
Kirsty Russell - Programme Leader
Before embarking on a career in Higher Education, Kirsty Russell worked as a freelance dance artist teaching at a range of vocational dance schools alongside developing her own performance career. Kirsty specialises in dance technique, improvisation and contact improvisation and is committed to developing high-quality dance practice and integrating professional practice within Higher Education.
Academic Staff ListShowcase
Welcome to BA (Hons) Dance
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 School of Fine and Performing 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.
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.
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. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.
An Introduction to Your 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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
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.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) 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. 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/
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
Interviews
Please apply directly through UCAS. Once we have received your application, 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. The day has been designed for you to have fun and enjoy yourself!
Industry Links
Fine and performing arts courses at Lincoln are delivered by a dedicated team of academic staff, many of whom have excellent industry links and considerable experience as practitioners and researchers in the arts. There are opportunities to work with guest lecturers and choreographers to create professional performance work.

Performance Opportunities
Opportunities for participation in performances include collaborations with staff, as well as with national and international choreographers and theatre companies. Students can audition for The Lincoln Company which has taken shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Regular opportunities to perform are available through our extracurricular performance company The Lincoln Dance Collective and our third-year performance company, which both undertake an annual national tour.

Learning to Teach
Students are offered the option to study for the International Dance Teachers' Association (IDTA) Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching. This qualification provides a basis for students to progress into dance teaching in a variety of contexts. It is delivered in three units by a qualified IDTA trainer, covering anatomy and physiology, teaching planning and delivery, and safe dance practice. Training sessions are extracurricular and usually take place in the evenings or at weekends. Fees apply.

Facilities
Students can work and perform in the University’s on-campus Lincoln Performing 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.
Each student will receive event/performance credits which can be used against ticketed performances at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

"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 graduateCareer Opportunities
Dance graduates are well-placed for a wide variety of careers, including performance, choreography, community arts leadership, education, and arts management. The BA Hons Dance programme has most recently established a new relationship with Aakash Odedra Dance Company. Final year Dance students have the opportunity to audition to be part of the semi-professional graduate training programme Aakash Odedra 2. See website for more information.
Visit Us in Person
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 PlaceRelated Courses

Drama and Theatre
This degree puts innovative performance and rigorous scholarship at centre stage to help prepare students for a range of careers.

Music
An industry-focused degree for musicians looking to develop their skills as performers, composers, and collaborators.

Musical Theatre
From London’s West End to experimental Fringe performances, musical theatre spans the arts, inspiring and entertaining audiences around the world.