Program Overview

As a student on our unique BSc Dance Science and Performance course at the University of Wolverhampton, you will develop your knowledge and skills in dancers’ health and well-being which is a key aim of dance science. In addition, you will refine your dance technical and performance skills, explore your creativity, and deepen you understanding of dance in a wider cultural context.  We are the world leader in dance science, providing the most published research in dance science every year and you will have the opportunity to be taught by our exceptional team of researchers and practitioners. You will have excellent opportunities to enrich and expand your experience in dance science and dance performance, and be able to participate in both world-leading dance science research projects and a range of performance opportunities. A wide range of career options will be open to you after graduating from this exciting and innovative course.

Reasons to study with us:

Our world-leading research in evidence-based dance science informs our teaching and supports your own research, and your health and well-being as a dancer
You will have daily technique classes, training in contemporary, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, street, body conditioning and improvisation throughout the course

• Our research-active staff are also dance practitioners with international experience
• Our Performance Hub offers outstanding facilities with Harlequin floors and lighting rigs in the dance studios, a fully equipped theatre, recording studios, and a superb library
• Our biomechanics and physiology labs on campus offer exceptional facilities and equipment
• We have excellent links with national and international dance organisations including the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange in nearby Birmingham and this will enhance your employability and experience in the current industry

The course content includes physiology (anatomy, cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility, nutrition, periodisation), performance psychology, biomechanics, dance technique and repertoire, choreography, film-making, cultural studies, opportunities for work placements, and research projects. You will have the following practical opportunities: participation in dance science research projects, performances in our university theatres and local and national arts events, joining Le Loup Dance Company (our student company), front of house and backstage training, and participating in work placements of your choice.

This new course (starting in September 2018) includes some of our BA Dance modules and we have achieved some of the highest NSS (National Student Survey) scores for our Dance course in our university every year and our scores are above the sector wide scores.

Our university is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications and enquiries.

What happens on the course?
Typically, you will be in practical classes, lectures, and rehearsals for four days a week and you will have one day a week to study at home. You may opt to come to campus to practise in our studios or work in our library/study areas on your study day and you can also use our studios and library in the evenings and at the weekends.

Your timetable will be well-balanced with a variety of practical and theoretical sessions spread across the week to ensure an interesting variety of topics, and time for recovery from practical classes and rehearsals to ensure your best possible performance, health and well-being. Technical and creative practical classes are taught in the week and supplementary training (eg. strength training, Pilates, Yoga, circuits) forms part of your programme in order to offer you the best possible current practice in dance training. You will develop and refine your knowledge and skills in the areas of dance science and dance performance and increasingly, throughout the course, apply the cross-disciplinary links of both areas to your own practice.

Your lectures will often include practical activities, and most theoretical modules include guest speakers and external visits. You will have your own personal tutor during the course, and you can see your tutor and your other lecturers regularly during each semester. The university offers excellent academic support to all students.

An important part of university life is your development as an independent practitioner and thinker, and each week you will have a range of tasks to do (practical rehearsals, training, watching, reading, and writing) to support your taught work and develop your independent study skills. This will include practical rehearsals and sessions in which you explore and refine your technical and creative work.

Opportunities

During the course you will:

• Have the opportunity to gain the Silver and Gold Employability Awards
• Have the opportunity to work with Le Loup Dance Company (our student company)
• Develop specialist lab skills and competencies in dance science projects
• Use the most current technology and equipment in dance science and film editing
• Participate in external arts projects (eg. films, live performances)
• Develop industry links through work with influential regional theatre companies such as ACE Dance and Music, Rosie Kay Dance Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet.
• Participate in staff-led international dance science research projects
• Work with visiting international researchers, dance artists and companies