UCC and Cork Opera House announce Masters of Research opportunity

1 Jul 2025

• Applications open for one-year Masters by Research (MRes) valued at €14,000.
• The studentship is part of the Creating Together collaboration between UCC and Cork Opera House, aimed at fostering innovative, research-led artistic work for diverse communities.

The School of Film, Music and Theatre at University College Cork is inviting applications for a Masters by Research (MRes) Studentship, created as part of its partnership with Cork Opera House. This unique opportunity is aimed at an artist who is curious, independent, and committed to original, research-informed creative practice.

The successful candidate will design a practice-inclusive research project that results in an engaging, audience-focused artwork centred on Cork Opera House, its architecture, creative energy, or cultural presence within the city. The final piece will take audiences on a self-guided experience through the Opera House and could be developed in any number of forms: from performative sound walks and audio plays to musical compositions or sonic art. The work will be featured as part of Cork’s Culture Night in September 2026.

Alongside the artistic output, the student will produce a written research component that explores both the artistic process and the broader cultural, historical, and spatial context of the Opera House. Topics might include audience engagement strategies, site-specific performance, and the evolving identity of the venue.

The selected MRes student will receive a full studentship valued at €14,000, covering full-time university fees, a stipend, and a contribution toward research expenses. Support will include supervision from UCC academic staff, access to creative facilities, and guidance and technical support from Cork Opera House as the project nears completion.

Applications for the MRes close at midnight on 21 July 2025.

To learn more, visit the MREs page.

Performing Arts at UCC

University College Cork (UCC) is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide for Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings, recognising its international reputation for study and research in the Performing Arts including music and sonic art, theatre and interdisciplinary practices.

Discover study and research opportunities at UCC's School of Film, Music and Theatre here.