Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /Dublin City University/Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance

Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC014

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,300 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance

About

Overview

The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance at DCU is a four-year, full time Honours degree which trains you for a life as a professional performing musician. To take to the stage as a performer demands intensive training as well as talent. Our degree course can help you on your way to a career as a professional musician. You will also understand the context of the international music scene today, how the music business works and how you can make your mark in it.

Learn different musical techniques
The programme covers a wide range of musical techniques including performance, instrumental technique, improvisation, composition, computer music, aural training, arranging and teaching methods, all aimed at giving you the skills necessary to operate in a wide area of contemporary music, not just jazz.

Berklee College of Music
A key feature of this programme is an opportunity for you to transfer into Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the field of contemporary music.

Work with top Irish music performers
On this degree you’ll work closely with some of Ireland’s most highly regarded performers and gain the practical skills you need in order to function well in the professional world of contemporary jazz, and other musical settings.

Audition
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to DCU, you must do an audition to gain entry to this course. For some FAQ's please take a look HERE.

For more information please also look at Entry Requirements below.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

Applicants for the BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance [DC014] programme will be required to participate in an in-person performance audition and interview, that will take place on Saturday, 05th April 2025.

The audition and interview date for late CAO applicants and International applicants will be Friday, 18th July 2025.

Applicants will be sent full details of the audition and interview process, along with a form to complete to indicate their intention to participate.

If you have any questions or require information about the BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance [DC014], please contact Cormac O'Brien: cormac.obrien@dcu.ie

Leaving Cert

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university. Applicants will be required to participate in a performance audition. Applicants who have made their application with the CAO by 1st February will be contacted in early March to complete an online form. Applicants who make an application after 1st February will be contacted in early July to complete the online form.

# Each candidate who participates in a performance audition is awarded up to a maximum of 200 points that are added to their CAO points for the purpose of determining eligibility.
To be eligible to compete for a place on this programme, each candidate must achieve the minimum threshold of 120 points in the Entrance Test and must also meet the minimum DCU Entry Requirements.

GCE A Level

# Each candidate who participates in a performance audition is awarded up to a maximum of 200 points that are added to their CAO points for the purpose of determining eligibility.
To be eligible to compete for a place on this programme, each candidate must achieve the minimum threshold of 120 points in the performance audition and must also meet the minimum DCU Entry Requirements.

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6,7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Click here for further information on international applications.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance gives you access to a wide field of activities as a professional musician, and a wide portfolio of skills which you can apply to many areas. The programme will give you skills in the areas of composition, arranging, producing, session musician and of course as a professional performing musician in which you will have the skills to play in many different performance environments. The course is also in line with Teaching Council registration requirements if you decide to pursue a career teaching music. Our course meets the criteria for the Level 8 Bachelors degree (with Irish Trad module) only.

Career Prospects

Professional Performing Musician

Composer

Arranger

Music Teacher

Music Producer

Session Musician

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.