Postgraduate

MSc Dance Science

Dance in front of graph

"Dance UK's Healthier Dancer Programme works to increase knowledge of dancers' health, fitness and well- being, and to promote longer, healthier dance careers. We welcome Trinity Laban's initiative in creating the UK's first MSc in Dance Science." - Jeanette Siddall, Former Director Dance UK, Director of Dance, Arts Council England

 

"Trinity Laban's MSc produces graduates who contribute significantly to the growing field of dance science through their research, practice and teaching both nationally and internationally."
Emma Redding
 Head of Dance Science and Programme Leader, MSc Dance Science

The first Masters degree of its kind in the world, the MSc Dance Science with its own laboratory space sits alongside Trinity Laban's Dance Health Department which includes a large Pilates studio and a variety of treatment rooms.

The programme explores the scientific issues underlying dance performance, technical training, dancer health and injury prevention, looking at ways to optimise performance, improve training techniques and enhance performer potential. The programme examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of dance practice, introducing elements from a range of scientific disciplines and applying them to a dance context.

Please note that technical training (practical technique classes) is not provided as part of the specification nor funded within the modular fee structure of the majority of Masters programmes. Please check on the programme specification in which you are interested if this applies to your choice. However, you may elect to join a course of technical classes on payment of a supplementary fee, (as listed in the current fees leaflet). These classes are NOT provided as an award bearing course of study or training, and you will be joining students from other programmes at Trinity Laban for this.

Programme Content

M502A Research Methods
M568 Performance Enhancement: Physiology, Nutrition, Biomechanics
M567 Performance Psychology: Embodied and Perceptual Learning in Dance
M565 Whole Dancer Study
M505 Project


Please note that technical training (technique classes) is not provided within the fee structure of the programme. However, classes are available on payment of a supplementary fee to cover direct teaching costs - please see further information Technique Training.

Alternatively evening classes offered by the Education and Community department are available.

A range of professional classes are also offered at our partner organisation Greenwich Dance located some 15 minutes walk away.

Related links
Dance Science

  • Modes of Study

    • Full-time: 11 months, plus an independent research project (2 months).
    • Part-time: 21 months, plus an independent research project (2 months).

  • Entrance Requirements

    You should normally have professional dance, movement theatre or performance experience and/or successfully completed a UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate or related subject; or hold an overseas award of equivalent standard (eg USA degree - GPA 3.00 or above).

  • Assessment

    Assessment is through written assignments, oral presentations, other supporting media and an independent research project.

  • Programme Specifications

  • Job Opportunities

    Dance companies and schools in Britain, Europe and throughout the world are beginning to appreciate the benefit of employing a regular Dance Scientist/ Physiologist, Psychologist or fitness and dance expert who can help devise more effective training programmes for their dancers and give advice about injury prevention, nutrition and dance psychology.

    There are many opportunities for MSc graduates either in academia as lecturers, course and programme leaders and researchers or in the dance profession as dance educators, better informed dancers and dance teachers, dance science coaches and dance company physiologists and psychologists.

    Some graduates have obtained research funding from academic institutions and other public funding bodies and are now working as researchers. There are also teaching opportunities in commercial fitness centres and a post graduate degree can help develop your managerial potential.

    Trinity Laban MSc graduates have been appointed to significant posts, for example at the Harkness Centre for Dance Injuries in New York, in full-time Dance Science teaching positions in Further and Higher Education; others continue their studies, for example in Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) as Assistants in Dance Health departments.

How to apply