The BA Dance: Urban Practice degree offers a unique role to develop individual dance practice through the development of a range of technical, theoretical and choreographic skills and a critical examination of dance practice within a contemporary setting.

Building on the diversity of East London, the programme offers an approach to creativity, technical development, historical knowledge and performance in contemporary, street dance, African and South East Asian styles.

The minimum requirements for entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma or Relevant Access Course. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging in a study of a variety of dance styles. Applicants will be invited for interview and will be asked to participate in a dance workshop with other candidates.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants will be invited for interview.

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

• To provide students with knowledge of the role and functions of urban dance and the urban theatrical & its commercial form
• Provide students with an understanding of the leading theories and principle techniques within Urban Dance Practice
• Provide students with understanding of choreographic devices and how to implement them within their own choreography as an urban artist/dancer/choreographer
• Provide students with an overview of ‘urban dance’ in a global context
• Complete independent research projects in ‘dance’
• Gain skills in delivering dance
• Be able to network with organization, dance companies, theatres and professional dance artists
• Provide the opportunity to undertake a ‘professional’ work placement in dance or dance-related institution or company

Knowledge and understanding

• Detailed knowledge of dance through building practical technical skills
• Historical & intercultural understanding of the evolution of Urban Dance
• Detailed knowledge of choreography through a range of approaches (theatre, video, internet, site-specific, with community groups)

'Thinking' skills

• Creative approaches to dance & choreography through a range of styles
• Critical reflection skills through self, peer and group evaluation

Subject-Based Practical skills

• A high level of skills achievement in technique, performance, choreography and in workshops
• A high level of skills in the communication of dance ideas and concepts across different media, live and recorded

Skills for life and work

• Intellectual curiosity and the potential for the continuing artistic and creative development
• The ability to work independently and in combination with other artist/art forms. Demonstrating skills in leadership, negotiation, listening, critical self awareness, teamwork, organisation of self and others, decision making & creativity

The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 5 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for 1 module in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:
Core Must be taken
Option Select from a range of identified module within the field
University Wide Option Select from a wide range of university wide options

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major routes for this programme

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

• Demonstration of the core principle techniques in predominately various dance styles
• Exploration of the creative possibilities in choreography and performance
• The learning of historical developments of various styles of dance
• Acquiring dance vocabulary to use in written work, discussion, reflection and evaluation

'Thinking' skills are developed through

• Applying appropriate choreographic devices in making work
• Reflection and evaluation of own and peer’s technique and choreography
• Critical reflection and analysis of historical dance developments

Practical skills are developed through

• Acquiring and developing knowledge of principle urban and contemporary dance styles
• Demonstration of choreographic ideas using a range of devices and dance styles
• Devising and implementing strategies in delivering dance

General skills are developed through

• Researching into urban and contemporary historical developments
• Implementing ideas by producing both practical and theoretical work
• Expressing technical & creative development of skills
• Identifying and solving problems with peers and through group discussion
• Demonstrating both verbal & non verbal ways of communicating ideas
• Developing confidence in discussion, technique and performance

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by

• Research projects
• Performances
• Presentations
• Essays & critical reflection (journals)

'Thinking' skills are assessed by

• Reflection in journals
• Practical process to performance
• Evaluations
• Essay & presentations

Practical skills are assessed by

• Developments of dance techniques
• Developing the use of choreographic devices and range of dance styles
• Teaching & facilitation skills

General skills are assessed by

• Producing essays
• Devising and implementing presentations
• Reflection in journals
• Facilitating skills