About American College Dublin

The AFA major in musical theatre provides a comprehensive education in the practical and academic aspects of musical theatre. Each semester is based around development of skills and competencies in the central areas of musical theatre performance: acting and voce, dance and singing. The degree offers a broad and holistic approach to the musical theatre, one that not only concentrates on performance from a participatory perspective (that is to say, on being a performer), but also prepares the student for the wide and exciting range of careers available in the performing arts industry. While musical theatre performance remains a central aspect of the program, students are also prepared for the vast array of work that supports and produces performance, such as directing and staging, creating written material for performance, production, management, marketing and funding of the performing arts. The program concentrates on live musical theatrical performance (with elements of recording used for diagnostic and development purposes), but at the same time a graduate is prepared for further study in the cognate specialisms in the performing arts, as well as for direct entry into a professional career. This is because the degree produces a wide spectrum of transferable skills such as effective presentational technique, expertise in using the voice and the body as communicative instruments, interpretational and compositional competency with written texts, management, marketing and fundraising abilities, and organizational skills. These are applicable not only in the context of the many career paths within performing arts, but also in a wide variety of social, cultural and business vocations.

The BFA major in musical theatre provides a comprehensive education in the practical and academic aspects of musical theatre. Each semester is based around development of skills and competencies in the central areas of musical theatre performance: acting and voce, dance and singing. The degree offers a broad and holistic approach to the musical theatre, one that not only concentrates on performance from a participatory perspective (that is to say, on being a performer), but also prepares the student for the wide and exciting range of careers available in the performing arts industry. While musical theatre performance remains a central aspect of the program, students are also prepared for the vast array of work that supports and produces performance, such as directing and staging, creating written material for performance, production, management, marketing and funding of the performing arts. The programme concentrates on live musical theatrical performance (with elements of recording used for diagnostic and development purposes), but at the same time a graduate is prepared for further study in the cognate specialisms in the performing arts, as well as for direct entry into a professional career. This is because the degree produces a wide spectrum of transferable skills such as effective presentational technique, expertise in using the voice and the body as communicative instruments, interpretational and compositional competency with written texts, management, marketing and fundraising abilities, and organizational skills. These are applicable not only in the context of the many career paths within performing arts, but also in a wide variety of social, cultural and business vocations.

The Master of Business in International Business is a QQI-accredited, level 9, post-graduate course for graduates who wish to further their understanding of international business and open up exciting new career prospects. The MB equips the student with the necessary knowledge base, skills, competencies and strategic awareness to succeed in the international business environment. Students will analyse and evaluate scenarios and provide suitable outcomes. In the MB in International Business, the lecturer asks the questions and the students research and formulate the answers. Graduates will be able to gain employment at managerial level in a variety of multi-national enterprises, international financial services, consulting, entrepreneurial concerns and the public sector. The MB in International Business provides an effective platform for career progression and to doctoral studies. During the programme students will develop research and presentation skills that will make them highly desirable to employers.

The MBA in International Business is awarded by the institution under its accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The MBA is an advanced degree designed to prepare and equip managers with the knowledge and competencies necessary to administer controllable forces within their organizations in order to adapt successfully to variables and changes in the uncontrollable environment.

The MBA programme prepares qualified students for middle and upper-level management leadership responsibilities in international business. Using a general management focus and strategic approach, students demonstrate: broad and integrated knowledge of business functions; knowledge of ethical and legal considerations and the social responsiveness to resolve corporate and public issues; analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills and use of technology related to business decision-making; communication and interpersonal skills to lead groups and business organizations; a deep critical assessment of the importance of the dynamic and global environment and its influence on organizations, decisions and operations; and competencies to formulate and implement strategy decisions.

Students will undertake an internship and/or a research project either at the end of their full-time studies or during the course if taken on a part-time basis.

The energy industry is perhaps the single most important component of the modern world economy. Manufacturing, agriculture, transport, information and communications technology and a wide array of modern conveniences are fundamentally dependent on the power provided by carbon-based energy. The energy business is one whose crucial contribution to the functioning of the world’s economy and its societies is certain to increase in the future. This dynamic, fast-moving and innovative industry provides a range of exciting opportunities for career development and growth across the extractive, processing and petrochemical sectors, for managers, executives and entrepreneurs.

The MBA in Oil and Gas Management is awarded by the institution under its accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It prepares students for middle and upper-level management leadership responsibilities in the oil and gas industry. The program offers a grounding in the geological and engineering aspects of oil and gas formation and extraction; an understanding of efficient management of extractive oil and gas projects; an awareness of effective operations management in the energy business; an ability to apply systematic economic, financial, political and risk analysis tools to all aspects of the oil and gas industries; and a substantial industry internship in an energy enterprise. Students will undertake an internship and/or a research project either at the end of their full-time studies or during the course if taken on a part-time basis.

