BA (Hons)
Dance Education
Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education
Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education
- Programme summary
- Programme breakdown
- Entry requirements
- Programme fees
- Student voices
- Programme details
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Duration
1–3 years full-time
1–5 years part-time* -
Apply by
Full-time 31 January 2024
Part-time 30 April 2024 -
Location:
Distance learning -
Application
Full-time via UCAS**
Part-time via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD
**Applicants looking to enter directly into Level 5 please apply via Registry.
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Start
September 2024 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
Level 4 Certificate (120 credits)
Level 5 Diploma (240 credits)
Level 6 Degree (360 credits)
This programme offers a unique opportunity to become part of an international online community of learners engaged in the study of dance education and teaching.
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 these aspirations is to study for an internationally-recognised qualification such as the BA (Hons) Dance Education.
As a distance learner, you will be able to study from home, with access to a rich variety of online study materials, workshops, individual and group tutorials. You will receive personalised feedback on your work from our dedicated team of specialist tutors.
*This programme will be under-going its statutory five year review in January 2024. Any changes to the programme will be effective from September 2024.
Your student experience
The BA (Hons) Dance Education programme is studied full-time at Level 4 by all students. From Level 5 onwards, you have the option to select either full-time or part-time study as your circumstances dictate. You can choose to study at certificate, diploma or degree level.
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 online study guides that contain key source materials, tutor-guided tasks and suggestions for further study. You are allocated a specialist tutor for each module, with whom you will have regular contact via email and scheduled online tutorials. You will have access to online forums, via our virtual learning environment, as a means of communication with other students and tutors throughout the world.
* First year must be studied full-time
Certificate of Higher Education: 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.
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All modules are compulsory:
- 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
Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education
At Level 5, you will be able to extend your knowledge of philosophical, pedagogical and professional issues in dance education, as well as developing your research and academic 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.
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Compulsory modules:
- The Nature of Dance
- Dance Analysis
- Perspectives on Learning and Teaching
- Enhancing Performance
- Plus one module option in each Semester
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Module options:
- Practical Teaching Placement*
- Perspectives on Music and Dance
- Dance Education and Training in Context
- Dance as a Community Practice
*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.
BA (Hons) Dance Education
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.
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Compulsory modules:
- Perspectives on Dance Education
- Dissertation
- Plus three module options across Semesters 1 and 2
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Module options:
- Dance and Older Learners
- Optimising Performance
- Cultural Trends in Dance
- Dance in Higher Education
- Designing Dance Curricula
Entry requirements
Three GCE A level passes or equivalent. RAD Intermediate or equivalent standard in any dance genre. Appropriate English Language Proficiency test for students whose first language is not English. For applicants who reside in countries that do not have the equivalent of A levels, the Faculty of Education offers a Foundation Module that meets the entry criteria for undergraduate access. For more details, please visit www.royalacademyofdance.org/foundation-module.
We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds 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.
Assessment mode
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.
Employment prospects
Students who have completed this programme work in a range of careers in dance teaching, both in the public and private sectors, as well as in other communities including dance for older and adult learners. Many of our students progress to postgraduate studies or have extended their freelance work into new dance contexts.
Award
Successful completion of Level 4 leads to the award of the Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education.
Successful completion of Level 5 leads to the award of the Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education.
Successful completion of Level 6 leads to the award of the BA (Hons) Dance Education.
Further study and career development
Students who gain the BA (Hons) Dance Education may be eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching (with Qualified Teacher Status). Graduates with teaching experience may also apply for the Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching).
More information
www.royalacademyofdance.org/bade
Validated by:
-
Duration
1–3 years full-time
1–5 years part-time* -
Apply By
Full-time 31 January 2024
Part-time 30 April 2024 -
Location:
Distance learning -
Application
Full-time via UCAS**
Part-time via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD
**Applicants looking to enter directly into Level 5 please apply via Registry.
-
Start
September 2024 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
Level 4 Certificate (120 credits)
Level 5 Diploma (240 credits)
Level 6 Degree (360 credits)
Fees for 2023/24
The following information relates to fees for entry in Academic Year September 2023/24.
Faculty of Education graduates who go on to study for a postgraduate award delivered by the RAD or further study of an RAD award can benefit from a discount in tuition fees. Tuition fees are invoiced in instalments for each programme as appropriate.
Awards, bursaries and hardship funds
We are committed to providing support to students who wish to develop their skills and knowledge through study and we offer a limited number of awards, bursaries and hardship funds for specific purposes. The application forms and submission deadlines can be found under ‘Fees and funding’ on the RAD website.
