Undergraduate Course 

This course is ideally suited for individuals who are deeply passionate about dance and movement, as well as those who aspire to use their creativity to positively impact the lives of others. This course offers you a transformative educational journey, equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding necessary to harness the potential of dance and movement in promoting holistic health and wellbeing. This innovative three-year programme stands out for its specialised focus and commitment to applied learning and research-informed teaching.

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What you will study

You will study the below modules:

Dynamic Movement 1: Technique and Improvisation in Dance (40 Credits) 

This highly practical module is designed to enhance your understanding and knowledge of dance through a blend of technique and improvisational exercises. Each two-hour session commences with a structured class encompassing diverse styles such as contemporary, ballet, yoga or skinner release, followed by an exploration of improvisational techniques. 

Dance for Mental Health (40 credits)

This module will offer you the opportunity to reflect on the impact dance has on your own understanding of wellbeing and mental health. You will be encouraged to explore dance techniques and methods of delivery that have informed your personal dance practice as well as those that may be less familiar to you. You will have the opportunity to learn from the different experiences of those in the group in a safe and supportive environment.

Exploring Current Dance Practice for Wellbeing (20 credits) 

This module introduces key themes and trends in 21st-century dance practice relating to the impact dance practice has on health and wellbeing. It will develop critical and analytical thinking.   

Community Dance: Engaging, Inspiring, and Empowering through Movement (20 credits)

The Community Dance module delves into the use of movement within diverse community settings. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical engagement, you will develop the skills and insights necessary to lead and inspire through dance. Emphasising experiential learning, you will actively participate in studio-based projects, experimenting with movement options, and cultivating your own creative ideas.  

Dynamic Movement 2: Technique and Improvisation in Dance (40 credits)

Dynamic Movement 2 is a progressive continuation of the foundational principles established in Dynamic Movement 1 (level 4). Building upon the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained in the previous module, Dynamic Movement 2 places a greater emphasis on deeper understanding, skill development, and individual critical reflection.  

This module is designed to challenge students to expand their technical proficiency, creative expression, and conceptual understanding of dance. Through the three weekly advanced practical sessions, you will refine your mastery of various dance techniques introduced in Dynamic Movement 1, while also exploring new styles and approaches to movement. 

Dance for the Elderly (40 credits)

This module is designed to equip you with the expertise to engage and enhance the wellbeing of elderly individuals through dance and movement. Recognising the unique needs and benefits associated with this age group, you will delve into falls prevention programmes, and explore research in the field of Dance for Dementia and Parkinson’s. The module is underpinned by an understanding of anatomy and physiology to comprehend the ageing body from a physical perspective. Additionally, social perspectives on ageing will be explored, examining how society views ageing as either disabling or enabling.  

Community Engagement and Applied Dance Placement (20 credits)

This module introduces key theories and methodologies for dance practice in applied contexts. These may include community dance projects for a range of client groups, dance in healthcare settings as well as dance in education including primary and secondary contexts. You will also explore the work of professional dance company education and outreach departments.  

This knowledge will be carried forward into a placement in an applied or educational dance setting. 

Dance for Early Years: Facilitation and Creative Exploration for Children and Parents (20 credits)

The Dance for Early Years module explores facilitating dance experiences tailored specifically for early childhood development, alongside engaging parents in the process. This module underscores the pivotal role of movement in developing not only physical but also emotional growth in children. Drawing upon insights from developmental psychology, you will explore the nuanced stages of childhood development to tailor dance experiences that are conducive to children's holistic wellbeing.  

Dynamic Movement 3: Technique and Improvisation in Dance (40 credits)

Dynamic Movement 3 is a progressive continuation of the principles established in Dynamic Movement 2 (level 5). Building upon the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained in the previous module, Dynamic Movement 3 places emphasis on deeper understanding, skill development, and individual critical reflection as articulated in Dynamic Movement 2 however in this module you will be guided through the process of designing and delivering sessions for your peers. 

Independent Study in Dance and Movement for Wellbeing (40 credits)

This module offers you the opportunity to explore diverse avenues in the realm of dance and movement and its impact on personal and communal wellness. With three distinct assessment options, you can tailor your learning experiences to suit your interests and strengths as you embark on this individual research project.  

Creative Ballet Practice (20 credits)

This is a practical module; however, no experience of ballet technique is required. Ballet will be viewed as an art form that sits at the heart of the Western dance tradition however, it will be re-framed and scrutinised as an art form undergoing necessary changes to meet the current social and political agendas of inclusivity and diversity. The classical tropes and traditions will be challenged and ways of working with the art form in different contexts with a variety of cohorts will be explored.   

Arts for Wellbeing (20 credits) 

The Arts for Wellbeing module offers an exploration of the transformative power of the arts for holistic wellbeing. Students will delve into various artistic disciplines, including music, film, literature, and more, through engaging with accomplished artists who will share their practices and insights.  

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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.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Big spaces for big ideas

Kedleston Road offers it all: study in our largest library, relax at Basecamp, train in real-world healthcare settings, and stay active in our state-of-the-art Sports Centre.

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Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

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How you will learn

A variety of approaches will underpin your learning and teaching experience within the programme. You will be encouraged to take an increasingly autonomous approach to your development, and you will acquire key skills and evolve learning patterns on which to build your knowledge and understanding. Your experiential learning will result from a demanding range of practical activities and through the opportunity to integrate theory and practice.   

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging. You will take part in:

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of:

Who you'll meet

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Helping you reach your full potential

Our Personal Academic Tutoring programme supports your academic journey, helping you achieve your goals and unlock your potential.

Explore the programme

Who will teach you

Alice Marshall (Vale)

Programme Leader

Alice Marshall

Alice Marshall (Vale)

Alice is dedicated to using dance to address complex social issues. With extensive experience in community facilitation and performance, she shares her expertise with all those she teaches. Her research has contributed to scholarly dis...

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Careers

As a graduate of this course, you will have acquired a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base that prepares you for a multitude of post-programme opportunities.   

This course prepares graduates for diverse and impactful career paths. Key opportunities include roles as community dance participation practitioners within mental health organisations and NHS trusts, outreach and engagement positions within dance companies, and freelance work across various contexts from nurseries and care homes to ballet companies. Graduates can also pursue careers in dance management, production, community engagement, and arts and health advocacy roles.  

There are clear pathways to advance your expertise through our specialised MA programmes in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Dance and Choreography, offering opportunities for further specialisation and career advancement in related fields.  

This course will provide you with the tools, skills, and understanding to pursue a fulfilling and impactful career in the dynamic and evolving field of dance and movement for wellbeing.  

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

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96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Entry requirements

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBC
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEN/A
English language requirementsIELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Additional entry requirements

Fees and funding

2025/26

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,535 per year

£1,190 per 20 credit module

International

£16,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

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.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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