GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DANCE

Course details

The Graduate Certificate in Dance appeals to and caters for, a wide range of individuals at different stages in their personal and professional development. The programme appeals to students looking to consolidate and expand their knowledge and skills in contemporary dance and creative dance practice. Students on the Programme are part of a diverse community from a wide variety of backgrounds and training and with different types and levels of expertise and experience.

For more information see the Programme Specification or email Amanda Gough, Acting Programme Leader a.gough@trinitylaban.ac.uk.

Module Map

Core modules

Contemporary Dance Technique (15 credits):

This component fosters your competence in contemporary dance technique through practical study. It emphasises embodiment of technical understanding to achieve effective and expressive performance of dance material.

Choreography (15 credits):

Enquiry into the choreographic processes, alongside the development of individual creativity. You will be encouraged to expand and develop your choreographic thinking rather than learning techniques of composition, supporting you towards becoming an independent choreographic practitioner.

Choreological Practice (10 credits):

A specialism of the Trinity Laban Dance Faculty: Rudolf Laban’s praxis for dance performance known as Choreological Studies. Supports awareness of embodied decision making and creative choices within the medium of dance.

Electives Modules (select 2 out of 3)

Creative Process to Performance (5 credits):

An experiential encounter with current contemporary dance performance practice through exploration of the creative process of a professional choreographer, leading to a performance.

Ballet (10 credits):

Develop your ballet skills: expanding your technical range and enhancing your physical confidence and performance skills.

Teaching Dance (10 credits):

Guided experiential learning, to explore approaches to teaching creative dance, and develop competence in dance leadership and facilitation.

Teaching and learning

The Programme consists of (approximately) 600 notional learning hours.

The total number of contact hours varies according to the combination of elective modules selected.

How will I learn

• taught classes
• workshops
• seminars
• tutorials
• self-directed study (individual reflection, reading and research)

Learning and teaching methods support the acquisition of knowledge and skills, alongside critical thinking and reflective evaluation. Students will be encouraged to be active learners in contributing to discussion, peer observation and feedback and group work.

How I will be assessed

Assessment is through a variety of mechanisms that evaluate knowledge, skills and values demonstrated in relation to the areas of study. Modes of assessment are varied, to suit different learning styles and enable students to apply a range of practical, technical, creative and oral skills in evidencing their learning. Assessment includes:

• practical technique classes
• practical presentations
• performance
• individual/group oral presentations
• teaching
• viva voce

Entry requirements

This programme is normally taken after completion of initial training, or by mature students wishing to enter higher education. The Diploma is based on a professional development model, which caters for different levels of expertise and experience and appeals to students looking to consolidate and expand their knowledge and skills in contemporary dance and creative practice. Students on the programme are mature learners from diverse backgrounds such as:

• Graduates of degree programmes, sometimes in a discipline other than dance, who have maintained their dance interests
• Late starters with an unconventional route into dance
• Practitioners within a specific dance or movement form other than contemporary dance

Applicants are expected to have experience in a dance/movement/performance arts related area, and a first degree or equivalent level of educative maturity (such as through experiential knowledge / professional experience / other qualifications).

English language requirements

• IELTS Band 6.0 (General or Academic Training) or above with a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 areas
• or Trinity College London – Integrated Skills in English Level II or above
• or Cambridge English Language – Level B2 or above.

Certificates will need to be provided in order for your application to be fully considered.

The programme is within a 6-month period and so EU and International students can study under a 6-month study visa.

Fees and finance

Fees

Fees are reviewed annually and may increase by up to 5% each year.

September 2023 entry

September 2022 entry

September 2021 entry

Accommodation and Living Costs

This information can be found on our costs of living page.

Financial Support

Applicants who receive an offer of a place on the programme can apply for a TL Award. Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the fees and finance section.

Please note that, for those who do not already hold a degree qualification, once you’ve completed this programme, you will no longer be eligible for a Student Loan in order to fund an undergraduate degree.

Alumni destinations

Graduate career pathways include:

• Progressing to postgraduate studies
• dance performance
• choreography
• theatre
• dance teaching
• dance leadership
• management roles
• roles within education

I have particularly enjoyed the space that the programme offers me to really develop as an artist and dancer… I love that I can develop at my own pace, while there is still an emphasis on hard work… I’ve gained a new appreciation for what my body can do… The programme has so far been perfectly suited to my needs and goals and I have enjoyed my time at Trinity Laban very much!

– Noémie Cattez, student 2014/15

Challenging and rewarding, the …study of physical and creative practice at Trinity Laban has given me opportunities to hone my skills and explore the dance profession. It has also given me the knowledge and confidence to advance to the next phase of my growth as an artist in postgraduate study.

June Ting, student 2018/19