Introduction

The MFA Dance Science is a 2-year research-focused postgraduate programme, which broadens the possibilities within dance science research and study. The first year shares module content with students on the MSc Dance Science programme. An extended independent project forms the second year, as the defining feature of the MFA Dance Science.  

This is the world’s first and only MFA Dance Science programme. It examines both the science and the art of dance. From both a theoretical and applied perspective, the programme engages with qualitative and quantitative modes of research and practice, integrating interdisciplinary elements of dance science such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology and embodied practices (e.g. Somatics). Scientific research methods and modes of statistical analyses are central to the taught programme in the first year.

The second year offers an opportunity for students to direct their postgraduate dance science experience through an extended enquiry. This requires both breadth and depth of critical engagement culminating in a substantial research project.

The uniqueness of the programme, being situated within a dance and music conservatoire, brings with it the opportunity to be part of the wider Trinity Laban artistic and scholarly community, along with access to specialist staff and performance and laboratory facilities.

Our team is internationally known in the field and work with professional companies and organisations around the world. Trinity Laban is a founding partner of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS) and a supporter of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS).

We welcome applications from students with prior dance experience, who are interested in investigating the science and art of dance. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their capacity to undertake independent self-directed research over an extended period of time and propose a research question that warrants the depth and breadth that an extended project time frame can afford. The choice between pursuit of an MSc or MFA programme of study will depend upon the applicant’s prior experiences and future aspirations.

The programme aims to extend the range of practice, educational, research and employment possibilities available to graduates. An MFA Dance Science is likely to appeal to graduates wishing to pursue a career in higher education, especially where a terminal degree is required. As with the MSc, graduates can go on to become consultants for dance companies, training institutions and national dance organisations. Some might pursue further study at PhD level. Others will use their dance science knowledge to inform their practice as dancers, teachers, rehearsal directors or choreographers.

Course Details

The MFA Dance Science is a research-focused programme which explores aspects of dance practice and performance through a range of scientific disciplines and in a variety of dance contexts. The programme investigates ways of enhancing dance practice, optimising dancer performance, reducing injury occurrence, and examining the impact of dance on other populations. From both a theoretical and applied perspective, the programme engages with qualitative and quantitative modes of research and practice, integrating interdisciplinary elements of dance science such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology and embodied practices (e.g. somatics). 

The MFA programme follows the same taught module offer as the MSc Dance Science, but with an extended independent project as the defining feature of the MFA Dance Science, which forms the second year of the programme.

The taught modules are delivered across three consecutive days, with the remaining two days available for self-directed study. One intensive week of study for the Statistics component occurs at the end of the first term. Term 3 (Easter to June) requires flexible availability due to the nature of the module. The Project module (June to September) is independently scheduled via tutorials with your supervisor as relevant. Note: where there is no scheduled delivery there is associated self-directed study amounting to approximately two or more days. 

The second MFA year is characterised by self-directed research, experimentation and reflection in the creation of a substantial and thoroughly researched piece of work. This is an independently scheduled module via tutorials with your supervisor as relevant.

Module Map

MFA Dance Science (Level 7)

Modules

Credits

Research Lab

35

Performance Enhancement: Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology

45

Embodied and Applied Practices

20

Whole Dancer Study

20

Extended Project

140

For more details, take a look at the programme specification or email the Programme Leader, Liliana Araújo: l.araujo@trinitylaban.ac.uk

MFA Dance Science Programme Specification

Teaching

The wide variety of learning and teaching methods lectures, practical workshops, seminars, group and individual tutorials, peer and tutor led discussions, mini-conference days, studio-and lab-based application, and becomes increasingly self-directed over the duration of the programme. Laboratory skills sessions additionally provide experience of working with testing equipment and dealing with human participants. One to one tutorial support is offered in every module. Group discussion is encouraged in order to provoke informed debate about the application of dance science research to the practical dance environment.

The Programme is structured so as to support progressive development in learning and to increasingly encourage the application of theory to practice, leading to increased autonomy in learning and engagement.

The MFA Dance Science consists of approximately 2600 notional learning hours. The Programme is structured so as to support progressive development in learning and to increasingly encourage the application of theory to practice, leading to increased autonomy in learning and engagement. The four taught modules vary in their contact hours relative to the module aims and awarding credits.

 View a list of the Teaching Staff.

Assessment

The range of summative assessments are designed to reflect the knowledge and skills required of graduates entering the dance science sector and centre on a critical examination of dance science theory and research as applied to dance practice.

For all assessment tasks you will be assessed according to your ability to meet the learning outcomes for the module, and against any specific assessment criteria provided. Assessment tasks include scientific lab reports, critical conceptual investigations, development of performance enhancement strategies, developing a project proposal and a statistics exam. Assessment modes include written, oral and poster presentations.

Taught: 40%
Dissertation: 60% 

Alumni Destinations

The programme aims to extend the range of practice, educational, research and employment possibilities available to graduates. An MFA Dance Science is likely to appeal to graduates wishing to pursue a career in higher education, especially where a terminal degree is required.

As with the MSc, graduates can go on to become consultants for dance companies, training institutions and national dance organisations. Some might pursue further study at PhD level. Others will use their dance science knowledge to inform their practice as dancers, teachers, rehearsal directors or choreographers.

For more information on the successes of Trinity Laban's Dance Science graduates and what they have to say about the course, visit Alumni Profiles. 

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students with prior dance experience, who are interested in investigating the science and art of dance. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their capacity to undertake independent self-directed research over an extended period of time and propose a research question that warrants the depth and breadth that an extended project time frame can afford. The choice between pursuit of an MSc or MFA programme of study will depend upon the applicant’s prior experiences and future aspirations.

Applicants are expected to have an appropriate first degree (or an equivalent qualification). 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 7.0. In addition, meeting external requirements of UK Visas and Immigration is essential.

Applicants are also required to submit 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 Science
  • 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.

Read more here about how to apply.

Fees and Finance

Fees for the following academic years have been confirmed: 

It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years, as fee changes are linked to inflation and changes in government policy.

Accommodation and living costs

This information can be found on our Costs of Living page.

Financial support

Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the Fees and Finance section.

Key Facts

UCAS 500M
Location Laban Building
Duration 2 years (Full-time)
Start Date September 2018

Gallery

On our dance science programmes you can explore dance practice and performance from theoretical and applied perspectives, through a range of scientific disciplines and in a variety of dance contexts.