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 the professional studios and theatre at Déda creative dance house.
This MA is the result of Déda's and the University of Derby’s recognition of the need to create a postgraduate course which reflects the growing trend within the Dance and Contemporary Circus sectors of artists exploring and blending each other’s practice. Artists are naturally fusing the two forms and there is a need in the UK to create academic resources as is happening in mainland Europe including Sweden and Netherlands.
There are currently no institutions in the UK offering artists a place to research and develop this growing hybrid work - Déda feels like a natural home given its focus on Dance, Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Performance. The MA will build on the success of the undergraduate programme BA (Hons) Dance which launched in 2014. As part of the undergraduate programme, a foundation is offered in aerial and acrobatic practice.
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 the working environment of Déda, a sector leading organisation for dance and choreography based in Derby city centre. You will learn through creative lab sessions in our dance studios, where you will be able to try out new ideas on your peers, yourselves and others that you choose to work with.
You will be supported by the MA Programme Leader, as well as specialist guest lecturers from the dance sector, including specifically those working with choreography and generating funded performances.
You will be able to create work that will be professionally presented by Déda’s Technical Stage Management Team in the Déda Theatre or at an alternative venue/location as required. This unique opportunity will enable you to work in a professional capacity, providing knowledge and connections for producing work after your MA.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed through a mixture of papers, practical demonstrations, performances and vive voce (oral examination).
Explore Déda through a virtual tour:
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 Déda and 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.
2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £7,200 for the full course or £800 per 20 credits* | £800 per 20 credits |
| International/EU | £14,700 for the full course | N/A |
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.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
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.
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.
Contact us Contact us 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.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
- Support and guidance from Déda staff
- Technical support for performances at Déda
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Tickets to see shows at Déda (student deal of £5 per ticket)
- Dance clothes (£15-£40 per outfit)
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Props/costumes if needed for your work (£40-£100)
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. 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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