Dance BA (Hons)

About the course

Dance at De Montfort University focuses on contemporary dance with skilled dance practitioners able to apply performance, creative, critical and reflective skills in a variety of situations.

Reasons why you should choose to study a Dance degree at DMU

• Nationally recognised as a Centre for Excellence in Performance Arts, awarded for teaching and learning

• The course helps you understand and locate yourself within the dance profession and develops you as an informed, skilled and creative dance practitioner

• You will be equipped for employment in a range of dance, arts and education related careers

• Excellent links with local, national and international dance organisations enhance your experience, keep the curriculum current and boost your employability

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Key facts

UCAS course code: W500

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

• Normally 260 points with a minimum of 160 points from 2 full A levels.
• National Diploma DMM.
• Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above. We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs. including English at grade C or above.
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Audition/Interview required: Yes

International Students

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

You will experience a wide range of approaches to teaching and learning including practical classes, workshops, performances, lectures, screenings, demonstrations, small group discussions and one-to-one tutorials. You will use independent study time to undertake research by viewing, reflecting, analysing, writing and in practical explorations. All assessment is via coursework and includes classwork, presentations,choreography, written assignments and portfolios.

The studio work is of a practical nature but also involves discussion, analysis, critical reflection on practice and contextualisation. Your studies are supported by an excellent collection of resources, including books, journals, videos, DVDs, CDs, electronic and online media.

Course modules

Year one|

• Dance Practice
• Understanding Dance
• Rethinking Choreography
• Improving Performance
• Exploring the Dance Profession

Year two

• Dance Practice
• Image, Movement, Performance
• Understanding Dance
• Dance Artists in Education and Community
• Understanding Balance and Co-ordination
• Promoting Dance

Year three

• Dance Research Project
• Dance Practice
• Dance as History
• Teaching and Leading Dance
• Choreography
• Performance Practice
• Attaining Poise
• University Dance Projects
• Dance as Popular Practice
• Improvisation for Performance

Academic expertise

DMU has one of the largest team of dance staff in the UK. They are experts and award winning leaders in their various fields and have outstanding professional experience on which to draw. The excellent teaching and research of DMU staff was acknowledged through a multi-million pound award in 2005 when DMU was designated a Centre for Excellence in the Teaching and Learning of Performance Arts (CEPA).

Staff have international reputations for performance, choreography, research and innovative teaching, including individual University Teacher Fellow and National Teacher Fellow awards. World renowned choreographer and former student, Akram Khan, has acknowledged the ‘inspirational teaching’ he experienced at DMU.

Industry links and professional accreditation

Dance staff work closely with local, national and international dance organisations including Dance UK, Dance 4, Foundation for Community Dance and the Congress on Research in Dance. Their direct engagement with the dance profession, academia and the wider creative industries will give you the latest insight into the world of dance. Artists with whom we have close contact offer students work experience and internships. Examples include the Akram Khan Company and Donald Edwards (founder member of Phoenix Dance Company).

Graduate careers

Successful graduates are creative, entrepreneurial practitioners equipped to work in a range of dance-related careers and respond effectively to the needs of the profession. Graduates work as performers, choreographers, managers, heads of school and college dance departments, university lecturers, community dance practitioners, and producers.

Alumni include Angharad Harrop who is working as a performer, teacher and choreographer with funding from the Welsh Arts Council; Luke Ashworth is head of dance at an upper school and arts college in Suffolk; Linzi Gibbs is assistant producer for national dance agency Dance4; Gabrielle Reuter is choreographing and performing internationally; and former Director of Dance at Arts Council England and award winning, choreographer Akram Khan.

Discover more about our Dance BA (Hons) graduates|.

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000 per year
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.

Facilities

Dance is taught in a suite of superb, purpose built, fully equipped dance studios and rehearsal spaces. Studios are flexible in that they are used for teaching and for performance. The library provision for Dance is one of the most extensive in the country, fully stocked with dance books, journals and videos/dvds.

Discover more about our facilities by visiting our Performance Arts Centre of Excellence (PACE) Building minisite|; includes video, photographs and student interviews.