MA / MFA Dance Performance
Course details
Introduction
The MA/MFA Dance Performance fosters a supportive and creative environment to challenge and explore your agency, identity and artistry as a dance performer within an ever changing and dynamic sector.
Throughout this programme you will work collectively within a unique group of international peers, exploring different modes of performance practice and creating innovative new dance work with a diverse range of guest artists. You will be supported to expand your professional networks and build the skills, experience and confidence required to work collaboratively and perform as part of an ensemble.
You will also have opportunities to identify your own areas of research and work independently with guidance and support to articulate, resource and present your own performance practice, learning to create the conditions within which you want to perform.
Ethical, sustainable and responsible approaches to performance practice are prioritised throughout.
Key Features
This unique programme situates the student as performer/maker/researcher.
You’ll be immersed in an intensive year of physical and creative exploration, working both collaboratively and independently.
You’ll be invited to reflect on your own performance practice, to ask questions, and to identify and give voice to your own interests and ambitions.
Regular classes in a range of different dance techniques and embodied practices provide the groundwork for exploring different movement styles and methodologies, alongside specialist support from our Dance Science and Health team.
Creative projects with guest artists may have a range of different outputs from stage performances in our award-winning theatre to site specific events, durational installations, film work and other creative performances.
Across all activities, the experience of the dancer as agent is foregrounded and celebrated. Ongoing dialogue and debate create space for critical reflection alongside regular feedback and independent research.
You will become part of the wider postgraduate community at Trinity Laban, with shared activities and opportunities to collaborate across both music and dance faculties.
Facilities in our award-winning building include an outstanding library, state of the art studios, a 300-seat theatre and access to our fitness gym and Pilates studio alongside costume, production and AV support.
Key Facts
- UCAS
- MA 705F / MFA 755F
- Location
- Laban Building
- Duration
- MA 1 year (full time), MFA 2 years (full time)
Fees
Audition fees
Please note that there is no audition fee for this course. You will only need to pay the UCAS Conservatoires administration fee of £34.50 for the 2027 entry cycle.
2026-27
- Info 26/27
- Fees represent 2026/27 year only, programmes with more than one year are subject to fee increases after the first year.
- MA Dance Performance (Full-time)
- Home £11,390 International £24,130
- MFA Dance Performance (Full-time)
- Home £13,460 International £30,380
2027-28
- Info 27/28
- Fees represent 2027/28 year only, programmes with more than one year are subject to fee increases after the first year.
- MA Dance Performance (Full-time) 27-28
- Home £6,600 International £13,970
- MFA Dance Performance (Full-time)
- Home £6,800 International £15,340
Key Dates
-
Applications open on UCAS Conservatoires
-
Welcome Week
See institutional term dates -
Open Day
Plan your visit -
On-time application deadline on UCAS Conservatoires. Applications will be considered after this date.
-
Deadline for applying for a financial award (you should have submitted an application on UCAS Conservatoires and Embark prior to this). You may be considered for financial awards after this date, but funds will be limited.
Detailed Information
The MA Dance Performance is a one year (full time) taught programme, culminating in an independent research project.
The MFA Dance Performance is a two-year (full time) programme. It shares the first year with the MA. An extended independent project forms the second year, providing time for in-depth research and realisation of a substantial body of your own work.
Modules undertaken on this programme are:
• Performance Making
• Performance Practices
• Performance Research and Reflection
• Research Lab
• Project/Extended Project
Each module positions the student in a different relationship with the phenomenon that is performance.
The majority of the learning for this programme takes place in the context of group studio practice led by faculty and guest artists. A range of performance experiences also provide different learning opportunities.
Seminars and lectures will also be part of the course alongside group discussion and reflective practice. You will also have regular individual tutorials and mentoring throughout the year. In the final term, you will engage in independent study to pursue a particular research idea with mentoring support.
This is an intensive programme, and you can expect to have around 25-30 contact hours per week for much of the year, depending on the activity.
Assessment will take place through a variety of modes, including practice-based formats, presentation, continuous contribution, performance, reflective documentation and portfolio submission.
Entry Requirements
To study with us you’ll need:
Normally a UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate or related subject, or an overseas award of equivalent standard.
Applicants without formal qualification, who may have the appropriate levels of professional experience are invited to complete Trinity Laban’s recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.
English Language requirements (if applicable):
• you will need IELTS Band 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four areas (Academic Test) or above (or equivalents). For more information, visit our English language requirements page.
• If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, please be aware of its English language requirements, as they may differ. Secure English Language Tests and levels can be found at gov.uk. Meeting external requirements of UK Visas and Immigration is essential.
MFA Applicants:
You will be required to submit an initial project proposal, in addition to your application, outlining the following:
• The reasons you wish to carry out an independent project over one academic year.
• Why you are suitable for extended independent research
• What your intended research might look like and a draft projected timeline with indicated outputs of research (which may be subject to change).
Who is this course for?
The MA/MFA Dance Performance is suited to both recent graduates and to more experienced performers who wish to refresh and reframe their performance practice alongside gaining a postgraduate qualification. You will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of dance performance practice, either at an audition workshop or through video application, that is commensurate with study at master’s level.
We are looking for applicants who are excited by the prospect of working both collectively and independently to explore and deepen their skills as performers. Students will need to be willing to collaborate, take risks, be ready to explore new creative ideas, and to work as part of a team. Students will also need to be self-motivated and bring with them an ongoing curiosity about their own movement practice and performative potential.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and we particularly encourage applications from different underrepresented groups.
How to Apply
First, you’ll need to submit your application on UCAS Conservatoires.
13 Jan 2027 – Postgraduate on-time deadline to submit both a UCAS Conservatoire application and Embark materials. We will accept applications after this date, but would recommend aiming for this deadline if you would like to be considered for a financial award.
April 2027 – Postgraduate Spring submission date. If you apply on UCAS Conservatoires and submit your Embark materials by this date, you will still be considered for financial support but there will be less chance of success.
Once we have received your application on UCAS Conservatoires, you will be either:
• invited to one of our admissions workshops, or
• sent more details about how to submit your recorded material, if you are unable to attend in person. This information can also be found under Recorded Materials for Postgraduate Dance on this page.
Admissions Workshops
The workshops offer an opportunity to meet the team and engage in class and creative sessions as well as meeting some of the current students. These days are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, everyone who registers will be invited to stay for the duration and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the course.
You can contact us at admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk for more information.
If you are unable to attend an in-person workshop in London, you can submit recorded material via Embark.
Staff
Teaching Staff
Hilary Stainsby
Programme Leader
Zoi Dimitriou
Lecturer in Dance
Giacomo Pini
Lecturer in Dance
Sara Ruddock
Lecturer in Dance
How to Apply – Dance
How to Apply
Take your next step
Fees & Your Finances
Explore your options
Audition information
Your guide