Course details

Study options

Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years

UK fee

£9,450 for the full course* (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 for the full course (2024/25)

Course level

Postgraduate

Qualification

MA

Start date

September

Location

Déda, Derby

Course description

This postgraduate course in Dance and Choreography is a fantastic opportunity for Dance Artists to further their practice and be at the forefront of sector development. The MA is designed to guide and nurture those with a keen interest and skill in choreographing, providing a space in which you can push your creative boundaries and generate new and innovative work. Artists will have the opportunity to tap into regional, national and international networks and have access to an exceptional body of infrastructure and resources. Key areas that will be covered include: 

Take a look at the below video and be inspired by this highly practical MA that allows Dance Artists to train, create original work and perform in the professional studios and theatre at Déda.

MA Dance and Choreography students train and perform

View MA Dance and Choreography at Derby video transcript

A headshot of a pensive looking male wearing a black vest standing in front of some foliage

I’m really looking forward to owning my skills as a choreographer and dancer and further developing my own identity as an artist. Exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries on this exciting course.

Kyle Spencer
MA Dance and Choreography applicant
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

You will study the below modules:

  • Choreography 1 (40 credits)
  • Advanced Research Methods (20 credits)
  • Choreography 2 (40 credits)
  • Artist as Entrepreneur (20 credits)
  • Major Project: Dissertation OR Performance Piece (60 credits)

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

You will learn in the working environment of Déda, a sector leading organisation for dance and choreography based in Derby city centre. You will learn through creative lab sessions in our dance studios, where you will be able to try out new ideas on your peers, yourselves and others that you choose to work with.

You will be supported by the MA Programme Leader, as well as specialist guest lecturers from the dance sector, including specifically those working with choreography and generating funded performances.

You will be able to create work that will be professionally presented by Déda’s Technical Stage Management Team in the Déda Theatre or at an alternative venue/location as required. This unique opportunity will enable you to work in a professional capacity, providing knowledge and connections for producing work after your MA.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of papers, practical demonstrations, performances and vive voce (oral examination).

Explore our Performing Arts and Theatre facilities

People you'll meet

The main members of the teaching team are experienced dance professionals who are still working within the industry. The team are:

Who will teach you

Alice Marshall

Alice Marshall (Vale)
Programme leader

Choreography is at the core of Alice’s practice, exploring digital projection and dance with her company Adaire to Dance. This research feeds into her teaching on the MA Dance & Choreography and she is committed to training and nurturing the talent of aspiring dance artists.

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

Interview information

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£9,450 for the full course*

£1,050 per 20 credits

International

£14,900 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Careers

Students who complete this programme will be able to produce their own work and have a wider network to allow themselves to further their work as choreographers and dancers.

You will be pioneers in this field and it is therefore anticipated that you will either have your own companies or undertake commissions for work from other parties.

Aside from generating your own work, you will also have the ability to be Creative Directors, Movement Directors and have the chance to produce papers discussing your specific area of choreography.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees