Dance MA

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree in any relevant discipline or an equivalent qualification is usually required. Admission is by written application and interview.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Reimagine What Dance Can Be

If you’re ready to push boundaries, refine your creative practice, and explore new directions in dance, the MA Dance at the University of Chester is your space to grow, challenge, and transform.

This course is designed for emerging and established dance artists, performers, choreographers and movement practitioners who want to deepen their artistic voice and broaden their career horizons. You'll be encouraged to innovate, collaborate and interrogate what dance can achieve, across performance, choreography, education, research and community practice.

Personalised, Practice-Led Learning

Your journey is shaped by your ambitions. You’ll explore your ideas through exciting modules, and will have a major practical project and a substantial, self-directed research dissertation. Whether you’re working solo or collaboratively, this course supports you to develop a distinct and meaningful body of work.

Teaching is delivered in person through practical workshops, seminars, lectures and studio-based exploration. Assessments are varied and reflective of the creative industries, including performances, demonstrations, presentations, and written work.

Expert Staff, Supportive Community

You'll learn from experienced tutors who are active artists and researchers in the field of dance. They'll support you, challenge you, and offer critical insight and one-to-one guidance throughout your studies.

The course fosters collaboration between disciplines and provides space to experiment with new forms of expression; you can involve yourself with performance, film, and technology, as well as other interdisciplinary practices.

Your Creative Campus, With Industry-standard Facilities

You'll be based at Chester’s Creative Campus, Kingsway, home to the University’s School for the Creative Industries. It's a vibrant, collaborative environment designed to support your artistic and academic growth.

The campus offers 6,920 square metres of floor space, including a 200-seat lecture theatre, rehearsal and performance studios, a dedicated learning resource centre, subject-specific IT labs (housing 200 Macs and PCs), and a catering outlet. Facilities also include purpose-built dance studios, performance venues, a music recording suite, TV and photography studios, and excellent editing suites.

Whether you’re rehearsing, experimenting with new media or developing a major project, you'll have the space and equipment to bring your creative ideas to life.

Your Future in Dance

Graduates from this course go on to work in diverse roles such as dance performers, choreographers, rehearsal directors, arts facilitators, teachers, independent artists and researchers. Many pursue careers in community arts, education, festivals, health and wellbeing, or continue onto PhD study.

Our Careers and Employability team is here to help you plan your future, with advice on freelancing, funding, networking, further study and building your professional profile.

Your Place to Begin

The MA Dance is available as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course. Most of your learning is delivered on campus, supported by some online materials.

Find Out More and Apply

For full details on entry requirements and how to apply, visit our Applying for a Postgraduate Course page.

Information for international students

https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/

Fees and funding

https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/fees-and-finance/postgraduate-funding/