BA (Hons)
Dance

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Key Information

Duration

3 years

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

UCAS Code

W500

Academic Year

Course Overview

The University of Lincoln's BA (Hons) Dance degree explores the link between creative practice and the theoretical study of dance with the opportunity to examine disciplines including technique, choreography, performance, teaching, and research.

Dance training at Lincoln focuses on contemporary techniques and works to develop and nurture creative practice. A variety of modules aim to help students to develop transferable skills in preparation for their future career.

The course offers a daily dance class in contemporary techniques, contemporary ballet, commercial-based practices, anatomy and fitness, choreography and performance (live, digital, and site specific) and dance management and production. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge essential to become self-producing artist operating within the dance industry as well as those interested in pursuing a portfolio career within the arts after graduation.

The practice-based curriculum reflects the vocational needs of professional dancers. It gives students the opportunity to engage with practical and theoretical methods to become stronger dancers and more dynamic dance-makers.

This degree is founded in professional practice, and the Lincoln School of Creative Arts is proud to be part of a vibrant community of academics and professional artists. Students can benefit from a visiting artists programme and participate in professional company workshops.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject ranked joint 1st in the UK for 'teaching on my course*

450-seat professional theatre on campus

Opportunities to tour performances around the UK

Optional additional qualifications/awards

Opportunities to perform with the Lincoln Dance Collective

Credits which can be used against ticketed performances at the Lincoln Arts Centre

*National Student Survey 2023 (out of 19 ranking institutions)

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

The course is organised into four strands that develop throughout the duration of the programme and are designed to prepare students for graduation. These are:

- Dance Technique
- Improvisation and Choreography
- Critical Contexts and Applied Practice
- Industry and Employability

This allows students to develop advanced skills in a range of areas to enhance employability prospects.

Initially the course focuses on the fundamentals of technique, choreography and improvisation. It progresses to expand bodily awareness through other areas of dance, such as dance anatomy and fitness, somatic practices, digital/screen-based practice, and contact improvisation. In the final year, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance their skills to refine their own interests or specialisms.

Students can participate in a touring dance company, independent practice as research, choreographic projects, and dance in education. Students will also have the opportunity to attend lectures that consider the market and industry to develop skills for managing, producing, funding, and marketing their own work.