Graduates from the MBA in Oil and Gas Management programme will be successful in the oil and gas industry in such diverse areas as:

• Management
• Operations
• Project management
• Finance
• Enterprise 

Students who have completed the MBA in Business Administration may be considered for doctoral studies.

The BA in Hospitality Management is awarded under the institution’s accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The degree may be taken on an accelerated track, which allows the student to complete the programme in three years by taking the internship components (normally taken in the second and third years0 during summer semesters. The blend of theory and the two semester-long internships give students the best of both the practical and academic worlds. The programme provides a firm foundation of business courses in the first year, and subsequently offers two hospitality industry internships, a selection of interesting general education classes, and a range of courses examining aspects of hospitality management and its related fields in the international business, event management and tourism disciplines. In the course of the final year the student also completes a hospitality management research project.

There is a worldwide demand for highly-trained and quality staff in the hospitality industry. Graduates of the BA in Hospitality Management programme can expect to have a range of career opportunities within the management structures in the hospitality sector and the broader services sector. Career paths include management positions in hotels and resorts, travel agencies, tourism providers and suppliers, self-employment, project management, financial institutions and bar, club, and conference management. In addition, graduates of the BA in Hospitality Management may progress to post graduate studies. Graduates may take bridging modules in order to allow them progress to the MB or MBA in International Business.

Graduates of BA in Event Management will find employment in a diverse range of careers including the following:

• Travel agencies
• Tourism providers and suppliers
• Entrepreneurship
• Project management
• Bar, club and restaurant management

The College offers a four-year degree in event management, awarded under the institution’s American accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The degree can also be taken on an accelerated track, which allows the student to complete the programme in three years by taking the internship components (normally taken in the second and third years) during summer semesters. The degree provides a sound foundation of business courses in the first year, and thereafter offers a well-rounded selection of general education classes, two event management internships and a range of courses focusing on the essential elements of event management and its related fields in the international business, hospitality management and tourism disciplines. In the course of the final year the student also completes an event management research project.

Graduates of the BA in Event Management will be well prepared for employment in a variety of event management concerns. The programme also serves as an effective platform for successful participation in a variety of graduate business programmes.

The degree consists of general education modules in year one. In years two, three and four the degree focuses on international business. Like all of the institution’s degrees, there is a strong emphasis on a mix of theory, practice and work experience. Lectures are interactive environments where students are encouraged to exchange ideas and opinions. There is a strong emphasis on developing the student’s personal skills such as public speaking and debating. This is supported by the culturally diverse learning environment at the institution with a student body drawn from over thirty countries. On completion of the fourth year students gain invaluable work experience by undertake an eight-week internship in a multinational firm.

Students have a wide range of opportunities open to them when they complete their degree. Graduates can enter the college’s Master of Business in International Business or the MBA in International Business or alternatively enter master’s, doctoral or professional studies in other institutions.

Graduates have been successful in diverse areas such as accountancy, advertising, banking, finance, human resource management, ICT, insurance, lecturing, public relations, and stockbroking, while some are running their own businesses. Graduates are furthering their careers with companies such as Abu Dhabi Investment Bank, Allianz Group, Arvato, Bank of Ireland, Canada Life, CIT Aerospace Int., Citigroup, Dell, Enterprise Ireland, Facebook, Google, International Data Corporation, JP Morgan, LogicaCMG, Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd., Microsoft, Shanghai Huatai Securities Co. Ltd, Smurfit Kappa Group, and Ulster Bank.

Graduates from the BA (Hons) in International Business programme have been successful in such diverse areas as accountancy, advertising, banking, finance, human resource management, ICT, insurance, lecturing, public relations, and stockbroking, while some are running their own businesses. Graduates are furthering their careers with companies such as Abu Dhabi Investment Bank, Allianz Group, Arvato, Bank of Ireland, Canada Life, CIT Aerospace Int., Citigroup, Dell, Enterprise Ireland, Facebook, Google, International Data Corporation, JP Morgan, LogicaCMG, Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd., Microsoft, Shanghai Huatai Securities Co. Ltd, Smurfit Kappa Group, and Ulster Bank. The Department of Business is very proud of the success graduates have achieved in the workplace and further studies.

The BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts (a level-8, QQI-accredited, award) provides an intellectually stimulating and challenging course of undergraduate study in the liberal arts, with a wide range of foundation courses combined in the latter stages with specialised study in four concentrations. The programme is structured around two common years, with specialisations developing out of the common curriculum in the third year of study. In the third year students are required to major in one of four concentrations: Irish Studies, American Studies, History, or English. In this way the study programme broadens the students’ knowledge and advances their communication skills in a wide range of intellectual areas, and provides them with an understanding of other cultures, their intrinsic values and historical experience. As far as it is possible the programme helps students to make ethically and intellectually informed decisions which take account of the complexity and diversity of the world in which we live.

The BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts is designed to prepare students for a number of future avenues. The degree is particularly useful as a preparation for postgraduate study in the liberal arts, business studies and the law. Vocationally, the degree supports career development in such fields as business, social services, the arts, administration, teaching and research. To be in a position to advance, students will be expected to develop intellectual, practical and transferable skills. When students complete the course, they will command a number of intellectual skills, including the critical abilities of being able to read and analyse a large variety of texts, appreciate visual evidence, and assess valid supporting dialogue. For their future development they will also have developed a range of practical skills, including effective essay writing and, where appropriate, an element of creative writing.

Creative writing touches on all aspects of written communication, with particular emphasis on those that lie outside the purely academic and technical fields. Creative writing draws on the author’s imaginative capacity, stylistic felicity, and originality of composition, insight and expression. It encompasses a wide range of approaches, including prose fiction, poetry, drama, screenwriting, and writing for stage. Thus, an undergraduate degree in creative writing is one of the most useful programs of study that a student can contemplate, offering not only the means to explore and develop one’s expressive abilities in a variety of written forms, but also providing the means to develop advanced skills and competencies in written communication and academic research. In a digital age that is heavily reliant on effective, interesting, original and attractive writing, a BFA in Creative Writing is an exciting, relevant and vocationally desirable course of study: it provides a range of opportunities for artistic and intellectual growth, enhanced expressive ability, a rich variety of career development possibilities in the arts and business, and many avenues for further development in graduate study.

The BFA program examines all of the main areas of creative writing, with introductory courses on the discipline as a whole, courses on the technical requirements and the analysis of creative writing, and specific courses exploring the practical aspects of composing novels, short stories, poems, scripts and screenplays. As the student progresses, the program makes increasing use of the workshop method of teaching, and in the final stages there are opportunities for approved students to undertake extended independent writing projects. The student may combine the major in creative writing with other majors offered by the institution, depending on his or her interests; these include performing arts, liberal arts and international business, either as a double major or as minors.

This BFA degree offers a broad and holistic approach to the performing arts, one that not only concentrates on performance from a participatory perspective (that is to say, on being a performer), but also prepares the student for the wide and exciting range of careers available in the performing arts industry. While performance remains a central aspect of the programme, students are also prepared for the vast array of work that supports and produces performance, such as directing and staging, creating written material for performance, production, management, marketing and funding of the performing arts. The programme is based around live theatrical performance (with elements of recording used for diagnostic and development purposes), but at the same time a graduate is prepared for further study in all cognate specialisms in the performing arts, as well as for direct entry into a professional career. This is because the degree produces a wide spectrum of transferable skills such as effective presentational technique, expertise in using the voice and the body as communicative instruments, interpretational and compositional competency with written texts, management, marketing and fundraising abilities, and organizational skills. These are applicable not only in the context of the many career paths within performing arts, but also in a wide variety of social, cultural and business vocations.

Human performance is complex, and the development of the skills and competences to integrate all the components required to attain high performance from technical and movement coaching, conditioning, workload monitoring with its inputs from an exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology perspectives as well as nutrition and injury risk reduction practices challenge both staff and performer in their skills and specialisms. One competence that is poorly served, however, is the advanced qualification and resultant skill-set in managing and overseeing a broad technology approach to conditioning, monitoring and managing the performer. This is evidenced by the interest in recent years in this type of programme at a post-graduate level. The demand and request for such a programme has come directly from undergraduates of sports science, strength and conditioning, coaching and exercise related undergraduate programs of study. Further, interest has come from a range of international sporting associations including player representative associations and teams, clubs and individual coaches and high-performance specialists who represent a growing cohort drawn to a performance focused post-graduate pathway of study. The programme has been designed following extensive discussions with employers, sport technology companies and with some of the foremost coaches in the world. It has been built around the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly emerging field of performance coaching. It is based around the concept that the future specialist will have a breadth of practical skills but also a technologically based competence where monitoring the athlete and participant becomes integrated into all aspects and components of development and performance.

