Introduction
Trinity Laban is an established pioneer in the rapidly expanding field of Dance Science, having offered the world’s first Masters degree in Dance Science in 2001 and now the three-year undergraduate BSc Dance Science.
The programme is taught by leading research-active academics and practitioners with a focus on theoretical, experiential and practical learning. Situated within the dynamic artistic community of a conservatoire, you will study areas such as anatomy and exercise physiology, nutrition, performance psychology, performance analysis, motor skills learning and the role of dance in fitness and health.
The BSc will enable you to build on your passion for both dance and science by developing a sophisticated level of knowledge and understanding of how the dancing body and mind works. You will be able to progress your own technical dance skills, specifically using this knowledge, and to apply your learning to support others in a range of contexts. This opens up a range of potential career pathways in teaching, the leisure industry, safe and healthy practice promotion and education, and the option to pursue further study and research pathways.
Programme Details
Over three consecutive academic years (full-time), you will be encouraged to develop as independent learners as you advance through the programme. Different modules make up the timetable at strategic points within each year and complement each other. Throughout the three years, you will explore Technical Practice through a variety of styles and bodywork to deepen your embodied experience and practice of technique, including a unique Dance Science Technique class. Here, the theory and concepts from other modules are integrated into the dancing itself. In addition to your degree modules, you will gain three independent industry certificates to support your potential future career choices. These are included at no additional cost to your tuition fees.
Year 1
The focus is on developing the knowledge of how to investigate the dance science field, the key factors that are involved and how they are specific to dance practice. The areas of study in Level 4 are Researching Dance Science, Anatomy and Exercise Physiology, Motor Skills Learning, Nutrition and Injury in Dance. Alongside these modules, Technical Practice I
includes weekly Contemporary Dance classes, Experiential Anatomy classes (Feldenkrais-based), Pilates mat and Reformer sessions, Conditioning classes and Contemporary Jazz. Technical Practice is up to 9 hours per week for 30 weeks.
Modules (120 credits):
- Technical Practice I (30 credits)
- Functional Anatomy and Exercise Physiology (20 credits)
- Nutrition (20 credits)
- Motor Skills Learning I (20 credits)
- Researching Dance Science I (20 credits)
- Injury in Dance (10 credits)
Year 2
The focus is on consolidating and extending the material covered in Year 1 while introducing Performance Psychology and acquainting students with a range of methodologies for analysing movement and dance. Students will develop critical, creative and communication skills as well as foster a broader understanding of research methods. They will begin to apply their knowledge and understanding in different contexts and deepen their own embodied understanding of the material introduced through technical practice.
Modules (120 credits):
- Technical Practice II (30 credits)
- Analysis of Performance (30 credits)
- Performance Psychology (20 credits)
- Researching Dance Science II (15 credits)
- Exercise Physiology II (15 credits)
- Motor Skills Learning II (10 credits)
Year 3
In Level 6, the focus is on the application of the theoretical areas of Dance Science gained in Years 1 and 2 to different contexts and populations. Two new modules are introduced that stimulate you to look at the role of dance science as applied to wider populations. Training Strategies for Dance, Exercise and Fitness explores the health and skill-related principles of training that support general physical fitness and dance-specific conditioning to improve physical functioning, enhance dance proficiency and increase injury resistance. Community Arts, Health and Wellbeing looks at arts interventions and their potential impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing in a range of contexts and with different populations.
Technical Practice III offers 6 hours a week of contemporary and bodywork classes with the intention of maintaining and creatively exploring individual technique while developing sophisticated analytic skills by observing other dancers in practice. Towards the end of the year, there are also opportunities to participate in optional classes with dancers on other programmes.
Supported by group seminars and individual supervision, you will develop and carry out and independent research study in a specific area of your choice for your final Dissertation Project. At the end of the year, specific “exit” sessions” and “life-skills” seminars will help you transition into the next stage of your career pathway.
In your final year, you will be given the opportunity to gain a Sports First Aid Certificate, with training delivered by an external, recognised Provider, that is valid for three years from the point that you leave the Programme. Additionally, within the Training Strategies module, you will work towards a Level 2 Group Exercise Qualification, provided by Active IQ. This will support recognition and validity in the fitness and leisure industry to enhance your career potential and provide a stepping stone to higher level fitness qualifications.
Modules (120 credits):
- Technical Practice III (20 credits)
- Training Strategies for Dance, Exercise and Fitness (30 credits)
- Community Arts, Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
- Project Dissertation (50 credits)
For more detailed information on the structure of the BSc, you can find the programme specifications here:
Teaching and Learning
The overall number of student learning hours is approximately 3675, which includes 1090 contact hours, guided and self-directed study hours. Learning happens through a blend of lectures, practical classes, group workshops, seminars, guided independent study and tutorials. As you progress, you will gain greater autonomy and independence in your studies. Collaborative learning and practice is an important feature of Trinity Laban’s mission. On the BSc, there is an integrated approach between the different modules, the knowledge gained in one informing the learning in another.