During their studies, students have the chance to gain experience and make industry contacts through a work placement. They have the opportunity to study abroad for one term during the second year at the University's partner institution in Norway, enabling them to experience international approaches to dance training. Students who choose to study abroad or undertake work placements are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Lectures and seminars are supplemented by studio and workshop sessions, which aim to form an understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of dance. Students may also have the opportunity to work away from the University on outreach, performance tours and community-based projects, incorporating technical and vocational skills, in order to experience dance as a creative enterprise.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Choreo 1: Improvisation and Composition 2024-25DAN1026MLevel 42024-25This module aims to increase the dancer’s potential as a creative practitioner. Through studio practice sessions, students will be guided through a series of choreographic techniques to understand how improvisation and composition exist together. Students will be encouraged to use physical skills developed from contemporary techniques as a point of departure to develop their own movement ideas, languages, forms and identities.CoreCollaborative Performance Making 2024-25DAN1027MLevel 42024-25Students will investigate the choreographic portfolio of a significant practitioner from the 20th or 21st Century, and use their choreographic process as an inspiration to develop an original choreographic work. The module gives an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with their peers and tutor, and students are asked to contribute to the choreography, set design, light, sound and costume design as part of this module. The work is usually performed at our annual public showcase in January, held in the LPAC theatre.CoreDance Anatomy 2024-25DAN1028MLevel 42024-25This module will provide a sound and detailed anatomical, physiological and kinesiological knowledge base for the students to support their technical training and help them better understand the functioning of the body in motion. Students will focus on the cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems, the module will aim to help them identify key aspects of kinesiology such as alignment, posture, muscle strength, developing flexibility, and how to utilise this knowledge for safe dance practice and physical progression.CoreDance Studies 1 2024-25DAN1029MLevel 42024-25This Semester A level 1 module will support the students in their transition into HE study by introducing necessary theoretical tools and methods of study required throughout the BA (Hons) Dance degree, and allow them to put these into practice. The focal area for this skills building will be around the introduction to, engagement with, and critical analysis of 21st Century dance works (live and recorded) and dance-based literature from key practitioners and writers. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of lineage, development and dance history as relevant to the rest of their degree course.CoreDance Technique 1 2024-25DAN1030MLevel 42024-25This module is aimed at initiating the development of acquiring physical techniques and body-based knowledge required of dance professionals. Students will be introduced to basic principles of safe dance practice and effective methods of warming up and cooling down. Within this module, students will develop an awareness of multiple contemporary dance techniques and will be encouraged to develop their strength, flexibility and coordination.CoreScreen Dance 2024-25DAN1022MLevel 42024-25Screen Dance gives students the opportunity to explore choreography off the stage and onto the screen. This module focuses on the creation of a dance work for video, exploring the use of the camera, editing as choreography and the transformation of movement through digital video technology. The module gives students the opportunity to storyboard, shoot and edit a short dance film, as well as document this process in a production dossier. Students can work in production teams to achieve a final video which explores choreography in a new and exciting way.CoreChoreo 2: An Ongoing Research and Performance Lab 2025-26DAN2025MLevel 52025-26Choreo 2: An Ongoing Research and Performance Lab builds on earlier choreography and technique modules and introduces contact improvisation as a movement form that challenges and develops the student’s responses to gravity, inertia and momentum, thus complimenting a technical and creative dance training by revealing new possibilities and relationships for questioning, moving and choreographing bodies in space.CoreChoreo 2: Space and Location 2025-26DAN2026MLevel 52025-26This module builds on the knowledge gained in Choreography 1 and aims to increase the dancer’s potential as a creative practitioner. Through studio practice sessions, students will be guided through a series of choreographic techniques and responses to set stimuli. Students will be asked to consider making work for theatre and non-theatre venues, and will explore the implications of performing in public or private spaces.CoreDance Contexts 2025-26DAN2027MLevel 52025-26Dance Contexts introduces a range of critical perspectives that help students analyse, interpret and discuss constructs of performance in more detail. The module opens up the idea that performance making and viewing is both an artistic and cultural activity, and starts to unpack what else there might be to look for and how else we might think about and discuss what is seen, to produce multiple readings of a work.CoreDance Studies 2 2025-26DAN2030MLevel 52025-26The ‘Dance Studies 2’ module will explore a range of methods and practice of research. Students will learn how to select appropriate methods and methodologies pertinent to their chosen research questions. The module allows students to explore, apply, analyse, evaluate and create knowledge with the objective of identifying and critically evaluating research.CoreDance Technique 2: Dance and Fitness 2025-26DAN2028MLevel 52025-26This module aims to introduce students to principles and concepts of fitness training alongside the development of their dance technique training. The content develops further upon the function of the major physiological systems addressed in the level 4 Dance Anatomy module. Students will embark on their own research projects that focus on safe and effective practice in dance technique as well as the needs of the training dancer.CoreDance Technique 2: Somatics 2025-26DAN2015MLevel 52025-26In “Dance Technique 2: Somatics” students will build on their technical and anatomical understanding from level one, through the introduction of somatic practices. The module is aimed at deepening body awareness and body consciousness in movement and develops the objective anatomical body of knowledge accrued in the first year towards the subjective and experiential. The purpose of introducing somatic practices into the second year of study is to help students become mindful of how the body is used, and to uncover thought process, attitudes and training practices that can both hinder and liberate their potential as dancers. The application of somatics facilitates a deeper understanding of the body and its systems in relation to its environment. Somatic practices promote the idea of the thinking dancer, the dancer who is alert to the internal and external changes of the body and the environment. This thoughtful approach informs a centred practice