Conditions as detailed in Regulation 3 will apply.

The examination is in two sections: Part A – Performance and Part B – Thesis

Candidates must gain at least 75 marks out of a maximum 100 in each Part of the examination in order to pass.

Part A – Performance (100 marks)
The candidate is required to present a programme of drama, verse, and prose on a theme of the candidate’s choice. The programme should contain at least one passage by Shakespeare and one sonnet, and should last approximately 20 minutes. Attention should be paid to contrast, linking material, and method of presentation.
A copy of the programme should be provided for the examiner. The candidate will also participate in a Viva Voce with the examiner, on any aspect of the performance in particular, and on any aspect of Speech and Drama in general.

Part B – Thesis (100 marks)
The candidate is required to write a thesis of not less than 5,000 words. The content of the thesis must be original and should provide the candidate with the opportunity to explore and research an area of Speech and Drama that is of particular interest to him or her.

The subject-matter may be historical, pedagogic, theatre, or literature orientated, or may deal with contemporary issues in speech and drama. The approach may be philosophical or based on empirical research. Before embarking on this part of the Examination the candidate is required to forward an abstract of approximately 200 words of the chosen subject for approval by the Board of Examiners of the Leinster School.

The thesis should be bound (spiral binding or limp cover) and the text must be typed (double-spaced on one side of an A4 sized paper). The thesis will also include a title and contents page, chapter headings with page numbers, an appendix (if necessary) and a bibliography arranged alphabetically by author thus:

Courtney, R. 1980 The Dramatic Curriculum Heinemann

The thesis must be submitted to the Examinations Office of the Leinster School with a signed declaration (available from the School) that the work is original and has not previously been submitted for any examination. The candidate is advised to make at least two copies of the thesis as one copy will be retained by the Leinster School.