Program Overview

Bachelor in Dance Studies (Honours)

The Bachelor in Dance Studies (Honours) programme marks the first step towards the formation of dancers and choreographers with special focus on the use of technology. This three-year programme synthesises theory and practice in such ways that theory underpins practice and practice illuminates theory.

Programme Overview

The programme is designed to appeal to two audience typologies:

• Matriculated students with a number of years' experience of practical dance study, seeking to pursue a career in Dance as an intending performer, choreographer, teacher, dance journalist, manager and administrator in dance schools, therapist, community dance worker, etc.
• Mature students (aged 23+) with a body of practical experience but no theoretical background, seeking to learn more about choreography, dance theory, technology and dance, or pedagogy.

Programme Details

• MQF Level: 6
• Duration and Credits: 3 Years, 180 ECTS
• Mode of Study: Full-time

Content

The programme synthesises theory and practice, with a focus on the use of technology in dance. Students will work increasingly as independent learners, formulating theoretical frameworks for individual projects and demonstrating discernment in choreographic crafting.

Delivery

The programme is delivered through intensive practical workshops, lectures, and seminars, interspersed with student-led and independent work and study, supported by regular tutorials.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students' main course of study, introducing them to writing and presenting in academic contexts and developing their competences for future careers.

Year 1

• Compulsory Units:
  • DCS1001: Dance Techniques Lab 1
  • DCS1003: Foundations of Choreography 1
  • DCS1005: Dance in History and Society 1
  • DCS1009: Dance and the Camera 1
  • DCS1014: Dance Forms and Practices
  • DCS1015: Introduction to Critical Dance Studies
• Semester 2:
  • DCS1002: Dance Techniques Lab 2
  • DCS1004: Foundations of Choreography 2
  • DCS1006: Dance in History and Society 2
  • DCS1010: Dance and the Camera 2
  • DCS1013: The Healthier Performer
  • THS1105: Performance Skills 2: Festival

Year 2

• Compulsory Units:
  • DCS2001: Dance Techniques Lab 3
  • PFA2004: Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance
• Elective Units:
  • ANT2060: Dance Anthropology and Ethnographic Practice
  • DCS2007: Technology and Interdisciplinary Performance 1
  • DCS2015: Dance Theatre
  • DCS2018: Dance Education
  • DCS2021: Movement Analysis: Theory and Practice
  • PFA2005: Performance and Philosophy
  • PFA2006: Musical Theatre: Histories and Training
• Semester 2:
  • DCS2002: Dance Techniques Lab 4
  • DCS2005: Dance and Performance Theory
• Elective Units:
  • DCS2008: Technology and Interdisciplinary Performance 2
  • DCS2016: Choreography: Modernism and Postmodernism
  • DCS2019: Dance in the Community
  • DCS2022: Dance Criticism
  • PFA2007: Musical Theatre: Performance
  • THS2107: Arts and Cultural Management 1: Theories and Perspectives

Year 3

• Compulsory Units:
  • DCS3008: Professional Practice and Performance
  • DCS3009: Choreological Perspectives
  • DCS3010: Individual Dance Project
• Semester 2:
  • DCS3004: Final Choreography
  • DCS3006: Performance Practitioners
  • DCS3007: Dissertation

Admission Criteria

• General Entry Requirements: Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications.
• Special Course Requirements: Applicants shall be interviewed and/or auditioned by a board composed of at least three members. They will also be required to submit a completed medical fitness form and a 250-word essay on dance performance or a dance book.

Fees

• Non-EU Applicants: Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

Career Opportunities

With a Dance Studies (Honours) degree, graduates will be able to work locally and internationally as arts administrators, choreographers, dancers, theatre directors, personal trainers, community arts workers, and teachers. They may also pursue an academic career at university level, enrolling in postgraduate courses offered at the University of Malta or in foreign institutions abroad.

Programme Governance

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019, and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor in Dance Studies (Honours) under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts.