- This is the only BFA Dance degree currently offered in the UK.
- Spend four years focusing on your development as a dance artist, in preparation for a portfolio career in dance and the arts.
- Roehampton has a global reputation. We are rated number one for dance research in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
- We are ranked in the top 10 universities in London for dance (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2019)
- In year four, you will have opportunities for work placement and internships in London or further afield.
Summary
Join our BFA Dance and become an innovator in the field of dance. Integrate dance practice, critical thinking and contemporary theory with performance, choreography and production experience to launch your professional career in a way that's tailored to your individual goals.
This four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts will help you develop your own creative identity as a dance artist. At the heart of this course is dance-making, underpinned by our internationally recognised research disciplines within the Department of Dance.
You will have many opportunities to extend your potential as a dancer, engaging with dance as it is seen and performed in broad multicultural and artistic contexts. Working in a variety of settings, you will engage in dance performance, choreography, improvisation and dramaturgy, exploring both practical and theoretical approaches.
You will develop a wide understanding of dance practice, exploring styles and techniques including ballet, Cunningham, Graham, Limón, and release and contact improvisation. You'll work closely with experienced teachers, professional dancers and choreographers in classes with live music, refining your dance practice in our spacious studios, screendance facilities and well-equipped theatre.
This unique four-year degree is designed to develop your confidence, knowledge and identity as a dance artist, as you locate your creative process in the exciting and expanding field of dance.
Content
Our BFA Dance integrates theory and contemporary dance practice, allowing you to gain knowledge of the scientific, philosophical and historical foundations of dance. You will be taught by our leading dance experts, who will encourage you to think about dance beyond performance, and focus on dance-making in a creative environment. You will learn how to underpin your practice with research in choreography and performance, alongside the study of dance in its historical, social, cultural and digital contexts.
London is a hub of international dance culture where you will have opportunities to pursue your own interests both in the field of dance and beyond. There is also a popular study abroad option in year two.
We offer extracurricular dance classes and the chance to take part in performances, choreography and an annual student-led dance festival, to help you acquire valuable experiences and skills alongside your academic studies.
In year four, you are encouraged to specialise, learning about curating and producing dance, and teaching dance in a variety of settings.
Modules
Here are examples of the modules we currently offer:
Year 1
Dance Practice 1
Dance Performance 1
Thinking Through Dance 1
Thinking Through Dance 2
Thinking Through Dance Project
Improvisation and Dance Composition
Year 2
Practice modules
Dance Practice 2
Dance Performance 2
Students are required to take both of the following:
Dance Science in Practice
Dance Analysis and Philosophy of Dance
Students take one of the following three modules:
Choreography and Collaboration
Choreography and Site
Choreography and Improvisation
Students take one of the Independent Study modules:
Dance International Report
Extended Essay
Year 3
Practice modules
Dance Practice 3
Dance Performance 3
Students are required to take both of the following modules:
Dance, Science and Somatics
Dance Philosophy and Aesthetics
Students take one of the following modules:
Dramaturgy and Collaborative Practice
From Process to Product
Vocational set module
The Teaching Artist
Applied Lighting and Production for Dance
Screendance
Year 4
Independent study module
Practice modules
Dance Practice 4
Dance Performance 4
Students take one of the following modules:
Teaching Dance Practice
Events Curation and Production
Vocational work-based module
Placement/Internship
Compulsory and Required modules
Compulsory and/or required modules may change when we review and update programmes. Above is a list of modules offered this academic year.
Optional modules
Optional modules, when offered as part of a programme, may vary from year to year and are subject to viability.
Career options
Graduates of this programme will be well prepared with the knowledge and skills to engage with the Dance industry in a range of career options including choreography, performance, dance production, community dance and teaching dance. Graduates will also gain experience in developing professional networks which will include dance companies, institutions and agencies specialising in dance research and policymaking for Dance.
Life at Roehampton
At Roehampton, we can offer all new students the opportunity to live in accommodation on our beautiful parkland campus, including affordable and high-end options.
We offer scholarships, provide hardship funding and help you find advice on managing your finances while you study.
We provide plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, through volunteering, playing sport or music, or joining one of our many active student societies.