University of Greater Manchester - Open Day
13 Jun 2026, 09:00
Bolton
In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.
On the FdA Professional and Commercial Dance, you'll have the opportunity to gain core skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary and commercial dance, and develop the knowledge and practical experience needed for employment in a variety of exciting and demanding professions in the performing arts industry.
Delivered by Shockout Arts, our 2-year FdA Professional and Commercial Dance course supports you in acquiring and developing essential technical, artistic and theoretical competence through professional training to an intermediate/level 5 standard. If you're an aspiring dance artist, completing this 2-year foundation degree provides the platform to either begin your professional career or undertake a final year at the advanced level to gain a level 6 qualification. If you wish to continue your training at the level 6 BA (Hons) level with Shockout Arts, your application will be considered through assessment and interview.
You'll be based at Shockout Arts in Manchester, studying and training in their purpose-built, high-specification dance studios that are equal to professional industry standards. Alongside your intensive practical dance training, you'll have regular performance opportunities to help you develop a diverse range of performance and production skills.
In addition to exploring the core techniques, you'll be encouraged to build your skills in acting and singing, ready to take advantage of employment opportunities in musical theatre performance. You'll also be guided to develop a knowledge and understanding of the historical, cultural, societal and political factors that influence UK and international dance practice.
The teaching staff at Shockout Arts are professional practitioners and choreographers. They are keen to make your time with them as stimulating and rewarding as possible and enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being approachable and interested in your progress. As teaching often occurs in small groups, you can access individual support and guidance at every stage.
For full details about Shockout Arts, their open days and accommodation, please visit www.weareshockout.com/.
In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.
Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.
Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.
The following entry points are available for this course:
This course is open to Home students only. Applications from International and EU students cannot usually be accepted because the study location for this course is not licenced by UKVI to sponsor students. Therefore, if you require sponsorship under the Student Visa Route to study in the UK then, unfortunately, we’ll be unable to consider your application for this course.
Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Subjects that include experience of dance are preferred.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
If you don't have the above qualifications but possess equivalent qualifications or experience, we'll be happy to consider your application. In addition to attending an audition and interview, we may require you to provide a portfolio of work or complete another form of test so that we can assess your application.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). |
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
You’ll be required to pay a one-off enrichment fee. The enrichment fee is refundable if you do not gain the UCAS points required for entry to the course or a satisfactory medical report.
Successful applicants and students on the course will need to wear suitable dance attire (a list of items will be provided). You may well have many of these items, but for an estimate of the cost if you need to buy them new, please contact Admissions at Shockout.
Email:admissions@weareshockout.com
Phone:0161 833 9937
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
At University of Greater Manchester