Dance - Subject Guide

Single Honours 

• Dance 

• Choreography 

• Contemporary Dance 

• Performing Arts 

Joint Honours 

• Drama, Theatre, and Dance  

• Dance with Music 

• Dance Science and Education 

• Dance and Cultural Studies

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI 

Alternative options 

• Foundation years: A foundation year in dance is a good option for individuals interested in pursuing a degree in dance but may not have extensive prior experience or training. Typically lasting for a year, and helps students build confidence and proficiency in their craft. 

• Sandwich degrees: Extending your undergraduate degree in dance by an additional year offers valuable opportunities to gain practical experience through performance opportunities, or study abroad programs. You could end up working with professional dance companies, community organisations, or educational institutions. 

• Integrated Master’s: Pursuing an integrated Master's degree in dance allows you to deepen your knowledge and skills in areas such as choreography, performance, and dance research, emerging with a Master’s qualification and a competitive edge in the dance industry. 

• Degree apprenticeships: Typically lasting between three and six years, a degree apprenticeship combines academic study with practical training and performance opportunities. Employers cover tuition fees and provide students with mentorship and guidance, enabling them to develop their artistic voice and technical proficiency as dancers. 

FIND OUT MORE: Different types of undergraduate degree

SOURCE: WHATUNI

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Dance requires a strong foundation in movement and performance, as well as a passion for artistic expression and creativity. While specific entry requirements may vary, prospective students typically benefit from prior experience or training in dance, with qualifications such as A-levels or equivalent in dance, performing arts, or related subjects being heavily favoured by universities. 

FIND OUT MORE: How to choose your A-level subjects

Dance encompasses a diverse range of styles and genres, offering opportunities for specialisation and exploration within the field. From classical ballet to contemporary dance, students can delve into various disciplines and develop expertise in their chosen area. Some specialisations include: 

• Ballet: A classical dance form characterised by precise movements, graceful gestures, and intricate footwork. Ballet is a globally recognised art form, with its timeless beauty captivating audiences and inspiring dancers of all ages. 

• Contemporary dance: Contemporary dance is a dynamic and expressive art form that pushes the boundaries of traditional movement vocabulary. Emphasising creativity and individuality, contemporary dance incorporates elements of modern dance, improvisation, and various cultural influences, allowing dancers to explore personal narratives and innovative choreographic concepts. 

• Choreography: Choreography is the art of creating dance compositions through the arrangement of movement sequences and spatial patterns. Choreographers utilise their artistic vision, musicality, and technical expertise to craft dance sequences that convey emotion, tell stories, and captivate audiences. 

• Dance education: Dance education encompasses a wide range of formal and informal learning experiences designed to develop dancers' technical proficiency, artistic expression, and cultural awareness. From dance studios to academic institutions, dance education programs provide training in various dance styles, history, theory, and pedagogy, fostering a deep appreciation for the art form and preparing aspiring dancers for professional careers. 

• Dance science: Dance science is an interdisciplinary field that explores the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological aspects of dance performance and training. Through scientific research and analysis, dance scientists investigate injury prevention, performance enhancement, nutrition, and psychological well-being, offering valuable insights to enhance dancers' longevity, and artistic potential. 

FIND OUT MORE: View all courses

• Dance history and theory 

• Dance technique and performance 

• Choreography and composition 

• Dance anatomy and physiology 

• Cultural studies 

• Music for dancers 

• Pedagogy and teaching methods 

• Dance analysis and criticism 

• Research methods 

Studying dance at university provides a comprehensive understanding of the artistry, technique, and cultural significance of dance, as well as the practical skills and professional knowledge needed to succeed in the field. Through a combination of studio practice, theoretical study, and performance opportunities, students develop the physical and emotional capacities to express themselves through movement and the cultural, and social contexts of dance, gaining insights into the historical evolution of dance practices and its role in society.  

Students also develop broader skills, which may serve them in a multitude of situations, such as: 

• Critical thinking 

• Creative problem solving 

• Physical discipline 

• Collaboration 

• Interpersonal skills 

There are regulatory bodies such as The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT), which ensures the provision of high-quality professional training through the accreditation of many full-time dance schools and colleges in the UK. CDMT has been the benchmark of quality assurance for professional dance training in the UK since 1979 and influences a lot of industry standards and best practices. 

Students who are considering a degree in dance because they’re passionate about movement and performance could also consider alternative pathways where they can experience a similar combination of performance and theoretical study. These include: 

•  Theatre studies 

•  Music performance 

•  Performing arts 

•  Exercise science and kinesiology 

A dance degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the performing arts, education, and entertainment industries. Whether working as a professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, or researcher, graduates promote the transformative power of dance, and work in a diversity of environments, including school, film studios, arts centres, theatres and much more.

Potential career pathways include: 

• Professional dancer 

• Choreographer 

• Dance instructor 

• Dance therapist 

• Arts administrator 

• Dance researcher 

• Movement coach 

• Dance critic 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in dance or a related subject. 

FIND OUT MORE: Career guides