Professional Dance and Performance, BA Hons
A 3-year, technically demanding conservatoire degree, accredited by the University of Greenwich, for aspiring professional dancers seeking advanced multidisciplinary dance training.
The BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Performance is a technically demanding conservatoire degree designed for aspiring professional dancers seeking advanced training across ballet, jazz, commercial, and contemporary dance styles. The programme delivers rigorous studio-based practice supported by performance projects, industry‑led repertoire, and tailored personal development opportunities that mirror the expectations of professional rehearsal and production environments. Students refine technical excellence, stylistic adaptability, and the physical resilience required for sustained careers in today’s diverse dance sector.
Throughout the programme, learners cultivate versatility by engaging deeply with contrasting movement vocabularies, exploring application of a range of stylistic expression, and contributing to creative processes. Emphasis is placed on precision, musicality, dynamic range, and the interpretive skills that enable versatile, authentic story-telling through performance.
By the end of the degree, graduates emerge as adaptable, expressive, and industry informed performers equipped with the technical proficiency, creative intelligence, and professional mindset essential for success in the evolving landscape of the dance industry.
UCAS points
64 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
W501
Location
Duration
3 years full-time
Start month
September
Home* /international fees 2026/27
£9,790 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
* Home fees
The government regulated undergraduate home tuition fee rate for 2026-27 has been confirmed as £9,790 per year.
What you will study
Indicative Modules
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Core Techniques for Professional Dance (30 credits)
- Personal Development and Wellbeing (30 credits)
- Expanded Practice for Professional Dance (30 credits)
- Dance Performance Workshops (30 credits)
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Refining Techniques for Professional Dance (30 credits)
- Reflective Practice and Research (15 credits)
- Developing Practice for Professional Dance (30 credits)
- Dance Performance Project (30 credits)
- Professional Development and Employability (15 credits)
Year 3
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Advanced Techniques for Professional Dance (60 credits)
- Independent Research Project (30 credits)
- CRE8 Dance Performance (30 credits)
Bird College
The course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges.
Bird College is a conservatoire for dance and musical theatre based in Sidcup, in southeast London.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- 64 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE and all other qualifications with UCAS Tariff points.
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C and GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
Contextual Admissions
- We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions Policy.
We also accept applications if you wish to transfer from another institution, and have already studied 1 or 2 years of a relevant course at level 4 or 5 and wish to continue your education at the University of Greenwich.
For more information contact 020 8300 6004.
If you are from outside the UK
Further information about entry
- Application and selection: Suitable applicants will be required to attend the College audition
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your dedicated Academic Tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 100 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 200 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home* | £9,790 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | N/A | N/A |
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
* Home fees
The government regulated undergraduate home tuition fee rate for 2026-27 has been confirmed as £9,790 per year.
Other costs
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Libraries at Bird College and the University of Greenwich (Stockwell Street). You may wish to purchase your own copies.
Students on this course are also required to pay the College's Extra-Curricular Fund (ECF). The ECF is £1,000 in total, spread over your three years of study. A range of payment options are available.
The ECF covers multiple resource costs at the College, including headshots/publicity photos, in-house theatre tickets, lockers and entry systems. The ECF also contributes towards an individual vocal scheme where the student contribution triggers other funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
BIRD is committed to supporting students through personalised, accessible Learning & Wellbeing provision. At the start of each academic year, our team meets individually with students to understand their needs and plan support. Students may choose weekly check-ins, and Learning and Support Officers can help with self-referrals to counselling, screening through the University of Greenwich, or accessing DSA. Support is flexible and tailored, from essay writing and time management to emotional regulation, coping strategies, empowering every student to thrive academically and personally.
Do you provide employability services?
Information coming soon.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Drama at the University of Greenwich
Make your world a stage with one of our Drama degrees - join a university-based course and hone your craft in our own 100-seat theatre. Or choose to study dance and musical theatre at our partner, Bird College.
Visit our drama degrees page.
More critical acclaim for Drama graduates’ show
The Fruity Theatre Company have enjoyed further success with their production, 'Nail Polish', earning them a 4-star review from a recent five-show-London-run.
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