BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice (with Foundation year)*
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Music and Performance
Attendance
Full-time, 4 years
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice, is a forward-thinking course that continues to increase in popularity nationally and internationally since it started in 2007. This vibrant and distinctive course offers students the chance to study with a dynamic and specialist skilled dance team in a great location that is the cultural hub of East London.
The foundation year at UEL is
the first year of a four-year programme which provides an introduction to study
at University and your chosen subject. The
Level 3 Foundation year in Performing Arts is designed to equip students with a
range of performance and academic skills.
On this degree, we cover hip-hop, club, social and popular dance styles, with contemporary techniques from across Europe, Africa and Asia. Whether it is popping or locking, contemporary or capoeira, afro-house or bharata natyam, our course continues to be the first of its kind to offer a degree in dance without borders or limitations.
You will have great opportunities to perform your work in our annual student led festival, studio sharings and external events. The dance team will support and guide you to develop your skills as a researcher, choreographer, performer and in events management whilst giving you networking opportunities from our varied and exciting industry links.
We help create dance all-rounders preparing you for a portfolio career in the arts. So you will theorise dance, create dance, collaborate in dance managing yourself and others and, well, you will discover and dance many various types of dance.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out more1st
in London for student satisfaction
You’ll be taught by a team of multi-talented professionals, featuring skilled academics, specialist dancers and choreographers. That's why we are first in London for student satisfaction (NSS, 2018)
Unique course
This is a unique, trailblazing course. We pioneered it, and it’s the only one in the UK to focus on urban dance styles from around the globe.
Hands-on experience
You’ll be able to perform in and help organise COLL!DE - one of Britain’s most vibrant and innovative annual student-led dance festivals.
Scott Dean
Dance: Urban Practice, BA (Hons)
I chose UEL because its urban dance course is the only one of its kind in the UK. The most memorable thing has been seeing myself and others finding our own style and also progressing academically.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2020
-
Degree with Foundation Year
112
New UCAS Points
All Applicants
You should also demonstrate a specific interest in the practice and study of dance in your application (particularly in your personal statement). Some examples include:
- Details of any dance related projects you have been involved in
- Any relevant training and performances, particularly in relation to hip-hop, club, and social forms alongside contemporary forms from Europe, The Americas, and the African and Asian Diasporas
- Your enthusiasm and commitment to studying aspects of dance such as choreography, dance teaching and management, and applying theory to practice
- Any interdisciplinary interests in relation to dance
All applicants who fulfil the above criteria will be expected to attend an audition, an interview, and bring one piece of writing along with them:
Audition – this would take the form of a practical technique and choreography workshop lasting 2 hours taught by a member of staff from the UEL dance team.
Interviews – these will take place in small groups with a member of staff from the UEL dance team.
Writing Task –You would complete a 300 word review of a recently viewed live dance performance, to bring along to the audition/interview.
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
We will also consider the UEL New Beginnings pre-entry course
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
One of the great attractions of our course is its sheer variety in both study and practice.
Sometimes, you’ll combine both as you create and perform dance that communicates a response to political, cultural and aesthetic questions.
You’ll study a wide range of dance forms, such as hip-hop, club and funk styles, and international forms including capoeira, African contemporary, Afro-house, bharata natyam, kathak and kalaripayattu.
Each year, you’ll take modules in technique, choreography, professional development and research. There’ll be opportunities to focus on performance and choreography through film and video practice, and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your music and theatre student colleagues.
In your final year, through our excellent links with partner organisations such as East London Dance, Breakin’ Convention and Stratford Circus, you’ll undertake a work placement.
In addition, thanks to our reputation, you’ll have numerous opportunities throughout the course to work with acclaimed professional artists, such as renowned choreographers Kenrick Sandy (Boy Blue) and Hofesh Shechter and top dancers such as house dance’s Clara Bajado and popping and locking master Fred ‘The Realness’ Folkes.
