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Teaching

Common teaching methods include:

• Technique classes which are essential for developing strong dance skills
• Creative workshops in which the students develop their own work. A range of formats are used to develop a wide range of creative practice
• Theory classes, always supported by practical seminars in which the learning can be contextualised
• Work-based learning/vocational experiences. These develop strong employability skills in the students and can be used after university to support applications for employment. 

In addition, meetings with personal academic tutors are scheduled on at least four occasions in the first year as part of the mandatory modules, and three occasions in each of the other years of a course.

Enhancement opportunities are provided by the course, the department and the school, and might include employer visits, production opportunities, cross-subject or subject-specific talks, collaborations, research opportunities and additional courses/qualifications.

Contact time

In a typical week students will have between 14 - 16 contact hours of teaching depending on the semester and academic year. In the final year there are 3 hours less contact time per week in order to carry out more independent study. 

Independent self study

In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake around 22-24 hours of personal self-study per week. Typically, this will involve personal and group practice, working on individual and group projects, rehearsing with your group, preparing coursework assignments, and reflecting on learning.

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including our state-of-the-art dance studio, theatre and our virtual learning environment.

Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years full-time including third year abroad

Timetables

Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that whilst we try to be as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week; and some classes can be scheduled in the evenings.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. Where relevant we make use of sessional lecturers as these can bring relevant industrial experience to our modules.  

Teaching is informed by research and consultancy, and 67% of permanent course lecturers have a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.  

Assessment

The assessed learning which students may achieve on the course can be classified under four different headings, or domains:

• the conceptual involves research, selection and analysis;
• the productive demands the interpretation and application of;
• the contextual/critical evidences critical thinking; and
• the personal/interpersonal tracks the development of those skills pertinent to organisation and successful completion of a project.

Assessment methods include portfolios (mainly e-portfolios), reflective work, practical classes, performances (including performances of their own work), project work ,presentations, discussion, and reports. 

Modules usually contain several assessment items, with a mixture of practical assessments, (for example a performance or technical exam) and related theoretical assessments (such as creative portfolios, reflections, presentations). A few modules have just a single assessment item worth 100% of the module. When this occurs, assessment usually requires a mixture of theoretical and practical work in order to complete.

Parity across modules is achieved by a system of equivalence that applies to word counts and practical work. 

The assessment types on this course are: 

Year 1

• 2 x technical assessments
• 5 x performances
• 2 x portfolios
• 2 x presentations
• 1 x choreographed work
• 1 x essay

Year 2

• 1 x technical assessment
• 5 x performances
• 3 x portfolios
• 1 x choreographed work
• 1 x unit of work
• 1 x essay

Year 3

• 1 x technical assessment
• 2 x performances
• 3 x presentations
• 1 x choreographed work
• 1 x production notes
• 1 x case study
• 1 x job application
• 1 x major independent project or final performance project

Programme Specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please