Dance Science

Explore the world of human performance sciences and develop your technical dance skills
Our BSc (Hons) and MSci Dance Science courses use scientific research approaches combined with personal practice to examine what happens to our bodies and minds when we dance.

Learn the science to optimise dance performance
This course develops your understanding of the physiology, psychology and biomechanics involved in dance, as you use this knowledge to help improve performance potential, reduce injury risk and enhance the wellbeing of both you and anyone who dances.

Develop your technical and performance skills
To keep your love of dancing at the heart of your experience, you will continue to develop your skills and passion for dance through practical dance classes with students from across our dance department to help create an integrated dance community.

Apply your research in our dedicated laboratories
Throughout your degree, you will develop applied research skills in practical laboratory sessions by engaging with existing research and developing research of your own.
There is also potential to connect your research to our resident student dance companies, 3Fall, Mapdance and HIVE.

Build your studies around your interests
Our specialist pathway routes in either Applied Performance or Health and Wellbeing allow you to focus on the aspects of dance science that interest you the most.

Choose your qualification level
You can study this Dance Science degree to BSc (Hons) level over three years full time, or choose the integrated master’s option, MSci Dance Science, which is four years of full-time study.

If you study the MSci you will extend your specialism at master’s level by completing a research dissertation and pursuing modules that focus on professional and applied techniques within dance science. If you choose the four-year MSci Programme you will be eligible for a tuition fee loan for the entire course.

Seize performance and career development opportunities
Throughout your degree you will have opportunities to perform, undertake work placements and study modules aligned with professional qualifications, such as CIMSPA professional standards in Gym Instruction, Personal Training, Health Navigator and Long-Term Conditions, as well as Safe in Dance International’s Healthy Dance/Dancer Certificates.

International exchange opportunities
As part of your dance course, you can take part in an international exchange programme during your second year, and experience new cultures whilst you continue your dance training.

BASES-endorsed course
In addition to the Dance Science specialist focus, this course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) in recognition of covering the necessary foundation of sport and exercise science knowledge, technical skills and professional development competencies required to succeed across dance, sports or exercise professional contexts.
CIMPSA-endorsed course
This course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which shows that it provides the scientific theory and practical skills required to work as a sport and exercise scientist, or health and exercise practitioner, with a dance science specialism.

On this course you will:

• Take dance technique classes in a range of contemporary styles, including ballet.

• Undertake extensive human performance science research in our specialist laboratories.

• Focus your studies in either Applied Performance or Health and Wellbeing.

• Seize work placement and professional qualification opportunities.

• Learn from experienced and sector-active dance and dance science practitioners and researchers.

• Join a close dance community and work with students from other dance and sports science courses.

• Have the opportunity to complete an international exchange.

In your third year you will choose a focused pathway of Applied Performance or Health and Wellbeing for your final year(s) of study. You will shape your pathway by choosing from optional modules during the course.

You will be assessed through a range of assignments such as essays, examinations, portfolios, practical lab and studio-based assessments, lab reports and oral presentations.