The staff teaching on the BSc programme are world-leading researchers and outstanding lecturers with subject-specific expertise and recognised profiles. Colleagues regularly collaborate with each other experts in the field in research projects and publications, and have strong links with professional organisations in the industry. Several have been recognised with awards from these organisations.
Assessment
Your developing knowledge will be assessed in a range of ways as you progress, for example:
- Practical individual and group presentations
- Written essays and reports
- Online timed exams
- Portfolio plans and design of activities
- Reflective diaries
- Formal individual Project Dissertation
- Infographics
Assessment tasks are phased to ensure balance and avoid work overload. A schedule of submission dates are published at the beginning of each year in the form of a scheduled “Road map”.
Learning spaces
These are purpose-built facilities in our award-winning Dance Faculty building.
- The Dance Science Lab: The Lab Technicians will introduce you to our testing kit and technology in dedicated “Open Lab” sessions, where you can explore, and learn how to use, the latest physiology and biomechanics equipment and dance-specific testing protocols.
- World-class dance studios: The Dance Faculty has 13 dance studios where students experience all their Technical Practice classes. As is usual at Trinity Laban, every class enjoys a live musician to accompany the teaching, where appropriate.
- The Conditioning Studio: Apart from scheduled programme classes, the Conditioning Studio offers free classes aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of all students. Classes available include: Dynamic Pilates and Equipment Pilates, Yoga, Strength and Conditioning, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), meditation and self-practice gym sessions.
- Laban Library: The Laban Library and Archive is the UK’s largest and most varied open access specialist research collection on dance and related subjects in physical and electronic form. Topics available include: Dance Science, Psychology, Sports Science, Biomechanics, Physiology and Somatic texts and journal as well as literature covering ballet, contemporary dance, choreography, dance health, dance teaching. We also have a growing collection of contextual material from subject areas such as fine arts, education and philosophy.
Entry Requirements
The on-time UCAS Conservatoire deadline for dance undergraduate applications for entry in September 2025 is 31 January 2025 (check), however late applications will be considered.
To apply for this course you must first submit an application via UCAS Conservatoires. Early application is recommended as there are limited places available and auditions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requirements:
- A minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.
- An interest in Dance Science, normally demonstrated by an A-Level or equivalent in Maths, Science, Physical Education or Psychology (but not essentially so).
- Applicants without the recommended academic subjects at A-level are encouraged to apply if they have any of these subjects at GCSE (9-5).
- All applicants will be interviewed, prior to which they will be asked to complete a short research task to demonstrate their interest and skills that will support them on the academic programme.
- Some prior dance experience is essential and will be assessed through the information you provide in your application and personal statement. There is no dance audition for entry to the BSc.
Applicants will normally have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE. However, mature individuals with professional experience may also apply.
In addition, we accept a wide range of national and international qualifications using equivalencies from UCAS and UK NARIC. If you have any questions about your qualifications please contact admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk.
Fees and Finance
It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years, as fee changes are linked to inflation and changes in government policy. 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.
Accommodation and Living Costs
This information can be found on our Accommodation and Costs of Living pages.
Financial Support
Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the Fees and Finance section.
Career pathways
Graduates from our BSc Dance Science programme can pursue a range of careers. These include using their skills by developing their teaching, working within the fitness industry, being involved in community and participatory settings, support and education for safe practice or completing further research in dance science or other related areas. Trinity Laban’s full-time or part-time MSc/MFA Dance Science programme offers the opportunity to further explore your research interests with us.
Unique opportunities in Dance Science at Trinity Laban
What makes Dance Science at Trinity Laban different? You can:
- Gain recognised industry awards (Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise, Safe in Dance International (SiDI) Healthy Dancer Certificate (HDC), Sport First Aid Certificate) at no additional cost to your fees
- Continue to build upon your dance skills by experiencing conservatoire dance training
- Have access to on-site free self-practice gym sessions and a range of conditioning studio classes
- Have access to Trinity Laban Health where you can find qualified practitioners in a range of therapies to support your training and wellbeing including physiotherapy, sports massage, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture and acupressure massage
- Conduct your research with conservatoire trained dancers
- Assist with screening for Trinity Laban students
- Benefit from Trinity Laban partnerships and networks with dance science organisations: IADMS (International Association for Dance Medicine and Science) and NIDMS (National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science)
Key Facts
UCAS | 201F |
---|---|
Location | Laban Building |
Duration | 3 years (full time) |
Start Date | September |
BSc in Dance Science at Trinity Laban
What is it like studying Bsc Dance Science at Trinity Laban?
Meet the students
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