Dance and Choreography

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. Artists will have the opportunity to tap into regional, national and international networks and have access to an exceptional body of infrastructure and resources. Key areas that will be covered include: 

• Narrative Development and Dramaturgy – the outside eye
• Role/involvement of the audience in a work (the fourth wall and when/how/what happens when you break it)
• The unique challenges of making work for indoor and outdoor contexts
• Funding landscape and opportunities
• Partnerships – who to develop them with and how to establish them
• Developing commissions
• Basics of health and safety in relation to the field (safe working practices/risk assessments/rigging)

Take a look at the below video and be inspired by this highly practical MA that allows Dance Artists to train, create original work and perform in professional studio spaces.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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.

Support will be provided by the MA Programme Leader and Academic team, along with specialist guest lecturers from the dance industry, particularly those with expertise in choreography and producing funded performances.

You will have the chance to create work that will be professionally presented, either in a professional theatre setting or at an alternative venue/location as needed. This unique experience will prepare you to work in a professional capacity, offering valuable knowledge and connections for producing work post-MA.

How you are assessed

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

Explore our Performing Arts and Theatre facilities

People you'll meet

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

• Alice Marshall: Programme Leader for the course as well as a performer and choreographer. Having worked for companies such as Company Chameleon, Retina Dance company and New Art Club, Alice now choreographs for her own company Adaire to Dance, supported by Arts Council England. This work often collaborates with Illuminos exploring dance and digital fusion.
• Liz Foster: Senior Lecturer with years of experience in the dance industry both as a performer and choreographer. Liz has worked as a lead dance artist with various companies including Royal Opera House, Royal Ballet School, Rambert Dance Company and as movement director for performances at the Buxton Festival.

• Applicants should normally hold a first degree of dance.
• Equivalent experience and achievement will be taken into account for applicants with less formal qualifications. Evidence of equivalence of knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to a first degree are required.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is used both to provide evidence of equivalence for entry and as evidence of advanced standing for entry. Applicants can be awarded up to a maximum of 80 RPL credits on proof of articulation with the programme content.
• Where English is not the first language for international applicants, applicants need to provide a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Students, especially those who enter with this minimum score, are encouraged to engage with additional study in order to develop their knowledge and application of academic English.
• We will require a digital portfolio containing recent choreographic work. This will serve to help us understand where your choreographic interest lies. Please email the below through to us: 
  • A video link to at least 2 pieces of work you have choreographed
  • A video link to at least 1 example of you dancing/performing 
• If you are considering studying this course part-time, please contact us to discuss your options.

Interview information

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

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.

You will be pioneers in this field and it is therefore anticipated that you will either have your own companies or undertake commissions for work from other parties.

Aside from generating your own work, you will also have the ability to be Creative Directors, Movement Directors and have the chance to produce papers discussing your specific area of choreography.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.