Licentiate of
the Royal Academy of Dance
- Programme summary
- Programme breakdown
- Entry requirements
- Programme fees
- Student voices
-
Duration
5 weeks full-time annually for 2 years -
Apply by
13 April 2026 -
Location:
RAD, London -
Application
Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD -
Start
July 2026 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
N/A
For those who hold, or are completing a Level 4 ballet teaching qualification (or higher), this award offers the opportunity to specialise in the work of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Graduates from this award will have passed the RAD Advanced 1 examination and will hold a Level 4 (or higher) ballet teaching qualification, and are unique in being able to use the initials ‘LRAD’ after their names.
By undertaking the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance, you will build an extensive knowledge of the RAD ballet syllabi, strengthening your teaching confidence, and supporting safe, informed practice.
Through studio-based vocational study, you will discover who you are as a ballet teacher.
Your student experience
The award involves intensive practical study supported by lectures, presentations, peer teaching and seminars, but does not include practical teaching placements. For this reason, you will need to have some previous ballet teaching experience.
Delivery
The award is delivered over two summers (July/August). Each year offers a five week intensive component, one focusing on the RAD Graded and the other of RAD Vocational ballet syllabi. During these weeks, you will be expected to study full-time and attend all timetabled sessions.
Assessment mode
Your ability to demonstrate the syllabus content as a teacher will be assessed through ongoing practical evaluation. At the end of each component you will produce a presentation and participate in an assessor-led discussion, designed to evaluate your understanding of education and teaching practice, and your ability to debate selected issues in ballet education.
Award
Successful completion of the award leads to the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD. To be awarded the LRAD, you will need to hold by the end the award, a Level 4 (or higher) ballet teaching qualification, the RAD Vocational Graded Advanced 1 Ballet (or higher) and have passed all LRAD assessments.
The Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance focuses on RAD Graded and Vocational Syllabi
Focus on: RAD Graded Syllabi
One year focuses on the RAD Graded syllabi covering classical and character work from ‘Dance to your own Tune’ to the Higher Grades. During this time, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of how ballet vocabulary progresses from teaching the very beginnings of classical ballet through to Grade 8 level.
You will have the opportunity to focus on the role of music, develop training exercises and free enchainment as well as approaches to teaching classical ballet safely and effectively to different ages and stages of learners.
Focus on: RAD Vocational Syllabi
One year focuses on the RAD Vocational syllabi from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2 covering both Female and Male settings. In addition to strengthening your knowledge and understanding of the progressions of classical ballet at vocational level, you will spend time exploring the development of pointe work and the considerations around the effective teaching of the pre-professional dancer.
Award Specification
The detailed aims and learning outcomes of the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance are available in the award specification.
Entry requirements
RAD Intermediate or equivalent examination in ballet, plus enrolment on or completion of a Level 4 (or higher) ballet teaching qualification.
Appropriate English Language Proficiency test is recommended for students whose first language is not English.
Validated by:
-
Duration
5 weeks full-time annually for 2 years -
Apply By
13 April 2026 -
Location:
RAD, London -
Application
Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD -
Start
July 2026 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
N/A
Fees for 2026/27
Fees for 2026/27 are published on our Fees and Funding page.
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.
Application forms and submission deadlines can be found under ‘Apply now’.
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.
In 2026, we are pleased to be able to offer The Headley Trust LRAD Bursary. The funds will be used to offer one full bursary (awarded to a current RAD student) and seven part bursaries (awarded to graduates and students). Applicants must be resident in the UK to be considered for the bursary. Please see our Financing your Studies page for more bursary information and application forms.
For information on planning your budget and typical programme costs, such as dancewear, equipment, accommodation and travel, please see our fees and funding page.
On-site (full-time)
Award Fee
each year, plus £130 registration fee on enrolment.
RAD Graduate/Member Fee
each year, plus £130 registration fee on enrolment.
Faculty of Education Student Fee
each year.
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.
Nikol Konstantinidou
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Graduate
I am originally from Cyprus and have just finished my final year on the BA Ballet Education programme, alongside studying for the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Moving to London to study was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have met many inspiring people during my time here, including teachers who have given me so much knowledge, wanted me to succeed and inspired me to be the best teacher I can be, while I learn and improve. I definitely think I have discovered a hardworking and productive part of myself and have realised that being a ballet teacher is what I am meant to be doing, as it makes me feel happy and complete.
Studying the LRAD has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has definitely prepared me well and made me teach confidently and have knowledge in the RAD syllabus and ballet technique, while also ensuring I understand injury prevention, so that my students can dance safely. I am so grateful for this experience, which has been memorable and is the start of a bright and exciting future for me here in London.
Jessica Cameron
-
Graduate
The LRAD enhanced my practice immensely and complimented my BA Ballet Education programme knowledge. The intensive nature of the LRAD, although demanding, teaches you so much, as it helps to ensure you know the RAD syllabi and its specifications in great depth, ready for when you qualify to teach. Alongside this, you are also given useful teaching strategies, imagery ideas and generally helpful tips to aid your future students in their learning.
The teachers are unbelievably knowledgeable, very inspiring and incredibly supportive and really make the experience a rewarding and fulfilling journey. The programme offers you a chance to embody and dance the syllabi yourself and the examinations are a mixture of practical and theory work – something I very much appreciate. It is certainly not an easy ride, but your year group becomes incredibly close and supportive and with some hard work and perseverance, it’s a brilliant programme to be a part of!