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Level 2 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts
Who can apply?
Open to TY students aged 14 – 16.
What are the entry requirements?
Students must have a completed Junior certificate or equivalent academically. Students must also have completed training in at least one dance style or in vocal training.
How long is the program ?
1 Year Full Time Training. Commencing September through to June each year.
What will I study?
This is a practical, immersive course that mirrors the realities of the performing arts industry. You’ll explore every corner of the performing arts arena. Students undergo comprehensive training in Classical Ballet, Pointe work, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Commercial, Acro, as well as Vocal Studies & Drama. Lectures in Dance History & Appreciation, Anatomy and Nutrition are also an integral part of the curriculum. All aimed at helping you prepare for a career in the Performing Arts Sector.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is project-based and portfolio-driven, focusing on your practical work and creative process. Units assessed for this course include, Planning for a Career in Creative and Performing Arts, Final Production, Choreography, Dance technique and Ensemble Performance.
What qualification will I achieve?
You will be awarded a Level 2 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts.
What can I do after completing this course?
This Diploma opens doors to further Study with the college: Progress to Level 3 Diplomas in Creative and Performing Arts for those not planning to return to school to complete their leaving certificate.
Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts
Who can apply?
Open to students aged 16 +.
What are the entry requirements?
Students must have a completed at a minimum their Junior certificate or equivalent academically. Students must also have completed training in at least one dance style or in vocal training.
How long is the program ?
1 Year Full Time Training. Commencing September through to June each year.
What will I study?
This is a practical, immersive course that mirrors the realities of the performing arts industry. You’ll explore every corner of the performing arts arena. Students undergo comprehensive training in Classical Ballet, Pointe work, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Commercial, Acro, as well as Vocal Studies & Drama. Lectures in Dance History & Appreciation, Anatomy and Nutrition are also an integral part of the curriculum. All aimed at helping you prepare for a career in the Performing Arts Sector.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is project-based and portfolio-driven, focusing on your practical work and creative process. Units assessed for this course include, Planning for a Career in CAPA, Performance Preparation, Choreography, Dance technique and Ensemble Performance, Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre and Applying Safe Dance Practice.
What qualification will I achieve?
You will be awards a Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts.
Often equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels or a 1-year PLC (Post-Leaving Certificate) course in Ireland.
What can I do after completing this course?
This Diploma opens doors to further Study with the College: to complete your 2nd year and achieve your Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Creative and Performing Arts.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts
Who can apply?
Open to students aged 16 +.
What are the entry requirements?
Students must have a completed at a minimum their Junior certificate or equivalent academically. Students must also have completed training in at least one dance style or in vocal training.
How long is the program ?
2 Years Full Time Training. Commencing September through to June each year.
What will I study?
This is a practical, immersive course that mirrors the realities of the performing arts industry. As with our other programs you’ll explore every corner of the performing arts arena. Students undergo comprehensive training in Classical Ballet, Pointe work, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Commercial, Acro, as well as Vocal Studies & Drama. Lectures in Dance History & Appreciation, Anatomy and Nutrition are also an integral part of the curriculum.
For those committed to the 2 year program, they can make their own assessment selections depending on their area of focus, Dance or Musical Theatre.
If focused on Dance, you will develop technical proficiency, choreographic skills, and performance versatility, with opportunities to create original movement pieces and work collaboratively in group choreography.
For Musical Theatre, this strand integrates singing, dancing, and acting, focusing on vocal technique, musical interpretation, and stage presence. Students will rehearse and perform musical theatre repertoire, gaining experience in ensemble and solo performance, and understanding the demands of triple-threat training.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is project-based and portfolio-driven, focusing on your practical work and creative process.
Units assessed for this course include 3 core units and 10 optional units
Core: Planning for a Career in CAPA, Performance Preparation, Final Production
Optional: Choreography, Dance technique 1 and Ensemble Performance, Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre and Applying Safe Dance Practice, Leading Dance, Rhythm and Tap, Audition Preparation, Musical Theatre Audition Preparation Dance Technique 2, Musical Theatre Performance, Vocal Techniques (Music)
What qualification will I achieve?
You will be awards a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts. This equates to 3 A-Levels or a max of 168 UCAS points.
What can I do after completing this course?
Students could progress a degree in Performing Arts, Drama or Theatre Studies, at performing arts schools or university. Employment can be directly related to the skills developed in the course, leading to work as a performer, in theatre management or the broad range of production roles. However, the confidence, creative thinking and presentation skills students develop will also serve you well in a variety of other careers. We have all heard the phrase….Want a job done well, hire a theatre kid!
Summer Intensive Courses
Join us for our exciting week-long Summer Intensives, taking place:
12–16 July and 9–13 August 2027
Designed for dancers aged 12+ with prior training, these immersive courses focus on building technique, performance, and confidence in a supportive, professional environment.
Ready to take your dancing up a level this Easter?
Spend three action-packed days at the College of Dance Easter Intensive, developing your skills, pushing yourself and dancing alongside other young performers.
Tuesday 23rd March – Thursday 25th March 2027
Open to dancers aged 12+ with previous training, the Intensive is all about building stronger technique, growing in confidence and developing your performance skills in a fun, positive and inspiring environment.
Three days. Lots of dancing. New challenges. New friends. A whole lot of fun.
Visit The Studio
Open Days: 2026/27.
Ever wondered what life is like at the College of Dance?
Open Days are designed so that potential students and their parents/ guardians can spend some time at the College. You will be able to watch live classes, have a tour of the facilities and speak to Artistic Directors and faculty. This is your opportunity to really understand what happens at the College. The day is free but registration is essential.
What To Expect On The Day
The Open Day will start at 10am and typically runs to about 5pm. Prospective students and their parents / guardians are free to arrive throughout the day and stay for as long as they want. During the day you are welcome to observe any of the classes. We will be running classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, tap and vocal studies.
There will be ample opportunity to speak to the Artistic Directors or members of the faculty. We welcome your questions and look forward to speaking to everyone. College application forms will be available for collection on the day.
Prospective students and their parents / guardians are also welcome to take a tour of the facilities including the changing area, lockers, reception, studio spaces and the gym.
We look forward to welcoming you at the College of Dance, follow us on socials for news about our Open Day dates.
St. Catherine's Sports Centre, Marrowbone Lane, Dublin D08 W5WC
Applications Are Open
Ready To Start your Journey?
Auditions are now open for September 2026 entry. Places are limited and offered on a rolling basis, early application is strongly advised.