About the Foundation Year
You will study acting, dance,
physical theatre and community theatre through six distinctive modules. You
will participate in a variety of dynamic projects and learn about current
trends in the performing arts. The course content is specifically chosen to
reflect the diverse nature of our students and this is evident through the
themes, practitioners and subject matter covered. You will learn in a highly
supportive environment where you can develop the self-confidence, knowledge,
skills and understanding for further study.
Each module focuses on
developing your understanding of the techniques intrinsic to the separate
disciplines and will prepare you for a successful entry onto your chosen degree
pathway listed below.
BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice
BA (Hons) Performing Arts
BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre
and Performance
The foundation course is for
students who:
- do not yet have the entry requirements for study at level 4.
- want to develop skills and confidence before embarking on study at Level 4.
- are returning to study.
- are changing careers and need to gain experience in the performing arts.
What you'll study and when
Group Work 1
Public Outcome
Dance Skills 2
Group Work 2
Professional Life (Mental Wealth)
Collaboration 1
Public Project 1
Dance Technique: Healthier Dancer 2
Collaboration 2
Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth)
Multidisciplinary Collaboration 1
Public Project 2
Dance Technique and Hybrid Forms 2
Multidisciplinary Collaboration 2
Professional Life 2 (Mental Wealth)
Final Project: Research and Development
Public Project 3
Dance Technique and Community Dance Techniques 2
Final Project: Engagement and Impact
Professional Life 3 (Mental Wealth)
How you'll be assessed
We’ll assess you course through practical performances, rehearsals and dance technical developments. We assess theoretical work through essays, workbooks and journals that reflect on progress and performance. Second and third-year modules contribute to the final degree award classification.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a compulsory written dissertation and a placement with a dance organisation or company.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn as you dance. Our students land exciting opportunities, such as the chance in 2013 to perform for the Queen at the televised 60th anniversary Buckingham Palace concert.
Then there’s the opportunity to help organise, choreograph and perform in our acclaimed student-run festival COLL!DE - a wonderful day-long, international celebration of dance.
You’ll be taught by a team of professionals, featuring skilled academics, specialist dancers and choreographers.
They’re multi-talented, like Course Leader Carla Trim-Vamben. She’s a professional performer and researcher who has trained in contemporary, contemporary African and club dances such as waacking and has years of experience as a community dance practitioner teaching dance nationally and internationally.
We’re situated ideally in University Square Stratford, with its advanced performance studios and more than £750,000 of new specialist equipment, close to Stratford Circus, East London Dance and Theatre Royal Stratford East.
They’re among our partners, who work closely with us to offer professional development, performance viewings and workshops.
You’ll have the chance to take up work placements here in the UK as well as abroad.
One of our students worked with Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells - the international festival of hip-hop dance theatre.
Another has taken advantage of our ‘Going Global’ bursary to teach dance in Ghana as part of Awareness Through Dance - a charity focusing on dance’s power to be a medium for social change.
Your future career
The breadth of our course means you’ll graduate with a wide set of skills to equip you to be a true dance all-rounder.
Many of our graduates go on to enjoy what we call a ‘portfolio’ career, making a thriving living in varied areas such as teaching, choreography, performing and managing.
Through your work placements, dance management studies and your involvement in creating and staging community dance projects, you couldn’t be better prepared for the world of work.
Our graduates are working in teaching, dancing, advertising, marketing, design and arts administration. One graduate, Dani Harris-Walters, even became a TV star as runner-up on Sky TV’s Got to Dance series in 2014.
We’re proud to have helped shape the careers of our students, whether they’ve gone on to run their own companies, to work as dance administrators and managers, to deliver and teach workshops in communities and schools or to produce, choreograph and direct works for stage and screen.
The graduates who succeed on our course are innovative, confident and original. People like Brian Gillespie, who got his degree a couple of years back and now runs his own company, B-Hybrid Dance, in which he’s artistic director, choreographer and performer.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
