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Dance and Choreography at University of Derby - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This postgraduate course in Dance and Choreography is a fantastic opportunity for Dance Artists to further their practice and be at the forefront of sector development. The MA is designed to guide and nurture those with a keen interest and skill in choreographing, providing a space in which you can push your creative boundaries and generate new and innovative work. Artists will have the opportunity to tap into regional, national and international networks and have access to an exceptional body of infrastructure and resources. Key areas that will be covered include:

  • Narrative Development and Dramaturgy – the outside eye
  • Role/involvement of the audience in a work (the fourth wall and when/how/what happens when you break it)
  • The unique challenges of making work for indoor and outdoor contexts
  • Funding landscape and opportunities
  • Partnerships – who to develop them with and how to establish them
  • Developing commissions
  • Basics of health and safety in relation to the field (safe working practices/risk assessments/rigging)
You will learn in the working environment of Déda, a sector leading organisation for dance and choreography based in Derby city centre. You will learn through creative lab sessions in our dance studios, where you will be able to try out new ideas on your peers, yourselves and others that you choose to work with. You will be supported by the MA Programme Leader, as well as specialist guest lecturers from the dance sector, including specifically those working with choreography and generating funded performances. You will be able to create work that will be professionally presented by Déda’s Technical Stage Management Team in the Déda Theatre or at an alternative venue/location as required. This unique opportunity will enable you to work in a professional capacity, providing knowledge and connections for producing work after your MA.

Modules

What you will study To complete the course you will need to achieve 180 credits and study modules such as: Choreography 1 (40 credits): You will explore various choreographic approaches and strategies in order to create and develop innovative movement emerging from your own interests and strengths. Choreography 2 (40 credits): You'll develop your practical research skills in preparation for your Major Project by embarking on a practice-based project that has clear focus and aims which will be negotiated with your tutor. This will include a supported intensive period of research and development. Advanced Research Methods (20 credits): During this module you will be introduced to current methods of research that seek to analyse and investigate embodied processes. You will identify key practitioners in their field and explore an area of particular interest. The Artist as an Entrepreneur (20 credits): You will develop an understanding of the workings of the professional dance sector and how to operate successfully within it. Working alongside sector professionals on a range of related subjects, you will acquire a breadth of knowledge which will enable you to further develop as an artist, with the potential of a sustainable portfolio career. Major Project (60 credits): This module will guide you towards the successful completion of the Masters award and provides the support necessary for you to make a fully realised piece of performance

Assessment method

You will be assessed through a mixture of papers, practical demonstrations, performances and vive voce (oral examination).

How to apply

International applicants

Where English is not the first language for international applicants, applicants need to provide a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Students, especially those who enter with this minimum score, are encouraged to engage with additional study in order to develop their knowledge and application of academic English.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a first degree of dance. Equivalent experience and achievement will be taken into account for applicants with less formal qualifications. Evidence of equivalence of knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to a first degree are required. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is used both to provide evidence of equivalence for entry and as evidence of advanced standing for entry. Applicants can be awarded up to a maximum of 80 RPL credits on proof of articulation with the programme content. Where English is not the first language for international applicants, applicants need to provide a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Students, especially those who enter with this minimum score, are encouraged to engage with additional study in order to develop their knowledge and application of academic English. All applicants will be asked to attend an interview with members of the Programme Team which may involve a practical element. The purpose of the interview is to gain a fuller understanding of your particular research interest and reasons for wanting to enrol on the programme, as well as making sure we will be able to support you fully.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for the latest fee information
Dance and Choreography at University of Derby - UCAS