Program Overview

MA Dance and Choreography

Course Description

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.

Study Options

• Full-time: 1 year
• UK fee: £9,720 for the full course (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 for the full course (2025/26)
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Details

What You Will Study

You will study the following modules:

• Postgraduate Certificate:
  • Choreography 1 (40 credits)
  • Advanced Research Methods (20 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma:
  • Choreography 2 (40 credits)
  • Artist as Entrepreneur (20 credits)
• MA:
  • Major Project: Dissertation OR Performance Piece (60 credits)

How You Will Learn

You will learn in a dynamic working environment with a focus on dance and choreography. You will participate in creative lab sessions in fully equipped dance studios, where you will have the opportunity to experiment with new ideas, collaborating with peers, and others you choose to work with.

How You Are Assessed

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

People You'll Meet

The main members of the teaching team are experienced dance professionals who are still working within the industry. The team includes:

• Alice Marshall: Programme Leader for the course as well as a performer and choreographer.
• Liz Foster: Senior Lecturer with years of experience in the dance industry both as a performer and choreographer.

Careers

Students who complete this programme will be able to produce their own work and have a wider network to allow themselves to further their work as choreographers and dancers.

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.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is used both to provide evidence of equivalence for entry and as evidence of advanced standing for entry.
• Where English is not the first language for international applicants, applicants need to provide a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
• A digital portfolio containing recent choreographic work is required.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

• Type | Full-time | Part-time
  • UK | £9,720 for the full course | N/A
  • International | £16,900 for the full course | N/A

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Tickets to see shows at Derby Theatre (student deal of £6 per ticket)
• Dance clothes (£15-£40 per outfit)
• Props/costumes if needed for your work (£40-£100)

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply. Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.