MA Dance, Somatics and Dance Science

Overview

This MA Dance, Somatics and Dance Science degree is an immersive 12-month, full time programme designed for students with an undergraduate degree in dance or dance science and a particular interest in somatic approaches to dance practice.

This course has an interdisciplinary approach and explores the confluence (and potential divergence) of a somatic and scientific approach to dance practice. The course is aimed at dancers and graduates with some experience of dance science and/or somatics who want to extend their knowledge and studio, applied or experiential practice to gain the skills necessary to pursue a career in these disciplines.

You will develop an awareness of your own movement potential in terms of structure, function and efficiency from both a somatic and movement science perspective, and develop the experiential and scholarly language you need to reflect and critically document your practice. These skills can be applied in professional, community and educational dance contexts, as a dance artist, pedagogue, practitioner or researcher. The creative, critical and reflective skills you develop during the course are also transferable to a range of employment opportunities.

This course requires practical and theoretical enquiry as you interrogate first and third person perspectives within dance practice. You will need a certain level of maturity, discipline, a willingness to delve into complex phenomena, and an acceptance of periods of uncertainty and ‘not-knowing/unknowing’.

Teaching and Assessment

How you will learn

You will study through theoretical and practical workshops, lecturers, seminars and rehearsals. You will be assessed through a range of assignments depending on which study options you choose. These assessments include practical choreography presentations, essays, reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, online tasks and group working.

You will learn from specialist tutors in your weekly sessions and have one-to-one tutorial support as required. Alongside the module-specific tutors, a range of departmental and University-wide academic and pastoral support is also available.

Careers

Where this course could lead

This MA Dance, Somatics and Dance Science course gives you the skills and values you need to succeed in the dance sector. You will learn to share your knowledge and learning in a range of ways as an artist, performer, pedagogue, choreographer, community practitioner or researcher.

You will prepare for a fulfilling and flexible career pathway where you can be creative and inspiring as you nurture your key dance, somatic and science skills.

You could also continue your studies to practical or theoretical research at MPhil or PhD level.