Dance Top-up

Completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject? Top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree in Dance. Gain a broad understanding of the dance industry and the ability to manage a successful career in this exciting field. Become a thinking practitioner of dance and spend time looking at performance development through choreography and dance techniques.

Why study BA (Hons) Dance Top-up at BNU?
A degree for you
A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.

If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.

Inspiring Facilities
At BNU we ensure you have creative spaces to bring your ideas to life. On this course you’ll have access to a range of our state-of-the-art facilities on campus, including a well-equipped gym, dance studios, fitness studio and a Human Performance Lab.

Each space brings with it unique features, from sprung floors to fully equipped sound systems and full-length mirrors - our dance studios are fully equipped with everything you’ll need to practice and create routines.

We also understand that during your time at university, it is also just important to get involved with extra-curricular activities. Our Students’ Union offers a range of free societies and nights out for you to enjoy, from a dance society to our yearly festiball event, there is something for everyone.

Learn from industry-experts
Led by a dedicated and experienced course team, you’ll benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. You will also have the chance to work closely with guest artists who are still active in the dance industry and who will further nurture your learning and professional development throughout your time at BNU.

Location
Our High Wycombe Campus is only a short train ride away from London, meaning you are only a stones-throw away from the hustle and bustle of the world-renowned West End and many other independent theatres and dance companies. You are also only around the corner from Oxford and Reading.

What will I study?
This degree focuses on commercial dance forms, jazz dance and classical ballet are the foundational styles but you will also have the chance to take classes in other diverse dance styles which may include K-Pop, AfroDance, Commercial, Hip Hop and contemporary. The supportive course team help to nurture your dance technique whilst also teaching you the transferable skills needed for your future career in the dance industry.

You’ll also gain knowledge of how to contact agents, market yourself as a dance professional, undertake work experience and spotlight your skills in a final showcase performance.

Year One
Core Modules
Advanced Dance Techniques
Dance Careers and Professional Practice
Advanced Dance Performance
Performance Showcase
Independent Project

Assessment has been designed to be as authentic as possible with a strong focus on practical skills and reflective practice. Assessment is ongoing and often focused on the process as well as the end point to best reflect real-world practice. The overall aim is to use innovative teaching and learning methods to guide you towards becoming more independent learners by the end of the programme, and to allow you to explore issues fully in the context of your work.

To achieve the full BA (Hons) in Dance you’ll need to complete the modules listed, as well as an independent project.

This will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within dance. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.

The Professional Practice module gives you the chance to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.

By your final year, we expect you to have attained a level of independent learning and the ability to apply the knowledge and theoretical understanding you’ll have developed.