and one through which the student can develop presence and clarity in their work. Somatic practices such as Yoga, Bartenieff Fundamentals, and Bodywork and Somatic Education will enable students to become more conscious of their movement patterns, choices and dynamic range. Additionally, time will be allocated to guide students towards experiencing the body and movement from particular starting points, such as breath or the cellular system. Dance technique at this level will be informed by: • Contemporary/Release techniques • Somatic Theories and PracticesCoreDigital Performance 2025-26DAN2019MLevel 52025-26This module focuses on the interdisciplinary field of digital performance. “We define the term 'digital performance' broadly to include all performance works where computer technologies play a key role rather than a subsidiary one in content, techniques, aesthetics or delivery forms” (Dixon, 2007, p3). It examines the intersection of digital media and performance in various contexts, such as interactive media on stage, biosensors and the body in performance, and social media and performance opportunities. By working with various digital technologies students can engage and explore practically how to make performance using these tools and new technologies.CoreIndustry Placements: Career planning 2025-26DRA2051MLevel 52025-26The Placement module encourages students to engage with the creative industries beyond the University by completing between 40-60 hours of placement with a business or organisation of their choosing. Through direct workplace experience, students may develop new skills, strengthen existing ones, establish valuable professional networks, and target future employment opportunities. Following the placement students are assessed via presentations where they reflect upon their professional development and the impact of their work with the partner organisation.OptionalMusic Theatre 2025-26MUS2012MLevel 52025-26Musical theatre is an interdisciplinary form. Those that perform it require a “triple threat” skill set (acting, singing, and dancing), and similarly those that produce it need to have an understanding of directing, choreography and composition/arrangement. In this module students will have the opportunity to develop and integrate their skills across these disciplines. While, there will be the option to incorporate both performance and production roles, students will be required to participate in and contribute to the development of material that encompasses acting, dancing, singing/music making. This work will take place in the context of a preparing a piece of Music Theatre (60-90 minutes in length) for public performance. The production itself may take various forms. For instance, it could be a production of an existing Musical, or it could be devised and developed by the group. Similarly, an existing libretto could be set to new Music or vice versa. These decisions will be made by the member of staff directing the production at the beginning of the module.OptionalStage Combat 2025-26DRA2037MLevel 52025-26This module aims to teach students the basics of engaging in stage combat and gives them the option of progressing to the Academy of Performance Combat Basic Three Weapon exam.OptionalStudy Abroad Dance 2025-26DAN2024MLevel 52025-26The Erasmus Exchange Programme is an optional module of study for the award of the BA Dance Degree. As part of the three-year course, some students may study for the duration of Semester B at the Norwegian College of Dance. The modules for study in Semester B are all practice based modules. The Erasmus Exchange enables participants to spend a semester at a Norwegian institution, to experience other approaches to the study of their own and others’ culture and history and the opportunity to experience living in another culture.OptionalThe Teaching Artist 2025-26DAN2029MLevel 52025-26Throughout this module students will develop and deepen their knowledge and practice of teaching and delivering dance in a ranger of practitioner settings. Students will practice, analyse and discuss various possible strategies for working in a variety of environments, including more challenging environments, such as integrated settings and with hard-to-reach groups. A range of established dance practitioners will share their practice over the course of the module, providing specialist insight into the many varied ways of engaging people in dance. This module has a strong industry-facing element, and will provide key knowledge and tools for students wanting to move toward teaching dance as part of their career.OptionalChoreo 3: Performance 2026-27DAN3020MLevel 62026-27This module builds on the knowledge gained in Choreo 2 and aims to prepare students for developing and realising a choreographic project tailored to their own interests and specialisms. Students will explore choreographic techniques in dance and physical theatre, and create two projects over the course of the year. Students will be guided through pre-production processes, including the design and delivery of an audition, as well as considerations of production design. The final projects will be performed in a public performance event, held in the LPAC theatre.CoreDance Company and Education 2026-27DAN3023MLevel 62026-27This module allows students to directly apply the skills acquired in technique, choreography and teaching. Students will form their own dance company and work with an artist to create a full length work. The company will embark on a small scale tour to perform their work and deliver educational workshops to schools/ colleges based on the repertoire. Students will be responsible for the organisation and management of the tour, adopting appropriate roles as part of the company.CoreDance Management and Production 2026-27DAN3024MLevel 62026-27The module will examine the current dance landscape in which students will explore key questions such as: What dance is being made? How is it being made? Who is it being made for? Students will analyse this information in order to identify gaps and trends within the current market to gain further understanding of what skills and knowledge may be required in order to successfully work within the dance industry.CoreDance Studies 3: Research Project 2026-27DAN3021MLevel 62026-27Dance Studies 3 requires students to complete an extended final year project and identify research questions pertinent to their own interest or specialism. Students will devise, plan, research, draft and complete their own individual research project on a subject of their own choosing in the field of Dance Studies. Students will have the option to conduct practice based, practice led research or a fully written thesis using appropriate academic conventions.CoreDance Technique 3: Performance and Leadership 2026-27DAN3025MLevel 62026-27In ‘Dance Technique and Performance’ students have the opportunity to develop and explore a working practice of the technical skills and knowledge required to further an advanced understanding of dance technique. The module supports students to develop their unique potential as a mover and practitioner. Technique and Performance aims to demonstrate an understanding of artistic communication through acquisition and mastery of technical dance and presentation skills. The module aims to reveal a student’s individuality and creativity in technical performance, displaying personalised style, technical proficiency in placement, strength and flexibility, and centring. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own technique teaching skills and develop an understanding of how to plan and deliver a dance technique class.Core

