Auditions/Interviews/Tests
Some of our courses require that you undertake a suitability test, assessment, interview, audition or submit a portfolio. This is a vital part of the application process and allows us to determine your suitability for the course. If you do not submit a portfolio, do not attend a test/audition/interview or do not meet the required standard, your application will lapse and you will not be considered further for the programme in question. All assessments will generally take place during the period March - May each year.
This table shows the maximum points allocated in the assessment process. The points achieved in these assessments will be added to your Leaving Certificate points score, where relevant.
| Code | Course | Suitability Test |
Interview | Portfolio | Audition/ Interview |
Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TU963 | Music (Direct Entry) | 100 | 100 | |||
| TU961 | Commercial Modern Music# | 600 | 600 | |||
| TU962 | Drama (Performance)* | 100 | 100 | |||
| TU832 | Architecture* | 100 | 100 | 200 | ||
*Restricted Programme = You must have applied to CAO by 1st February at 5.15pm if you wish to apply for a restricted programme.
# Applicants welcome to make a late application by 1st May at 5.15pm or use CAO Change of Mind before 1st July at 5.15pm.
Applicants applying TU832 Architecture will be required to submit a Portfolio and attend a separate Interview as part of the admission process. A maximum of 200 points will be awarded for the Portfolio Submission and Interview Stages.
Note: A Suitability Test is no longer required.
*TU832 is a Restricted Course and applicants must have applied to CAO by 1st February 2025 at 5pm.
Portfolio Submission
Make your portfolio individual and unique
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment recognises that each applicant is unique. Your personal portfolio of work provides an opportunity for you to show your individual abilities and interests, and your readiness to join our Bachelor of Architecture programme. You will be invited to submit your portfolio through an online submissions portal in April
What should I include?
We are interested in seeing a range of creative work. Works may include but are not limited to:
- Sketches
- Freehand drawings
- Paintings
- Sculpture
- Graphics
- Art photography
- Woodworking
- Ceramics
- Film
- Other visual media
What criteria are used to asses the portfolio?
Your portfolio will be assessed by a panel of TU Dublin staff members and the overall presentation, quality, and clarity of the portfolio will be evaluated.
- Critical observation
- Visual awareness
- Imagination
- Idea
- Invention
- Problem solving
- Creative conceptual thinking
- commitment and ambition
You may find this video useful in imagining the content of the work you might include in your portfolio:
Interview Process
The TU832 Architecture Interview with Portfolio will take place online in May. All TU832 Architecture CAO applicants will be written to with details on the process and will be assigned a time slot. Details on the process will be issued prior to the event.
How long will the interview take?
Interview times with be limited to 20 minutes per applicant. You will be asked about your interest in architecture and motivation to study the subject at TU Dublin. You may be asked questions about the work that you submitted in your portfolio.
Detailed guidance notes on the Portfolio Submission and Interview process will be issued in January 2025.
All applicants for these courses are required to attend an audition/interview. Precise information on dates and times of when to submit a portfolio or to attend a test/audition/interview will be notified directly to each applicant. Due to the large number of applicants and the difficulties in scheduling, applicants should be prepared to attend for assessments at short notice. The university cannot make special arrangements for those who do not respond to, or are not available to deal with correspondence in respect of portfolios / tests / auditions or interviews.
All applicants that applied for TU961 will be called for audition / interview process. Please visit BIMM Dublin for more information.
All applicants applying for TU962 Drama - Performance are required to attend an audition/interview. Precise information on dates and times of when to submit a portfolio or to attend a test/audition/interview will be notified directly to each applicant. Due to the large number of applicants and the difficulties in scheduling, applicants should be prepared to attend for assessments at short notice. The university cannot make special arrangements for those who do not respond to, or are not available to deal with correspondence in respect of portfolios/tests/auditions or interviews.
We are looking for potential. This means openness, curiosity, a willingness to follow instincts, an ability to make strong creative choices and to connect and share with others. You will be invited to attend a 3-hour session, where you will be asked to participate in the following:
- Group workshop: Drama exercises with other applicants, usually involving physical and imaginative exercises
- Presentation of monologue: Two to three minutes in length from a play of your choice. We recommend that you choose a piece close to your own experience, age, culture, etc.
- Writing: You will be given a very short text to read and asked to provide a short written response to a set question
- Questions: Drama staff will answer any questions you have about the course
TU963 will be a direct application programme for 2025.
Audition/Interview
All applicants applying for TU963 are required to attend an audition/interview. Precise information on dates and times of when to submit a portfolio or to attend a test/audition/interview will be notified directly to each applicant. Auditions take place on our Grangegorman campus.
Guide Dates:
- Apply before 25 November 2024 for audition in December
- Apply before 1 February 2025 for audition in March
- All subsequent applications: Auditions in May 2025
This applies for all Irish, EU and UK applicants including Mature Applicants and Advanced Entry Applicants. All International Applicants should contact the TU Dublin International Office and the course chair Helen.Lawlor@tudublin.ie. International applicants will be invited to submit a video audition and will be facilitated by an online interview if required.
- Apply for an audition by completing this online form: Apply Now
- Once we receive your application we will contact you to arrange an audition.
The audition will usually comprise the performance of two contrasting pieces and may include sight-reading and scales (see detailed requirements on TU963 course page), aural assessment and a short interview. The Audition Panel may ask candidates to stop before the end of a piece in cases where they have been able to form a judgement. Candidates should be approximately Grade 7/8 standard or higher on an instrument or voice (or equivalent for traditional musicians).
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the course. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, your experience of performing and your career aspirations.
There is no written exam as part of the audition. Successful applicants will sit a written assessment to allocate classes after registration. We will notify you of your audition results by email.