MSc Dance Science

Introduction

The MSc in Dance Science is a one-year (full time) or two-year (part time) research-focused programme, which takes on multidisciplinary perspectives to facilitate the understanding and optimisation of dancers’ experience and performance. Through a breadth of scientific approaches, the programme explores the dancer and dance contexts from recreational to professional settings and develops robust research skills for the study thereof.This programme is for individuals who have some experience with dance – including dancers, choreographers, scientists, teachers, lecturers and health practitioners – and who are motivated to deepen their knowledge of dance science.

Key Features

You will learn within a culture of high calibre conservatoire dancers, interacting with over 300 students committed to becoming professional dancers and choreographers. Cross-disciplinary study opportunities with students on other postgraduate programmes are also integral to the learning experience.
The programme draws on multidisciplinary perspectives in dance science, such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, and engages with scientific and creative modes of research to provide n empirical understanding of the dancer, dance practice, and performance. Students will develop applied research skills and will have the opportunity to conduct research in studio and lab-based contexts. Bringing together advanced knowledge and research skills, the programme culminates in an independent research project on a topic of choiceOur 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).
Our in-house Fitness Screening & Health Tracking Programme and departmental research projects give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working as a dance scientist while you study.
Our specialist facilities include a versatile testing laboratory with dedicated support staff, a specialist dance library and 12 dance studios.

HOW TO APPLY

Programme Details

The MSc Dance Science is a research-focused taught programme which focuses on understanding and investigating dancers and dance practice across recreational, training and professional settings through scientific approaches. The programme offers the opportunity to develop and apply knowledge in a variety of areas, including enhancement of dance practice and performance, dancers’ wellness, and dance for health.

From both a theoretical and applied perspective, the programme engages with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods modes of research and practice, integrating interdisciplinary elements of dance science informed by a range of disciplines such as physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology. The integrative nature of the programme and the diversity of experiences and backgrounds of both students and faculty makes it a thriving and organic interdisciplinary learning experience.
The modules provide the opportunity to progress from gaining advanced knowledge and research skills, to translating theory and skills to practice; which prepares students to ultimately apply and extend dance science research skills and knowledge in the area of their interest. Students will first gain multidisciplinary perspective to understand dance through Foundations in Performance Science, gaining knowledge in a range of disciplinary perspective. This module is accompanied by Approaches to Performance Research, wherein students gain Masters level knowledge in the breath of research methods that support the range of disciplinary perspectives examined.
Provided the strong research focus within the porgramme, Performing Research 1 & 2 provide students with the opportunity to explore modes of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research analysis. These modules provide students with hands-on experience conducting research within a conservatoire, as students are embedded into ongoing research project with performing artists in the laboratory and the studio.
To allow students to dive deeper into areas of interest, Applications in Dance Science provides a selection of electives: Movement & Technique Analysis, Strength & Conditioning in Dance, Performance Psychology, Dance Training & Education, and Arts & Health. Students select two areas on interest and are support in bringing together interdisciplinary approaches in an applied dance context. With depended knowledge and well-practiced research skills, the programme culminates in the supporting students execute an independent dance science research study.

Module Map

Msc Dance Science (Level 7)

Modules	Credits
Approaches to Performance Research	30
Foundations in Performance Science	30
Performing Research 1	15
Performing Research 2	15
Applications in Dance Science	30
Project	60

For more details, take a look at the programme specification or email the Programme Leader, Catherine Haber: c.haber@trinitylaban.ac.uk

MSc Dance Science Programme Specification

Teaching and Learning

Hours

The MSc Dance Science consists of approximately 1800 notional learning hours. The five taught modules vary in their contact hours relative to the module aims and awarding credits (for an outline of contact hours per module, refer to the individual module specifications).

How will I learn?

Following a blended learning approach, students will learn through a wide variety of flexible learning and teaching methods both in digital and in person learning environments, underpinned by a significant amount of self-directed learning. The learning and teaching strategies include webinars and seminars, digital and practical workshops, group and individual tutorials, peer and tutor led discussions, mini-conference days, studio-and lab-based application, as well as independent and self-directed work. Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively with peers within and external to their programme as part of their learning experience.

To assist learning, students will have access to a range of additional support provided by the dance science laboratory team, student support, audio-visual and digital enhanced learning teams, as well as library support. Individual and/or group tutorial support is offered to students in preparation for assessments. Academic tutor office hours are also available to students.

TEACHING STAFF

How will I be assessed?

The programmes assessments are specifically designed with employability in mind. The range of summative and formative 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. Students will be assessed according to their ability to meet the learning outcomes for the module, and against any specific assessment criteria provided.

Assessment tasks include: a multidisciplinary dance science portfolio, developing a project proposal, , group project lab reports and poster presentations based on research conducted within the conservatoire, designing and delivering a Dance Science workshop, and culminates with a written journal article and presentation.

Assessment modes include individual and group assessments in written, oral and practice-based presentations, in digital and/or in person contexts.

Alumni Destinations

The MSc in Dance Science equips graduate for various career pathways. The programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing careers in higher education, such as lecturers, researchers, or doctoral studies in dance science. Graduates have also gone on to work as consultants for dance companies, training institutions and dance organisations; while others have used the dance science knowledge and skills gained to enhance their practice in the field, as dancers, teachers, rehearsal directors, choreographers, clinical practitioners, fitness instructors, or business owners.

I met life-long mentors, colleagues, and friends and encountered incredible opportunities; above all, I was nurtured as a dance artist, researcher and academic

Dr Shantel Ehrenberg, MSc student 2005/6, Lecturer in Dance, University of Surrey

Graduate Journeys

Internships

Trinity Laban
University of California Irvine

Lecturing Positions

University of Roehampton
New Bucks University
Royal Acadey of Dance
Texas A & M University
University of Chichester
Loyola Marymount University
California State University, Long Beach

Health and Education Positions

One Dance UK
National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS)
London School of Contemporary Dance
Boston Ballet and The Juilliard School
Akademi
Three graduates of the Trinity Laban MSc have held the post of Healthier Dancer Programme Manager at One Dance UK since 2011
The Harkness Centre for Dance Injuries in New York

Research Degree Programme

In the past five years, four graduates have enrolled on the Research Degree Programme at Trinity Laban, one of whom was awarded a fully funded studentship as part of a larger project grant from The Leverhulme Trust, and another has been awarded an ESRC PhD studentship for the University of Bath.

For more information on the successes of Trinity Laban’s MSc Dance Science graduates and what they have to say about the course, visit Alumni Profiles. Also, a reference list of graduate publications, posters and presentations is available.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to have an appropriate first degree (or an equivalent qualification) or 5 years’ professional experience in a relevant discipline.
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements are subject to the Institution’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

English Language requirements

IELTS Band 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four areas (General English Test) or above (or equivalents). 

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

Please visit the Dance Applications page for full details of entry requirements and the application process for this programme.

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.

Fees for September 2024 entrants

Fees are reviewed annually and may increase by up to 5% each year. The following fees are confirmed.