BA (HONS) DANCE PERFORMANCE, TEACHING & CHOREOGRAPHY
The BA (Hons) Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography aims to produce highly skilled dance performers, teachers and choreographers who are able to confidently deliver across a wide range of dance genres.
Providing ample opportunities to participate in practical workshops, masterclasses and performances, the degree will expose you to a variety of dance specialists throughout your three years on the programme, preparing you for employment in the commercial dance space.
A highly practical programme, this degree affords opportunities to attend auditions for work as a professional dancer and/or teacher, attend dance conventions, events and performances and to sit professional teaching exams with the ISTD and RAD.
As part of the degree you will also explore and develop a deeper understanding of the current methodologies used to teach within the private sector.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
As part of this degree you will study 120 credits per year, 360 in total, as you explore the following modules:
Year 1:
- Introduction to Choreography and Performance
- Preparing for Dance Teaching (1)
- Professional Development and Research Skills
- Teaching and Technique (1)
Year 2:
- Choreography and Performance
- Preparing for Dance Teaching (2)
- Diversity, Culture and History of Dance
- Teaching and Technique (2)
Year 3:
- The Professional Dancer (Technique)
- The Professional Dancer (Performance and Choreography)
- Teaching in Action
- Independent Study (Dissertation)
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
This three year degree employs a range of teaching methods, which typically vary from module to module but include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Observation and assisting of dance classes
- Workshop discussions with peers and tutor
- 1-to-1 tutorials
- Tutor-led practical sessions and workshops
- Tutor-led genre specific technique classes
- Guided research and independent study
- Independent teaching practice
Practical classes and workshops will be housed in the industry standard dance studios here at Preston College Dance.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
A broad range of assessment techniques are employed throughout the degree, many of which reflect the highly practical nature of the programme. Assessments include, studio assessments and performances, presentations, viva, written essays and choreography presentations.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
Awarded by: University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Mode of Study: 3 years, full-time
Tuition Fee: £6000 per year (2024/25)
Tuition fees for Higher Education courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are currently under review.
Additional Costs: You are required to purchase the following compulsory items for the course: Dancewear (approx. £200-£300) and course books (approx. £100). You are also required to cover any printing costs and travel expenses to your placements.
Optional Extras: There is a London Residential and Move It trip at a cost of £300-£350 and a trip to New York at a cost of £1,250. You also have the option to undertake the Certificate in Dance Performance at a cost of £1600pa (this includes weekly technique classes and visiting guest workshops throughout the year for students wanting a greater focus on performance).
The degree has recognition from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)*, meaning there are also additional opportunities to study the RAD access course alongside your degree course. The RAD course costs an additional £2,000. You may also undertake additional ISTD Examinations - costs will depend on the level and number of exams taken.
Additional Information: Applicants must attend an audition/interview day.
Location of study: Preston College, Fulwood Campus (except trips and visits)
Minimum numbers required for this course to run: 8
*Subject to re-validation
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Many of our graduates have gone on to enjoy long and successful careers in performance, before embarking upon a career in teaching.
Opportunities to work internationally have increased, and many work visas now require a full honours degree.
A wide range of exciting opportunities are available for successful graduates, with work often being sought in film and TV, on-board some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, within entertainment teams at international hotels and within film, television and theatre choreography roles.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Preston College operates a flexible admissions policy, welcoming applicants with a wide range of qualifications and/or experience, with each application assessed on its own merit. We also recognise prior learning/attainment (RPL) and experience, meaning it may be possible to map some of your existing qualifications against the modules for the BA (Hons) Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography qualification.
If this applies to you, we will discuss this with you at the interview and audition stage.
Applicants must attend an audition/interview day.
For students who have recently been in education, we would typically expect an applicant to have 112 UCAS points or the following:
| A-Levels: | No specific subject requirements but A-levels need to be equivalent to 112 UCAS points |
| BTEC Extended Diploma: | DMM |
| BTEC Diploma: | D*D* |
| Other qualifications: |
Level 3 Vocational Dance qualification with recognised awarding bodies at grade Merit or above IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each skills area) |
| Plus | |
| GCSE: | English and Maths GCSE grade C/grade 4 or equivalent |
*A good application/audition/performance will be taken into account, if you do not meet the entry criteria/conditions.
International students
You may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that Preston College does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.