MA/MFA DANCE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Course details

The programme consists of core modules of vocational study, alongside knowledge of research practices and independent research and enquiry. As part of the learning, students are expected to undertake assisting placements with Trinity Laban Learning and Participation Dance and other community dance organisations.

Module title	Module credits
Research Lab	30
Creative and Inclusive Dance Teaching	30
Relatedness in Motion	30
Community Dance Leadership	30
MA Project	60
OR MFA Extended Project	140

For further details see the programme specifications below or contact Programme Leader, Melanie Clarke on M.Clarke@trinitylaban.ac.uk

MA Dance Leadership and Community Practice Programme Specification

MFA Dance Leadership and Community Practice Programme Specification

Learning and Teaching

Learning will take place in a variety of different contexts including taught sessions, workshops, seminars, tutorials, and individual study and research. Some modules encourage reflection and peer review through sharing of practice. Teaching embraces different learning styles, allowing for a flexibility of response to your needs and abilities. The introduction of visiting lecturers and artists allows you to encounter a variety of views and approaches from current fields of practice.

The MFA Dance Leadership & Community Practice assumes 2600 notional learning hours. Supervisory contact during the extended project will be arranged in consultation with your project supervisor, located at key points in the development of your research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have an appropriate first degree (or an equivalent qualification) or 5 years’ professional experience. Applicants without formal qualification are subject to the Institution’s recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. Decisions are made by the RPL Panel with delegated authority from the Assessment Board. An External Examiner may decide to scrutinise the evidence supporting a claim as part of the Assessment Board process.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language should demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 areas, or TCL Integrated Skills in English III. Trinity Laban website provides guidance on the standard expected by reference to acceptable English Language qualifications.

In addition, meeting external requirements of UK Visas and Immigration is essential.

Entry to this programme is initially by submitting a UCAS application. Applicants will then be invited to either:

• a live practical audition OR upload video submissions (showing technical and creative work)
• interview (in person or via video conferencing software).

Applicants are normally expected to have a first degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject and/or relevant (professional) experience, preferably in dance, education or community related work.

Applicants without formal qualifications are subject to the Institution’s recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• appreciation of, and engagement with, the values and principles of Community / Participatory Dance as a professional area of practice
• understanding of the programme and how it can develop them as Dance Leaders and community practitioners
• potential to teach and lead dance in a range of community and participatory dance settings
• commitment to undertaking the programme, including independent study and assisting opportunities alongside timetabled classes

Who is it for?

The MA/MFA Dance Leadership and Community Practice attracts people from a diversity of backgrounds who have a common interest in dance as a creative, participatory art form and a desire to work beyond the traditional contexts of dance-making and performance. We encourage applications from:

• Dance or performing arts graduates who have pursued teaching / education / community as a strand of study and want to continue this as a specialism at postgraduate level
• Graduates of non-arts subjects who have a dance background and interest / experience in participatory arts / teaching / community work
• Individuals with traditional dance training wanting to extend their practice beyond performance and creation towards teaching and participatory practice
• Experienced professionals from dance or other sectors looking to broaden their skills and knowledge and enter new areas of professional practice

MFA Applicants

MFA applicants should demonstrate their capacity to undertake self-directed research by submitting an initial project proposal, outlining the following:

• The reasons they wish to carry out an independent project over one academic year
• Their suitability for extended independent research in the context of an MFA Dance Leadership & Community Practice.
• The nature of their intended research and a draft projected timeline with indicated outputs of research (which is understandably subject to change)

An interview (phone/Skype interview is acceptable) will also be required.

What can I do next?

The programme prepares students for a breadth of possibilities and our graduates work in a variety of settings as dance artists, facilitators, teachers and artistic leaders, or go on to further study in related disciplines. The vocational focus of the programme ensures that it continues to support graduate practitioners into the profession on an employed or independent basis.

What do alumni say?

“The course is brilliantly designed to cover all bases and each individual’s interests… There are so many opportunities to volunteer and work out in the community; this ensures that you will leave the course with the real-life experiences that are vital to starting a career… I feel proud and privileged to be a part of this exciting place.”

Corinne Meredith, PGDip student 2013 –15

“My time at Trinity Laban was invaluable in helping me to specialise in an area of dance I feel very passionate about. It gave me a hunger to explore new possibilities within dance, and the skills needed to develop my artistry.”

Emily Jenkins 2013-14

“Studying at [Trinity] Laban offered me the opportunity to develop both as an artist and teacher, providing a nurturing and supportive environment in which to explore my artistic interests. It has really launched my career, giving me invaluable skills and experience”.

Katharine le Roux 2014-15

What are my study options?

• The MA Dance Leadership and Community Practice is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) taught programme, culminating in an independent research project.
• The MFA Dance Leadership and Community Practice is a two-year full-time programme. It shares the first year taught programme with the MA. An extended independent project forms the second year, providing time for in-depth research.

What language skills do I need?

Minimum IELTS Band 6.5, or TCL Integrated Skills in English III.

How can I find out more?

Attend a Postgraduate Open Evening.

Email Melanie Clarke, Programme Leader m.clarke@trinitylaban.ac.uk

Fees and finance

Home student tuition fees are aligned with the maximum tuition fee cap set by the UK Government.  International tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases based on RPI-X.

2024/25 fees

In 2022/23 the MA fees are £9,840 (full time) or £5,530 (part time) for Home students; £20,830 (full time) or £11,710 (part time) for overseas students.

The MFA fee for Home students is £5,700 and £12,480 for overseas students.

Mode of study	Home	International
MA Full time	£10,630	£22,520
MA Part time	£5,930	£12,540
MFA	£6,110	£13,770

2023/24 fees

In 2023/24 the MA fees are £10,230 (full time) or £5,700 (part time) for Home students; £21,660 (full time) or £12,060 (part time) for overseas students.

The MFA fee for Home students is £5,870 and £13,240 for overseas students.

Mode of study	Home	International
MA Full time	£10,230	£21,660
MA Part time	£5,700	£12,060
MFA	£5,870	£13,240