Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma
Locations
The Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma is delivered in two locations; London, UK and Sydney, Australia.
Overview
The Faculty of Education is committed to supporting you as a Professional Dancer looking to take your next step in your career. Our professional dancers’ programme will allow you to prepare for a new career in teaching and gain an internationally renowned RAD teaching qualification. By studying the Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma you will gain a secure platform for a lifelong career in dance teaching.
Join us at an information webinar in March, June or September to find out more.
Delivery
The Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma is delivered by distance learning over 10 months (February-November) with a two-week onsite Intensive Study Period, and a mentored teaching placement, that can be studied around your rehearsal, performance and other work commitments. You will complete three compulsory modules at Level 6.
At the start of the programme, you will attend an online induction with cohorts from both the UK and Australia. You will be guided through the essentials of the programme as well as introducing you to key study skills to prepare you for your studies. Two modules, delivered by distance learning will follow where you will be supported by experienced tutors with online tutorials. Mid-way through the programme, you will attend a two-week onsite Intensive Study Period (ISP). The ISP will comprise of practical sessions, practice teaching opportunities, lectures, seminars, discussion groups and tutorials. You will complete the programme with a teaching placement in a dance school/teaching context of your choice, where you will be supported by a Mentor and RAD Practical Teaching Tutor.
Entry requirements
- We welcome applications from dancers with significant professional performance experience with established dance companies, theatre organisations or dance productions.
- Appropriate English Language Proficiency test for students whose first language is not English.
- Applicants will then be invited to attend an online interview.
Students who do not have English as a first language:
Applicants whose first language is not English and who are applying for a programme where an English Language Proficiency test is required must achieve one of the following qualifications:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): For Diploma programmes of study IELTS band of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6 in each of the subtests.
The IELTS must be the academic test and 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 at faculty@rad.org.uk to establish acceptability.
Apply by
1 November 2023. Programme starts February 2024
Funding opportunities
Retraining Grants from Dancers’ Career Development
For professional dancers’ who may need to seek funding for their career progression, the Dancers’ Career Development provide a range of Transition Support Programmes to professional dancers who are embarking on a post-performance career, including the opportunity to apply for Retraining Grants. To be eligible for funding, applicants should have completed at least eight years as a professional dancer, with at least five of those years spent in the UK. Applicants may also be able to apply on medical grounds if they cannot fulfil these criteria.
You must apply to DCD by Monday 3 June 2024 to be considered for funding for the 2025 RAD Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma, London UK programme. You should make your application by this date regardless of whether you have confirmed your place on the course. Late applications cannot be considered.
Please note that any grants available are unlikely to cover the full cost of your retraining.
For more information, please contact the Dancer Support and Programmes Team on 020 7831 1449 or email dancers@thedcd.org.uk.
Do you need help with other costs?
Further study and career opportunities
Graduates are eligible to apply for RAD Registered Teacher Status and are well placed to work in the private, vocational and community dance sectors, or in a range of international teaching contexts. Many graduates also become mentors and tutors for the RAD.
Graduates may apply for the RAD’s Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching) providing they meet the English Language requirements and successfully complete an Access Module. The RAD engages graduates from its professional dancers’ programme for teaching on summer schools and other events.
How to apply
Programme Content
Dance Teaching as Professional Practice
Delivered over 10 weeks via distance learning and virtual tutorials.
This module will develop your understanding of dance teaching as a profession through an in-depth exploration of some of the widely held values, beliefs and attitudes of what it is to be a dance teacher. You will examine these values, beliefs and attitudes against professional and regulatory expectations of dance teachers, and teaching more generally. Through self-reflection and independent research, you will consider how the roles of dance teachers are influenced and shaped when teaching in non-formal, formal and informal dance education and training settings. You will be introduced to reflective practice, a core skill for effective learning and teaching, as a cognitive framework through which you will be able to engage in critical evaluation of your own teaching and your future role as a professional dance teacher.
Dance Teaching as Educational Practice
Delivered over 10 weeks via distance learning and virtual tutorials.
In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching in dance education and training by critically engaging with selected educational and training theories, approaches and strategies. You will consider how these approaches and strategies can be applied to different types of learners, different age groups, and different learning experiences and contexts. You will identify and critically evaluate how educational theories can inform and support effective teaching, in both planning and the practice of teaching.
Dance Teaching as Applied Practice
Delivered over 20 weeks to include a two-week Intensive Study Period (normally July) and a Teaching Placement of 10 weeks.
In this module, you will draw on the knowledge, understanding and skills from PDG601: Dance Teaching as Professional Practice and PDG602: Dance Teaching as Educational Practice and topics covered in the Intensive Study Period. You will devise and deliver effective dance classes which are progressive, safe and creative. You will be expected to seek opportunities to extend and refine your teaching skills in your selected dance teaching context with increasing independence and professionalism, informed by your knowledge of current educational and training theories and practices.