MFA Dance Science (Taught)

The MFA Dance Science is a 2-year research-focused postgraduate programme, which broadens the possibilities within dance science research and study. The first year shares module content with students on the MSc Dance Science programme. An extended independent project forms the second year, as the defining feature of the MFA Dance Science

The programme explores aspects of dance practice and performance through a range of scientific disciplines and in a variety of dance contexts. You will investigate ways of enhancing dance practice, optimising dancer performance, reducing injury occurrence, and examining the impact of dance on other populations.

From both a theoretical and applied perspective, the programme engages with qualitative and quantitative modes of research and practice, integrating interdisciplinary elements of dance science such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology and embodied practices (e.g. somatics). Scientific research methods and modes of statistical analyses are central to the taught programme in the first year.

Key Features

• Trinity Laban offers the world’s first and only MFA Dance Science programme, with the purpose to deepen current dialogues in dance science research and practice. From both a theoretical and applied perspective, the programme engages with scientific and creative modes of research and practice, providing an empirical understanding of the dancer, dance practice, and performance. This MFA programme builds upon multidisciplinary perspectives in dance science, such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, and develops high-level research skills to directly address the complexities of researching dance.

• During the first year of study, students will engage with key disciplines to acquire scientific understanding of dance science through taught modules and self-directed study. The second year offers students the opportunity to apply and expand their postgraduate dance science knowledge through an extended research project, which encourages both breadth and depth of critical engagement and application.

• We encourage our students to develop creative and innovative research projects that extend the frontiers of knowledge in dance science. As a student at Trinity Laban, you will be interacting with a diverse community of performing arts students and faculty. Our thriving and supportive community offers exciting learning experiences, through cross-disciplinary engagement and collaborative study in the performing arts, which directly feed into the development of highly relevant and applicable MFA dance science research projects.

• The blended-learning programme offers students a flexible and autonomous learning environment, with opportunities to engage in dance science research and practical placements (from community-based to professional settings) through the TL team and network. Our specialist facilities include a versatile testing laboratory with dedicated support staff, a specialist dance library, and a comprehensive range of learning

and student support.

• Our team is internationally known in the field and work with professional companies and organisations around the world. Trinity Laban is a founding partner of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS) and a supporter of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS).