BA (Hons) Dance Education

Overview

This exciting distance learning programme has something for everyone. Established dance teachers, as well as those new to the profession, regularly seek out ways to increase their knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their teaching and support their professional development. One way of achieving this is to study for an internationally recognised qualification such as the BA (Hons) Dance Education. You can choose to study the Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education, Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education, or Degree level and each can be studied full-time or part-time (from Level 5). Whether you want to teach in schools, open your own dance studio or work in the community, or further your professional development, the BA (Hons) Dance Education programme is designed to provide you with a unique dance teaching qualification.

Book on our March information webinar to find out more.

You can hear from our students and graduates about their experiences of studying on the programme in the Student Voices section of our Digital Prospectus.

Delivery

The BA (Hons) Dance Education* programme is studied either full-time or part-time study as your circumstances dictate. The programme is modular and is delivered across two semesters each year. A compulsory online Undergraduate Induction Seminar will take place for new students prior to the start of your studies in Semester 1 which will allow you to meet students and staff on the programme.

All modules are supported by Module Study Guides which are accessed online and contain key source materials, study tasks and suggestions for further study. Students are allocated a tutor for each module, with whom they will have regular contact via email and scheduled online tutorials.

*This programme will be undergoing its statutory five-year review in January 2024. Any changes to the programme will be effective from September 2024.

Entry requirements

All three of these requirements must be met:

  • Three GCE A Level passes or equivalent.
  • RAD Intermediate or equivalent standard in any dance genre.
  • English Language Proficiency test required for applicants whose first language is not English.

The Faculty of Education will consider UK and international equivalents to the listed entry requirements, such as examinations of other recognised dance societies or the International Baccalaureate and BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. A number of our non-UK undergraduate students have met the academic entry requirements with qualifications such as the German Abitur, the Irish Leaving Certificate, or the Apolytirion from Cyprus or Greece.

However, if you are from a country whose university entry qualification does not meet UK standards, you may undertake a Foundation Module in order to fulfil the academic entry requirement of your chosen undergraduate programme of study. We are keen to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds. If you do not hold traditional academic or dance qualifications, you may be eligible for concessionary entry. You can also email registry@rad.org.uk for guidance.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds and who may not hold traditional academic qualifications but have equivalent experiential learning. We may be able to offer these applicants concessionary tasks to help in meeting the entry requirements.

Please note:

Not all Universities subscribe to the UCAS points tariff system as it is discretionary.

The University of Bath does not subscribe to the UCAS points tariff system. As they validate the BABE and BADE programmes, RAD Level 3 exams cannot be used as a substitute for the three A-Level passes (or equivalent).

Programme specifications

Students who do not have English as a first language

If your first language is not English and you are applying for a programme where an English Language Proficiency test is required, you must achieve one of the following qualifications:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): band 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the subtests. The IELTS test must have been taken no earlier than two years before the date of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued.

Some other school leaving or matriculation certificates contain a compulsory examination in English and these may be taken as equivalent.
If you have another recently achieved English language qualification, please check with our Registry department faculty@rad.org.uk to see if it is acceptable.

Further study and career development

As the BA (Hons) Dance Education, including the Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education and the Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education, is delivered by distance learning, students do not need to relocate for their studies. Most students already work as dance teachers while they are enrolled on the programme and continue as self-employed or employed dance teachers after graduation. Graduates who do not work as dance teachers while they are studying usually work as freelance dance teachers once they have achieved the qualification, delivering classes for established schools or setting up their own dance school.

Students who complete the Diploma level (240 credits) and take the practical teaching placement option module in ballet are eligible for RAD Registered Teacher Status.

Graduates have gone onto pursue other RAD qualifications at postgraduate level, including the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) and those with teaching experience may also apply for the MA in Education (Dance Teaching).

How to apply

 

Programme Content

Duration

One year full-time or two years part-time.
Level 4

Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education

Compulsory Modules

  • Frameworks and Perspectives
  • From Coralli to Khan: Journeys Through Dance History
  • Dance Education: Concepts and Contexts
  • The Dancing Body
  • Music in Dance and Dance Education

At Level 4, you will gain a broad perspective on dance education and dance studies. You will be introduced to educational concepts, which are fundamental throughout your studies, as well as gaining knowledge and understanding of dance history, analysis, music and dance studies.

Together, the Level 4 modules provide essential knowledge on dance as a subject and how it interrelates with education. You will also reflect upon your own experiences as a dancer or teacher, and make links to fundamental principles essential for effective learning and teaching to take place.

Two years full-time or four years part-time.
Level 5

Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education

Compulsory Modules:

  • Dance Analysis
  • Perspectives on Learning and Teaching
  • Enhancing Performance
  • Plus one module option in each Semester

Module Options:

  • Practical Teaching Placement*
  • Perspectives on Music and Dance
  • Dance Education and Training in Context
  • Dance as a Community Practice

At Level 5, you will be able to extend your knowledge of philosophical, pedagogical and professional issues in dance teaching, as well as developing your research skills. You will be able to choose from a range of module options, which are studied alongside four compulsory modules.

You will have the opportunity to take a more philosophical approach to considering the nature of dance by critically exploring what is meant by the term ‘dance’ and challenging assumptions and pre-conceptions about dance and dance education. Alongside this, you will develop a practical understanding of the core principles of learning and teaching styles and how these can be applied in dance education contexts. Key educational theories, including motivation, differentiation and progression are all explored. You will engage with analytical tools required to critically analyse dance as well as undertake an exploration of the relationship between the physical and psychological dimensions of dance performance and teaching.

Please note, not all option modules listed will be available each academic year, and students will be advised accordingly.

*Students who teach in Ballet, and have successfully passed Intermediate Ballet, can gain Eligibility for Registered Teacher Status (RTS) upon successful completion of this module.

Three years full-time or six years part-time.
Level 6

BA (Hons) Dance Education

Compulsory Modules:

  • Perspectives on Dance Education
  • Dissertation
  • Plus three module options across Semesters 1 and 2

Module Options:

  • Dance and Older Learners
  • Optimising Performance
  • Cultural Trends in Dance
  • Dance in Higher Education
  • Designing Dance Curricula

At Level 6, you are required to complete two compulsory modules and choose from a range of module options. You will complete a dissertation where you will have the opportunity to research an approved topic and be supervised in methods for researching dance and education. Alongside this, you will explore critically the philosophical considerations of the role of the arts in education, debating issues such as objectivity and subjectivity, and the mind/ body dichotomy. Further modules will enable in-depth exploration of specific topics, which will connect directly with your own interests and practice in dance education.

Please note, not all option modules listed will be available each academic year, and students will be advised accordingly.

Assessment

Modules are assessed through a range of assignments, including essays, case studies, open book exams, practical teaching, project plans and presentations. At degree level, you will submit a written dissertation on your area of interest.

Award

Awards are as follows: Successful completion of Level 4 leads to the award of Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education. Successful completion of Level 5 leads to the award of Diploma in Higher Education: Dance Education. Successful completion of Level 6 leads to the award of BA (Hons) Dance Education. Please note that students may hold only one of the above awards.