Program Overview

Foundation Degree in Dance Teaching in the Private Sector

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Dance Teaching in the Private Sector is a two-year Level 5 program offered in partnership with Chichester College. This innovative program is designed to prepare students for a successful and rewarding career in the dance sector, either as a performer, choreographer, community dance practitioner, or dance teacher within the independent sector.

The Course

Description

The program is built on Chichester College's reputation for delivering high-quality Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) dance teacher training and the University of Chichester's long-standing reputation for its breadth of study in dance. Students will broaden their dance knowledge, develop their practical skills in technique, performance, and choreography, and achieve an Undergraduate Level 5 Diploma and the internationally recognized ISTD Diploma in Dance Education.

Modules

For a full list of modules, please refer to the UCAS website.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

Students will receive the support of experienced and practicing teaching staff. Special features of this program include:

• Delivery at both the Chichester College campus and the University of Chichester's Bishop Otter campus
• Small group sizes to ensure students get the support they need to succeed
• Options to select areas of study that relate directly to career aspirations
• Full access to all University facilities, including studios, library, student union, sports facilities, halls of residence, and regular performances by visiting dance companies at the University Showrooms
• Opportunity to progress to the University of Chichester's third-year honors degree dance program

Assessment

All students will be internally assessed through a combination of coursework and practical work. ISTD Dance Practice and Teaching Practice are assessed by ISTD examiners/moderators.

Careers

Career Options

Successful completion of this course will enable students to apply for full membership of the ISTD and embark on a career as a fully qualified dance teacher in the independent sector. Students may choose to continue their higher education studies by progressing onto the third year of one of the University of Chichester's BA (Hons) Dance programs, which will afford them the opportunity to move on to postgraduate studies such as PGCE or Masters degree.

Possible career paths include:

• ISTD dance teacher
• Owner of an independent dance school
• Choreographer
• Community dance practitioner
• Dance teacher in the public sector
• Dance company education officer
• Dance movement psychotherapist (with postgraduate study)
• Dance or arts administrator
• Dance journalist or critic
• Independent dance artist (performer, choreographer)
• Stage manager

Course Costs

Fees

The UK fee for the 2026/27 academic year is Ł9,790, inclusive of the Ł860 ISTD DDE exam entry fee. For further details about fees, please see the Tuition Fee page.

Entry Requirements

Typical Offers

Individual offers may vary. Students will need to be aged 18 and over, have studied dance to intermediate level, and wish to work in the performing arts industry as a dancer, choreographer, or community dance practitioner and/or a dance teacher within the independent sector.

Students will need:

• ISTD Intermediate in the genres to be studied for DDE (or recognized equivalency, including professional practice)
• A combination of GCE A levels or BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diplomas (or equivalent qualifications) totaling 104-120 UCAS tariff points
• GCSE Mathematics and English Language are preferred at grade 4 or above.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Dance Performance
• BA (Hons) Dance