requirements but, in the case of drama in TR001 you must meet the requirements for the other subject which you opt to take with drama - so, for English literature you would need a higher C in Leaving Cert English. However, there are no special requirements for courses such as classical civilisation, history of art and architecture and sociology.

Applications for both these degrees are through the CAO. Points in 1997 were 475 for TR001 and 520 for TR025 but in both cases, while applicants are ranked as for other courses, the final decision depends on your performance in the interview/practical workshop. Because these are restricted courses you cannot introduce them after February 1st on your CAO degree list.

For both courses, the curriculum combines library based courses in theatre history and training in critical and analytic skills with more practical workshop-based courses, notably in such areas as playwriting, design, directing, movement, drama and community, lighting and technical theatre, puppetry and theatre management. It's also possible to do an exchange with drama departments in other countries.

TCD also offers a three-year practical degree in acting in conjunction with the Abbey Theatre. This course aims to train actors with particular reference to the Irish theatrical tradition. Admission is by direct entry to TCD admissions office - phone (01) 608 2003 - and not through the CAO system. Admission is based on a series of auditions so the normal TCD admission requirements do not apply. Closing date is usually about April 1st.

Also within the CAO system, the DIT is offering a three-year diploma in speech and drama in the Applied Arts Faculty with 25 places available. For this you must have five Leaving Cert subjects to include two higher Cs and a D in ordinary level English.

Again this is a restricted course so apply by February 1st of year of entry because there is an interview in March/April.

Several of the City of Dublin VEC schools and colleges provide theatre/ drama studies at PLC level such as Senior College Ballyfermot, Colaiste Dhulaigh, Inchicore Vocational School, St Peter's Senior College in Killester, Liberties College and Marino College.

Most of these courses require Leaving Cert standard or Leaving Cert Applied and an interview/ audition, appropriate previous experience or training and in a few cases a portfolio. Applications should be made directly to these colleges from now on.

Q: I'm 18 years old and the company I work with has suggested that I do a City & Guilds part-time course to upgrade my skills. What kind of qualification is this? Is it recognised here? Could I progress to a worthwhile qualification?

- Dublin worker

A: City & Guilds is a long established, non-profit making organisation based in London. It has strong partnerships with industry, education bodies and examination boards. It is one of the leading providers of vocational qualifications and while it provides qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds at school, one of the biggest areas of provision is that for the improvement of employee skills. It is internationally recognised in over 85 countries so you would not have any difficulty with one of its qualifications or those of Pitman which is also under its umbrella. There are over 400 qualifications in almost all areas of work and interest from administration, agriculture, catering, construction, floristry, health, mechanical engineering, retail and distribution, teaching, textiles, information technology, travel and tourism.

There are different types of qualification which are suitable for the world of work such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and these are available at five levels, offering qualifications for those just starting their careers through to those at supervisory and management level.

From NVQ 1 you can progress to level two at intermediate level on to advanced at level three and licentiateship at level four and graduateship at level five. Level six provides membership and level seven a fellowship.

This progression provides a route to suit all abilities and experience so I think you should request an information pack in your chosen work area and consult you own supervisor as to the appropriate level for you. The information pack will help you to locate a college or institution near you which suits your work schedule. City & Guilds requires all establishments offering their qualifications to have appropriate resources and satisfy rigorous quality controls so this should ensure participating institutions are of a good standard.

The General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) on the other hand are the vocational alternative to A Levels and GCSEs which offer a good progression to higher education, further training or employment. GVNQs are available in 14 occupational areas at three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced. I feel these are more suitable for those in full-time education and even though you are under 19, the NVQ qualifications would suit you better. City & Guilds can be contacted at 1 Giltspur Street, London EC1A 9DD. You should also check with the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) if there is an NCVA qualification suitable for your work area. Contact them at Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. (01) 837 2211.

Queries can be answered only through this column and not by phone or post. Write to Sile Sheehy, Education & Living, The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 - or by email to education@irish-times.ie