MA Dance Research

MA DANCE RESEARCH

The programme enables students to develop their own research interests and, supported by tutors design a programme of dance research that addresses specific areas of interest.

Entry Requirements and Fees

2020/21 UK fee: £7,800

2020/21 International fee: £13,950

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.

Typical Requirements:

An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in a related discipline.

International applicants will be required to provide evidence of IELTS 6.5 (with no element less than 6.0) or equivalent.

You will also be require to audition for this course and provide a research proposal.

Student view

Callum Anderson

MA Dance Research

I have just completed my Dissertation project looking at queer representations of masculinity in screendance practice. Being surrounded by likeminded individuals on the course, as well as present at passionate and knowledgeable lectures, really made my time at the University of Chichester stimulating and enjoyable.

Course content

The MA Dance Masters by Research enables students to develop their own research interests and, supported by tutors design a programme of dance research that addresses specific areas of interest, as an example, projects might explore areas such as; Dance and Postmodernism, Community Dance Practice, Dance in Education, Popular Dance, Site-Specific Dance Practices, Dance and technology, Dance Film, Dance and Interdisciplinary Arts Practices, Dance History, Dance and Politics.

Guest lecturers on the MA include scholars, practitioners and curators all working in innovative areas of dance research.

Our facilities

Campus Location: Chichester

Our dance facilities include four superb dance studios, a fully-equipped 250-seat theatre and a 110-seat studio theatre.

Dance Studios

Dance Studio

Studio Theatre

Studio Theatre

Rehearsal Space

In addition, there is a large gymnasium space together with two new sprung-floor spaces in the Academic Building.

Rehearsal Space

Library

The library offers a substantial collection of books, journals and other materials to help you further your dance knowledge and research. There are a number of study areas for group and quiet study including Wi-Fi areas for laptop use are available, or you can use our open access PC and Mac areas.

We use an electronic learning environment with an expanding portfolio of online library resources from anywhere at any time. The Learning Resource is the hub of the learning environment.

It has two upper floors of library resources, one for silent study and one for quiet study, both of which have recently been refurbished. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Support and Information Zone, Media Centre, Costa Coffee and a variety of IT resources.

There are also:

130 open access PC workstations
45 Apple iMacs
Ample printing facilities
Netbooks available on loan
Professional editing suites
Media and equipment loans
Wi-Fi and plug points throughout

Where this can take you

This course is suitable for you if you are a dance / arts professional, teacher, recent graduate or a dance artist who wishes to extend their research skills.

It will offer you …

an opportunity to work with nationally and internationally established dance scholars and practitioners
time to deepen your understanding of your professional skills through practice, research and scholarship
Professional Development
deepening your ability to articulate what you do in written and spoken form
a stepping-stone toward PhD study

You will develop skills in…

critical thinking
working independently (via dissertation projects)
research and the articulation of that research in writing

It will give you…

preparation for further study i.e. PhD or professionally-related qualifications
a qualification that can aid in obtaining work within educational and HE institutions

Indicative modules

Core modules:

Independent Research Project module:

Your research skills will be facilitated through the formulation and realisation of a self-directed research project in broadly based dance practices, which underpin the MA programme. You will be expected to contextualise your work in the light of contemporary developments in dance research.

Dissertation module:

The Dissertation emphasises independent research where you select an area of investigation with the advice of tutors. This may arise from earlier modules studied on the degree. The research may focus on performance practice, professional practice (i.e. teaching and community dance practices) applied critical, historical or epistemological issues.

Optional modules

In addition to the two core modules, students are required to select two optional modules, these normally include options such as; Artist as Producer, Pedagogical Skills, Body in Site, Dance Writing and Criticism, Performing Politics.

Assessment for this programme employs various methods chosen as the most appropriate for demonstrating achievement of the learning outcomes for each module. All modules are assessed by means of programme work in the form of essays, practical choreography presentations, ,reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, online tasks and group working.

International English Studies

Include International English Studies:

Teaching and assessment

Learning is assessed using various methods chosen as the most appropriate for demonstrating achievement of the learning outcomes for each module.

All modules are assessed by means of programme work in the form of practical choreography presentations, essays, reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, online tasks and group working.

Additional Costs

Include Additional Costs:

Additional Costs

As a University of Chichester student you will be provided with many things to support you but there may be additional costs which you may encounter whilst studying. The information below will help you understand our provision and what else you need to budget for.

What you can expect from us

All of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of support and services:

• Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity;
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service;
• The general Library services are free for students and our e-resources are available wherever you are. However, you may become liable for fines if you don't return items on time;
• Open access IT spaces, wi-fi across the campuses and in the halls of residence, AV equipment to borrow;
• Access to support from our Careers Service;
• Disability and additional learning support;
• The Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills;
• 24 hours a day security team.

Costs of living and other expenses you may need to consider:

• Accommodation and living costs;
• Text books (but do remember that our library is stocked with a large range of text books for all courses, as well as online resources such as industry journals, free of charge);
• General stationery and other supplies such as presentation materials;
• Photocopying and printing (note: a hard copy of each assessment to be submitted is required);
• The library is charged for the Inter Library Loans service - we pass this cost on directly to our customers;
• Travel to, from and between campuses (note that the U7 and Number 50 bus services offer a subsided travel rate);
• Gym membership: check out our student membership packages, sports events, varsity teams, information about our new facilities and more on the Sport webpages;
• Dance / Theatre passes – these provide discounted entry to a range of performances;
• Field Trips / Educational Visits – these are optional and do not have to be undertaken to complete the programme. Students make a contribution towards the cost (e.g. travel, sometimes accommodation);
• If you require a Diagnostic Assessment for a Specific Learning Difficulty such as Dyslexia, the University may be able to assist you arrange this. You will be required to pay for this assessment, although some financial assistance may be possible from the University Hardship Fund. Further information is available from the Disability and Dyslexia Service. For more information, please click here
• Graduation: It is free for the student to attend the ceremony itself. Graduands must wear academic dress. Academic dress, guest tickets and photography are additional costs payable by the student.

Courses with a DBS enhanced disclosure check charge of £44:

• FD & BSc Community Sports Coaching
• Early Childhood Studies
• FD & BSc Football Coaching and Performance
• Humanistic Counselling
• Mathematics for Teaching KS 2 / 3
• Physical Education & Primary Years
• Physical Education & Sports Coaching
• Physical Education & Secondary Years
• Primary Teaching
• Primary Teaching (Early Years)
• All PGCEs
• BA and MA Social Work
• Sport Development and Coaching
• Sport Business & Management
• Sport Studies
• Sport Coaching & Science

Financial help available from the University

We offer a number of scholarships and bursaries to students who are beginning their studies at Chichester. Our Finance pages provides details on living costs, budgeting and paying your tuition fees.

How to apply

To apply, please fill in our online application form.

In addition to your application form we would like you to send in a proposal of what you would like to focus on as your research project while studying for an MA. We would like at least 1,000 words written as a proposal about what you would like to do, or what you have already studied, plus a bibliography.

We need to see evidence of your academic ability and knowledge of how to work with theory.

We would like to understand more about your academic background and your ability to think, question and follow academic discussions. You need to focus on a research area and rationalise your exploration. Do you have some theoretical/conceptual knowledge? What have you read to get this far? What did you read on your undergraduate degree to inform you in this work? Do you have an academic argument - an area of research that you would like to follow if we accept you on our programme?