UCC welcomes secondary school students to Creative Arts programme

10 Mar 2025

• UCC School of Film, Music and Theatre welcomes 22 secondary school students to its Creative Arts Programme.
• The programme offers an immersive experience in film, theatre, and music, and highlights the diverse career opportunities in creative industries nationally and internationally. 

Aspiring filmmakers, directors, theatre-makers, and musicians were welcomed to University College Cork (UCC) for the university’s Creative Arts Programme. The immersive programme gives secondary school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of creative arts at UCC.

From 10 - 12 March, participants will engage in a diverse range of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions designed to give a real-life insight into studying Film and Screen Media BA, Theatre and Performative Practices BA, and Arts – Music BA at UCC. The programme aims to inspire young creative minds and provide a clear pathway for those considering further education in the arts.

Specialist sessions will be hosted across campus including Granary Theatre, Ó Riada Hall and Film and Screen Media facilities, ensuring an enriching and hands-on learning experience.

Students will gain valuable insights through career talks, and explore UCC’s campus through guided tours.

This year’s programme attracted significant interest from students nationwide, with only 22 places available to ensure a personalised, practical, and immersive experience for each participant. This selective approach ensures that each participant receives focused attention, and a meaningful experience tailored to their artistic interests and aspirations.

Professor John Godfrey, Head of the School of Film, Music, and Theatre, highlighted the impressive calibre of applicants said: "The quality of applications we received this year clearly demonstrates the huge interest among young people in Ireland who are keen to pursue studies and careers in the thriving film, music, and theatre industries, both nationally and internationally. We are delighted to support and nurture this talent at UCC."

The 22 selected students come from schools across Ireland, including Ailbhe Cotter (Ursuline College Blackrock), Alexis Olaniran (Ashton School, Cork), Alicia Kennedy (St Angela’s College, Cork), Clara Moynihan (Regina Mundi College, Cork), Elizabeth (Libby) Kershaw (Bandon Grammar School), Ella Britton (Coláiste Muire, Cobh), Eve Fahy (Newbridge College, Kildare), Grace Lehane (Coachford College), Harry Walsh (Christian Brothers College Cork, Cork), Janna-Luisa Jablonowski (Mount Mercy College, Cork), Jenna O'Meara (Scoil Pól, Co. Limerick).

Justyna Kotarska (St Aloysius College), Kate Hopkins (Ursuline College Blackrock), Kate O'Shea (Mount Mercy College), Lucy Moynan (Ashton School), Matthew Lynch (Presentation Brothers College), Maya Fouilleul (Scoil Mhuire), Meabh Áine O'Connell (St Aloysius' College), Millie Griffin Lynch (St Peter’s Community School, Passage West), Phoebe Buttimer (Bandon Grammar), Sarah Burns (Coláiste Muire, Cobh) and Sophia Garcia (St. Vincent's Secondary School).

Top 100 universities worldwide for performing arts

UCC is ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide for Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings.

UCC’s position in the Performing Arts rankings recognises its international reputation, making it a world leader for study and research in the Performing Arts including theatre and interdisciplinary practices, music and sonic art,

The arts, entertainment, cultural and live events sector in Ireland is recognised at home and abroad as a world-leader. A recent EY report for The Arts Council states that the arts sector, including Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, supports nearly 55,000 jobs, and contributes more than €1.16bn to the economy.

Discover undergraduate programmes: Film and Screen Media BA, Theatre and Performative Practices BA, and Arts – Music BA at UCC.