As a mature student I felt very respected by the staff who made efforts to provide me with an invaluable experience, who challenged me, and helped me further develop skills during my BA degree course to now successfully complete a postgraduate degree course.

Some very high standard dance studios with good flooring, barres, a piano etc. Unfortunately there weren't enough studios, but new facilities are being build which will provide a greater number of good studios. The library has a great collection of dance specific sources as well as general sources about psychology, sports, arts, education, amongst other topics.

Feedback: after each assessment a written report outlined how conclusions about a mark were reached. Written assignments were returned with annotations, which were helpful for further assessments. During each module students were given the opportunity to hand in a outline or draft to receive feedback before handing in the final work. Tutors: an academic skills tutor is on site to help with study skills, academic writing (essay structure, building an argument, grammar, etc) and referencing. Long-distance students can receive help online. Councelling: students could always contact their year group coordinator for personal support. Twice a year meetings were held between the year group coordinator and each student to discuss progress or any concerns. There is also a safeguarding officer in case student wanted to receive confidential support. The office staff was always happy to help with administrative issues such as letters to open a bank account, council tax exemptions, financial issues and more.

London is great for students on a ballet education course. There is a wealth of theatres, musea, cinemas, parks, dance centres providing additional training. Public transport allows students to travel all across the city. It's an international city that welcomes foreign students.

Like: lots of contact time, high standard practical dance classes with pianists Least: during my time at the RAD dance science was only a very small part of the course, without any assessments, or a clear module outline.

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The faculty of education is part of the Royal Academy of Dance, a worldwide organisation that binds ballet school around the world. By completing the BA BE course you receive the Registered Teacher Status which opens up a world of opportunities. To prepare for a career in dance teaching, students undertake multiple placements in different sectors (private, public, community). The university organises these placements for its students.

My entire RAD journey has been super and extremely positive. This course creates a great balance between enjoyment and appropriate challenge to rise to. I have learnt a wealth of information, and have had experiences that would not be possible without being on this course. Most importantly I have developed a confidence in my teaching ability that with inevitably aid my future career. The warmth that the RAD create means that I have developed close friendships with all my colleges which is something I am grateful for. The university offers countless support where needed to ensure all their students are working to their maximal potential. I feel this programme has fully equipped me to progress forward with my teaching career.

The university provide excellent facilities. The studios that are used for practical classes are one of the greatest facilities onsite. All studios are equipped with appropriate resources (sprung floor, mirrors, barres, sound systems etc.) that positively aid the learning experience on the programme. The university also provide independent space for students such as the common room with changing space and individual lockers. This space has recently be refurbished to provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere between lectures. Additionally the Faculty have spent much time, money and effort into improving the IT facilities which is very helpful in sit-down lectures. The onsite Library is also an excellent facility and invaluable when writing essays!

The university offer a great deal support both for academic and personal issues. This is always available when needed such as support from student services, counsellors, physiotherapists etc. These all can be organised and arranged onsite meanings our needs can be adhered to at ease. This is particularly helpful when living a long way from home knowing there is support at the university should it be needed. Likewise the tutors also create a great support network. Emails are answered quickly and efficiently, and there is always the option to meet with tutors should we have questions relating to feedback or other general module issues.

As this university is based in London it offers many opportunities for a busy and exciting city life. London always has something going on, and much of which is free which is always a benefit as a student! Highlights include London museums, gardens and of course the famous sights. Personal favourites include exploring markets like Borough Market, Brick Lane, Camden, Shoreditch and Portobello. Additionally right next to the RAD there is a huge variety of things to see and do like Battersea Park, Albert Bridge and the Power Station. The transport links available (10 minute walk to Clapham Junction, and minutes walk away from bus stops) are excellent for exploring London and being able to travel with ease for work and placement purposes. London is full of variety meaning there is always something to suit everyone's tastes making it a very enjoyable city life experience!

The most: - The amount of practical classes that are offered to us throughout the programme and the variety that this includes. All classes offer opportunity to improve individual technique as well as provide detailed understanding for how to delivery successful classes and teach ballet vocabulary. - There is an expansive range of topics that are taught throughout the programme including modules such as Dance History, Dance Science and Dance Teaching all which positively contribute to our teaching careers. - All lectures are extremely knowledgeable and offer advise when and where needed. They are all very approachable and make the overall learning process at the RAD very positive. - The small number of people in the year compared to the traditional university experience mean you feel very valued and are always provided with individual targets to work towards. The least: - At times there appears to be a lack of communication between lectures, mentors and tutors. This can sometimes put us students in a challenging situation. This often relates to placement.

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The programme increases employability through professional placements which provide opportunity to gain dance teaching experience. In 1st year, tutors deliver both theoretical and practical lectures to gain a secure knowledge of teaching such as: teaching and learning styles, child development, use of resources etc. Following this in 2nd year we are given opportunity to practically explore this through teaching placements in the private, public and community sector. This consists of a 20 minute teaching episode which is guided by our placement mentors and RAD tutors. This is progressed in 3rd year where we are given choice to select the teaching sector that we wish to placed in for the entire year. Alongside teaching placements, the university deliver modules that requires students to build portfolios to reflect upon teaching practises in order to progress and develop. The University also offer a degree of choice when establishing placements which is useful when we have a specific context we would like to gain more experience in.