MSc Dance Science

This course provides an intellectually stimulating programme of study, examining dance practice from physiological, psychological and biomechanical perspectives. You will apply science to the notion of optimising dance using laboratory-based and psychological methods, with access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment, large dance studios and excellent learning resources.

Explore your own interests through elective units covering areas including nutrition, public health and performance analysis, where you can collaborate with students across a range of disciplines. This unique opportunity will allow you to create a distinct study and research pathway preparing you for a sustainable career in dance science.

Assessments allow students to demonstrate their academic understanding and competence with practical skills. Assessment tasks replicate the typical activities of a dance scientist, such as literature reviewing and delivering presentations. In the Dance Science in Practice unit, students will work as a consultant to a student from MA Dance Performance and Choreography, devising a holistic training plan following an in-depth needs analysis with the dancer. Students will write up your findings and recommendations for the dancer, enhancing their skills in communicating scientific information to non-specialist audiences. The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to use the culmination of your knowledge and skills, researching and managing a larger-scale, more in depth research project to experience the role of the dance scientist at work and prepare you for further research as a postgraduate research student or within the broader academic context.

A career in dance science is varied and hugely rewarding. Careers typically include research, teaching or lecturing, and some consultancy work. Graduates may also go on to further study to help enhance their career options. The MSc Dance Science prepares students for the workplace in various ways. Firstly, you will be directly engaged in the context of applied dance science employment, by replicating the demands of the workplace in seminar tasks and assessments such as presentations, data collection and testing, and writing journal articles.

Secondly, extracurricular activities including internships and research seminars help to enhance your employability. You also have the opportunity to gain an additional qualification in the unit Principles of Strength and Conditioning, which prepares you to work in gym settings. Finally, our links with industry and professional organisations such as IADMS and One Dance UK ensure that we are at the forefront of dance science research and practice both in the UK and internationally.