For information on planning your budget and typical programme costs, such as dancewear, equipment, accommodation and travel, please see HE Fees.
Concessionary entry
A fee may be payable for programmes where applicants can submit a concessionary entry task. Further information on concessionary entry and associated costs can be found at How to Apply.
Distance learning - Full-time
BA (Hons) Dance Education
Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education
Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Education
per academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.
Distance learning - Part-time
BA (Hons) Dance Education
Diploma of Higher Education: Dance Education
per academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.
We are very proud of our students and graduates here at the RAD.
Read about their different student experiences and where they are now through our Student Voices.
Rowena Cousins
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Student Ambassador
As well as being a freelance teacher around Surrey and Berkshire, I also run my own dance school. I’m highly enthusiastic about furthering my teaching knowledge, to keep relevant and inspiring for my students, so I chose to study the BA (Hons) Dance Education.
I am currently in my second year of full-time study, and I can already say how much more appreciated and enhanced my teaching is. Also, interaction with an increasing network of worldwide teachers from the course is so valuable. I find it increasingly vital that teachers hold values of accessibility, safe dance practice and student well-being, and the modules studied in the BADE course give great virtue to these qualities.
The RAD staff and tutors a wealth of knowledge and have also supported my dyslexic learning, their inclusive approach inspires me to continue my dance teaching development, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
I wanted to become a student ambassador to help promote key values that the RAD BADE course delivers. The scope of dance and dance teaching is immense, celebrating increasingly more communities and types of dancers, and this is something educators need to be aware of and acknowledge in their work to allow student progression so there is less bias in dance. Also, ensuring dance practitioners are following correct guidelines whilst furthering their subject matter is significant in upholding the reputation of dance teaching.
The best thing about being an ambassador is being so connected to the RAD. As well as agreeing with its values, it seems being an ambassador is a platform to be creative, share and learn from others. Being an advocate for something I’m so passionate about has truly enhanced my own personal skills as well as positively impacting current and future dance enthusiasts.
Eleanor Weston
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Student Ambassador
I wanted to study at the RAD because it was an institute that I grew up with in my dance studies; it was somewhere that my younger self dreamed of attending. The BA (Hons) Dance Education distance learning approach has allowed me to balance my work alongside my studies, as well as building a community of worldwide dancers and peers – both of which I am extremely grateful for.
My current interests include inclusive teaching practice and curriculum within dance education. I have also recently worked on the board of a dance conference titled ‘Dancing with Decolonisation’ in which dance practitioners, researchers, teachers and artists came together to discuss a wide range of topics on decolonial, inclusive practice and teaching.
In the future I plan to continue my studies through a masters and PhD – aspiring toward a career in dance academia; specifically furthering my research into inclusive, diverse pedagogy and curriculum within dance at higher education.
I’m currently in my third year and wanted to become a student ambassador because I have been endlessly supported by an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced faculty; I wanted to shine a light on the community of support and excellence here at the RAD. I believe that the BA (Hons) Dance Education course is one of the most accessible and diverse courses on offer, and I am proud to represent it to prospective students and the dance community.
I believe the best thing about being a student ambassador is being able to champion the Faculty of Education at the RAD and be a representative of such a historically celebrated institute.
Amy Sirdefield
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Student Ambassador
I work as a teaching assistant at my local dance school, teaching children aged 4-13 years, and chose to study distance learning as I wanted a course that was flexible with my job and other commitments. This course has allowed me to gain a further insight into teaching dance and has also provided me with valuable skills which I can apply to my own methods of teaching to make them more effective and inclusive to all.
I have really enjoyed my experience on the BA Dance Education course thus far. I was intrigued as to how the delivery would be done as it is a completely online course, but the lectures are so inclusive, and I have loved the practical elements as it is nice to see everyone moving together. By learning things via practical methods, I can see how the movements feel and these elements can easily be applied to my methods of teaching dance.
This course is really good because it is so flexible, and I like being able to work through the modules at my own pace. The sessions are recorded which is so useful as they are available to re-watch, so I gain a further understanding of the content taught previously. The tutors are so helpful when it comes to feedback and always strive to help you to be the best you can be.
Once I have graduated, I am interested in completing a MA in Dance at RAD and performing in shows to gain industry experience. I aspire to become a qualified dance teacher, as I love being able to share the passion of dance with others and see them grow and develop.