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The HNC (Year 1) and HND (Year 2) in Dance is aimed at people looking to make dance performance or dance teaching a career. It develops skills in a range of dance styles with the opportunity to perform on stage to a variety of audiences.

Key facts:

The course is taught in a highly practical way using workshop style classes in which students work individually and in groups to develop and refine their skills, supported by tutors with extensive dance experience. There are at least two public performances each year with the second year focusing on progression to top stage schools around the country or the third year of a dance or similar degree.

The School of the Arts benefits from cutting-edge facilities in a building which gives students access to the studios and equipment necessary to gain the knowledge and skills demanded by a fast-moving and competitive industry.

Our resources include:

  • Two large dance studios
  • Two large performance studios
  • Theatre
  • TV studio

Part-time study may be available for this course and these options will be discussed at your interview.

  • What will I study?

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units:

    • Choreography for solo and group performance
    • Classical ballet background and technique
    • Commercial dance techniques and performance
    • Dance for camera
    • Dance in education
    • Employability skills
    • Historical context
    • Jazz dance technique and performance
    • Tap dance technique and performance
    • Urban and street

    All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

  • Who is this course for?

    The Higher National (Certificate & Diploma) Dance are for students who have reached Level 3 in this discipline either at school, college or stage school. You will be looking to progress further into the performing arts industry, specialising in dance, or into dance teaching. The course will enable you to develop further competences in solo and group performance and prepare you for auditioning for parts on the professional stage. The successful applicant is likely, but not necessarily, to have performed in public and developed at least basic skills in dance and choreography, ready to be taken to the next level by experienced professionals with a background in the industry.

  • How is the course assessed?

    This is a modular course and you will be assessed throughout the course rather than through examination. Practical projects, assignments and essays will be set for each module. The course will culminate in a final major project in which students take responsibility for the management of a major piece of assessed work showcasing their skills and specialisms. Your final major project performances will normally be staged in a public theatre in front of large audiences.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • The key elements and influences in your discipline (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre) and refining an investigative approach to the Performing Arts industry

    • A range of activities and competences through in-depth subject specific study, enabling the practical, written, presented and evaluative academic work to further your reading, writing and digital skills

    • Subject specific context; for example an awareness of equality and diversity in the performing industries and an up-to-date approach to casting, skills itineraries and CV writing.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Explore and enhance personal performance and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Technical Theatre
    • Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking correction (in Dance and Musical Theatre for example) practical feedback, critical listening skills around others work, communicating ideas with your peers,enhancing your skills levels both individually and collaboratively
    • Integrate and develop previously acquired skills, alongside new and challenging work enabling a broader repertoire and experience, and therefore develop your own approaches to your directed and creative work.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to your discipline, such as reliability, time keeping and organisation, respect and communication skills
    • Taking responsibility in the management and commitment to rehearsals and production work or for an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline

    • Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network, develop connections in industry and contacts, including taking initiative, organisational skills and developing resilience.
  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    Career opportunities include:

    • Work in theatres across the country and abroad
    • Work in specialist Dance schools
    • Work on cruise ships or holiday resorts
    • Teaching Dance
  • Entry Requirements for new students

    48 UCAS points which are equal to two D Grades or above at A Level, pass grades at BTEC Extended Diploma Level or Merit pass at Level 3 Diploma, plus a 4 Grade in English & Maths GCSE and complete the practical tasks that will be sent to you. Applicants aged 21 or over who do not have the entry requirements may be eligible for acceptance based on application ad interview. All applicants will need to complete a practical task that will be sent to them.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.