Dance and Movement for Wellbeing

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.

Programme Leader Alice Marshall featured on ResDance podcast

Dr Gemma Harman heads up a podcast dedicated to research in dance practice, intended for educators, students, practitioners and performers and interdisciplinary researchers curious to learn more about dance research in action. Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Dance and Movement for Wellbeing, Alice Marshall, was a guest on this podcast on ResDance Series 8: Episode 3: Exploring Dance as a Tool for Awareness and Wellbeing. In the episode, Alice shares insight into her experiences both as a professional dancer and choreographer and the work of her company - Adaire to Dance. Through exploring her choreographic identity, she offers insight into performative work and her drive for encouraging accessibility of the arts, presenting opportunities for all in dance. Alice reflects upon the role dance has as a tool for raising awareness of experiences and conversations that feel difficult to have, sharing her personal journey with baby loss and the role dance has played in her recovery. Throughout the episode, Alice highlights the need for open dialogue and conversation within dance and reminds listeners as to the wider value of dance. Listen to Alice Marshall on ResDance.

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

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.

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:

• practical dance classes
• practical creative workshops 
• group discussions - both peer and tutor-led 
• research and development labs
• critical feedback sessions 
• seminars
• independent study 
• masterclasses 
• digital skills workshops.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of:

• practical classes
• performances
• research essays and papers
• vivas/presentations 
• journals.

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.  

2026 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Additional entry requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended - view portfolio details

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

Additional costs and optional extras

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.