Gain experience of different cultural approaches to dance, and how it helps define our humanity and identity.
Start Date:
September 2022
Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2-3 years (part-time)
Degree Type:
MA/PGDip/PGCert
Number of credits:
MA: 180 credits
PGDip: 120 credits
PGCert: 60 credits
School:
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements
Applicants with a 2:2 or better at undergraduate level will be accepted. At least eight years professional experience is preferred.
Why this course
Roehampton is rated No. 1 for dance research in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
You will learn to situate dance practices within worldwide economies and postcolonial contexts.
Collaborate and study with world-leading researchers in the field of anthropology of dance.
An impressive national and global reputation which attracts students and dance artists from all over the world.
Course and Module Details
Overview
The learning and teaching methods on the MA Dance Anthropology programme are designed to provide a range of opportunities for students to be introduced to new ideas and topics, to enhance understanding and to hone critical thinking and research skills.
Explore dance as cultural practice from the perspectives of those involved as dancers, dance makers, teachers and audience members. By studying these perspectives, you will learn how different people around the world understand dance and how dance influences their value systems.
MA Dance Anthropology investigates dance from a non-Eurocentric perspective, placing the practices and values of the dancers into sociocultural and comparative understanding. At the heart of the programme is a focus upon ethnographic perspectives in dance to gain firsthand experience of different cultural approaches to dance practice. You will interpret your findings from the field in light of contemporary debates in dance anthropology.
The course is of particular interest to those who wish to study non-Western, folk, social or ritual dance practices, but the approach can be applied to ballet or Western theatre dance, too. This course provides a way to contextualise dance practice and deepen your understanding of dance and specific practices that help define our humanity.
Our compulsory module, Ways of Knowing, will introduce you to research methods, including ethnography, dance analysis and practice-as-research, while our optional modules allow for flexibility to mould the programme around your academic interests and passions.
The School is home to the internationally recognised Centre for Dance Research, which foregrounds the research of dance as cultural and artistic expression as theatre performance and beyond. Through seminars, forums and conferences involving staff and international invited guests, the centre supports a compelling research culture.
We also have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations. In easy reach of London's vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students.
Course subject to curriculum review
Modules
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Indicative Timetable
Students on this course are normally in Monday, Tuesday (Comp) with one extra day depending on optional modules.
Contact us for further information.
Career Options
Graduates' career options are broadened to include roles such as a community dance practitioner, producer and curator of arts projects, teacher, or to continue into further study as an MPhil or PhD student.
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can apply now for any programme starting in April or September 2022.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
Postgraduate application process FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
What are the entry criteria and fees?
We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.
What is the deadline for postgraduate applications?
If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.
We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for postgraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.
Do you offer student accommodation for postgraduates?
Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.
Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
Need help before you apply?
Course Facilities
Our Research
Research conducted in the School of Arts covers a wide range of diverse and innovative arts practices, from dance and drama to journalism, film, media, linguistics and computing. Our School of Arts is divided into three subject areas: Dance; Drama, Theatre and Performance; and Communication, Culture and Media. Click here to view our research page.
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