Dance and Choreography
MA

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.

To complete the course you will need to achieve 180 credits and study modules such as: 

Choreography 1 (40 credits): You will explore various choreographic approaches and strategies in order to create and develop innovative movement emerging from your own interests and strengths. 

Choreography 2 (40 credits): You'll develop your practical research skills in preparation for your Major Project by embarking on a practice-based project that has clear focus and aims which will be negotiated with your tutor.  This will include a supported intensive period of research and development. 

Advanced Research Methods (20 credits): During this module you will be introduced to current methods of research that seek to analyse and investigate embodied processes. You will identify key practitioners in their field and explore an area of particular interest. 

The Artist as an Entrepreneur (20 credits): You will develop an understanding of the workings of the professional dance sector and how to operate successfully within it. Working alongside sector professionals on a range of related subjects, you will acquire a breadth of knowledge which will enable you to further develop as an artist, with the potential of a sustainable portfolio career. 

Major Project (60 credits): This module will guide you towards the successful completion of the Masters award and provides the support necessary for you to make a fully realised piece of performance. 

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: 

• 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.
• All applicants will be asked to attend an interview with members of the Programme Team which may involve a practical element. The purpose of the interview is to gain a fuller understanding of your particular research interest and reasons for wanting to enrol on the programme, as well as making sure we will be able to support you fully.
• If you are considering studying this course part-time, please contact us to discuss your options.

2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)

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.

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.