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              How you are assessed

              Most modules on the course are assessed through practical performances and written work that takes the form of notebooks, analytical essays, case studies and reflective reports.

              In the first year, assessment is 52.5% coursework and 47.5% practical exams. In the second year it is 50% coursework and 50% practical exams. In the third year it is 42.5% coursework and 57.5% practical exams.

              The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

              Facilities

              Students can work and perform in the University’s on-campus Lincoln Arts Centre, a £6 million, 450-seat professional theatre with industry-standard studio spaces. The Centre, part of a busy arts community, hosts professional performances alongside student productions.

              Interior of the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre main auditorium with colourful seating

              During my time at Lincoln, I have had the opportunity to develop myself as a dancer, performer, and choreographer. What first attracted me to Dance at Lincoln was the variety of modules that were on offer, and I felt these would enable me to grow in all areas of my dance practice.

              Charlotte Bennett

              BA (Hons) Dance graduate

              What Can I Do with a Dance Degree?

              Dance graduates are well-placed for a wide variety of careers, including performance, choreography, community arts leadership, education, and arts management. 

              Entry Requirements 2024-25

              United Kingdom

              112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

              A Levels: BBC.

              International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.

              BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

              T Level: Merit

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

              Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.

              The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

              We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

              International

              Non UK Qualifications:

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

              EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/

              If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

              Interviews 

              Once we have received your application via UCAS, you will be invited to a face-to-face audition date. The audition will include a Dance Technique and Creative workshop. There will be group interviews to give us a chance to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you may have. There will be opportunities to meet current staff and students, as well as see more of the campus and facilities.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Course -Specific Additional Costs

              Clothing for class = estimated £40 per year

              Costumes for performances = estimated £20 for performance costumes

              Kneepads= £10

              The Lincoln Dance Collective and our third-year performance company both undertake an annual national tour. Please note that additional costs may apply.

              There is currently a £150 cost to attend the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with The Lincoln Company. Students are responsible for their travel and general living costs.

              Students are responsible for any travel, accommodation and general living costs during their work placement or term abroad.

              Find out More at an Open Day

              The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

              Book Your Place
              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine
              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.