This programme provides the student with an advanced introduction to the challenges and possibilities of organizing and presenting a public, professional, creative and coherent fashion design project. Based around the development of a substantial fashion collection, its presentation in a show and a credible and detailed plan for marketing and further elaboration, the programme also offers supervision on an agreed dissertation topic and two courses in management and marketing from the College’s MBA program. The core of the programme is the fashion design project. Under faculty supervision, the student is required to devise a coherent and attractive fashion collection. The student oversees the development of the project, from thematic exploration and target market identification for the range, through initial drawing and drafting, pattern development, test cutting and sewing, fitting, final decision making and assembly, management and marketing of the public show, and creating a credible plan for marketing the collection for wider creative and commercial expansion in the fashion industry. The student will be involved in all areas of the project, though with faculty input will be expected to engage and lead others to assist and collaborate in seeing the project through to presentation and onward development. All aspects of the project, including the decision making processes that went into creating the collection, a critical analysis of the collection’s content, a photographed and videotaped documentation of the final garments and culminating show and a critical review of the collection, are gathered together in a portfolio. Additionally, the programme requires the research and writing of a substantial dissertation (5,000 words plus illustrative material) on an aspect of the history or contemporary practice of fashion and its relationship to culture and society, the topic to be agreed with an assigned supervisor. The dissertation module (9 credits) and the faculty panel’s evaluation of fashion design project portfolio and collection show (21 credits) provide the basis for the greater part of the degree. Two additional courses from the College’s MBA offerings (or approved alternate courses) make up the remainder of the programme.

This program provides a student with an advanced introduction to the challenges and possibilities of organizing and presenting a public professional performance. Based around the development of a substantial live performance, the program also offers supervision on an agreed dissertation topic and two courses in management and marketing from the College’s MBA program. The core of the program is the performance project. Under faculty supervision, the student is required to devise or identify a suitable recital, concert performance, or other approved live performance work, oversee the development of the project (original or adapted), arrange for rehearsal, directing and performance of the piece, and manage, market and produce a recorded public performance of the work. The student may be involved in all areas of the performance as musician, singer, dancer, writer, director, actor, technician, or engage others to assist in some or all of them. All aspects of the production, including the decision making that went into choosing the piece, a literary critical analysis of the program content and a critical review of the performance, are documented in a substantial (10,000 words) dissertation. The dissertation module (9 credits) and the faculty panel’s evaluation of one of the recorded live performances (21 credits) provide the basis for the assessment of the project.

The programme is designed by a tutorial staff of exemplary music educators, including Hollywood film composers, orchestrators, conductors, mock-up artists, sound designers, electronic music specialists and audio engineers. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive composer’s portfolio-building programme. Scoring sessions, synchronized to film, are staffed by professional orchestral session musicians, conducted by exceptional conductors, recorded and produced by a team of experienced scoring mixers, score supervisors, and mastering engineers. Because of the programme’s portfolio approach, each recording session serves the dual purpose of providing critical instruction as well as material for the composer’s professional reel. Principal instructional staff include Andy Hill, Derek Gleeson, Natasa Paulberg, Jeremy Leidhecker, Christo Pavlov, Debbie Smith and Jan Grenner. Invited guest lecturers include Conrad Pope, Christopher Young, Garry Schyman, Peter Schwartz, George Christopoulos, Richard Bellis, David Arnold, and more.

Graduates of MFA in Creative Writing will be prepared to participate in a range of complementary fields including:

• Journalism
• Publishing
• Editing
• Online writing
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Teaching

Based in the childhood home of Oscar Wilde at 1 Merrion Square and delivered in association with the Irish Writers’ Centre, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing offers aspiring or published writers a one-year course of study which examines the process and practice of producing prose fiction. The work of the last two years’ classes has included pieces that were shortlisted for the Penguin Ireland Short Story Competition, twice longlisted for the Fish Short Story Competition, and two students who were selected as finalists in the IWC Novel Fair. Within a critical workshop and mentoring format students are provided with tuition and advice in completing either a novel or a short story collection. Consideration is given to the intellectual, psychological, economic and cultural influences that underpin and drive the creative writing process. The course also emphasizes the business and professional environment of writing, with seminars presented by agents and publishers and master classes by established writers. The programme provides the student both with expert guidance in producing a substantial written work of publishable standard, and with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical requirements of successful participation in the activity of writing, whether as a professional career or as part of a lifelong personal commitment to creative endeavour.

Based in the childhood home of Oscar Wilde at 1 Merrion Square and delivered in association with the Irish Writers’ Centre, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing offers aspiring or published writers a one-year course of study which examines the process and practice of producing prose fiction. The work of the last two years’ classes has included pieces that were shortlisted for the Penguin Ireland Short Story Competition, twice longlisted for the Fish Short Story Competition, and two students who were selected as finalists in the IWC Novel Fair. Within a critical workshop and mentoring format students are provided with tuition and advice in completing either a novel or a short story collection. Consideration is given to the intellectual, psychological, economic and cultural influences that underpin and drive the creative writing process. The course also emphasizes the business and professional environment of writing, with seminars presented by agents and publishers and master classes by established writers. The programme provides the student both with expert guidance in producing a substantial written work of publishable standard, and with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical requirements of successful participation in the activity of writing, whether as a professional career or as part of a lifelong personal commitment to creative endeavour.