Dance - Certificate in Higher Education [Full-Time]

Overview

The Certificate in Higher Education Dance programme is an exciting 1 year, Level 4, practical training course which has been designed by professional dance practitioners to introduce the skills and knowledge required to become a dance performer, choreographer, practitioner and/or teacher. It offers a unique opportunity to undertake a course which synthesises technical training, creative workshops, performance opportunities, academic and industry skills. In addition to continuous training in Contemporary, Ballet and Jazz, Urban and Commercial techniques, you’ll be encouraged to explore a variety of dance processes and movement styles to become a versatile performer. You will experience a range of creative and collaborative projects led by our teaching staff who are industry experienced, having worked in the dance sector for many years as performers, choreographers, and dance facilitators.

The Certificate in Higher Education Dance programme is delivered within the

Performance Academy, one of the most comprehensive training environments in the UK with state-of-the-art facilities including 9 full size dance and acting studios, the 250 seat Peter Sarah Theatre, a studio theatre, radio station, editing suite, recording studios and a music venue.

 

This course runs on the following dates:

Start Date: September 2021. For further information, please call 0191 200 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.
Duration: 1 Year
Venue: Performance Academy, Rye Hill Campus

Who the course is for

The course is designed as a one year programme for those who are interested in trying out dance as a career option and for those who want an intensive one year before progressing to further study. Successful completion of the Certificate in Higher Education programme will provide the opportunity to audition for direct entry to Level 5 of the BA (Hons) Dance course at Newcastle College University Centre. This course is ideally suited to students who will thrive following an intensive practical dance training regime and who are interested in developing their skills within a range of dance techniques. You should be inquisitive in the development of your creative and leadership abilities as performers, choreographers, dance teachers and managers. So if you have a passion for dance and are prepared to experience a range of dance styles, techniques and processes then this is the course for you.

 

Qualification Gained

On successful completion you will be awarded a Certificate in Higher Education Dance qualification validated by NCG.

How to Apply

Apply 

Applications for full-time degrees at Newcastle College University Centre need to be made through UCAS. You can visit our institution page on UCAS here.

If you are an international student please visit our international application section for further information about how to apply and entrance requirements. Additional start dates may be available please speak to our International Office on +44 191 226 6323 or email international@ncl-coll.ac.uk

Course Content

The main aim of the one year programme is to focus on the development of technical training skills, with the Understanding the Body module providing anatomical and nutritional knowledge to maximise performance. Choreography encourage understanding of how dances are made and will challenge students to explore their physicality in a creative way. To develop technical training and build upon performance skills. Dance Appreciation will encourage understanding of how dances are made within a range of dance genres, whilst Transferable Skills builds confidence in both academic and industry related skills. Students will experience working as a simulated performance company in projects led by internal and professional choreographers.

Module Titles:

Contemporary Techniques 1
Ballet 1
Understanding the Body
Choreography 
 Jazz, Urban, and Commercial Techniques 1
Professional Practice Performance 1
Transferable Skills
Dance Appreciation

Learning Methods

The Certificate in Higher Education Dance programme operates through a varied and challenging timetable inclusive of practical technique classes, creative workshops, industry observation and placement, seminars, formal lectures, classroom activities and self-directed training, rehearsal and study. Assessment methods include set practical technique exercises, the performance of set repertoire and newly choreographed works, practical/creative tasks, academic essays and reports, and creative portfolios. A range of enrichment workshops led by visiting practitioners/ professional dancers takes place for you to gain knowledge of current movement styles and techniques not directly assessed within modules.

Assessment will take the form of practical demonstrations of technical exercises and set repertoire studies in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz, Urban and/or Commercial styles in addition to performance of dance works, verbal presentations, written essays, reports and portfolios.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of the Certificate in Higher Education programme will provide the opportunity to audition for direct entry to Level 5 of the BA (Hons) Dance course at Newcastle College University Centre.
 

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Previous students from the related FdA Dance and BA (Hons) Dance programmes have successful careers in both the commercial and contemporary industries, working within performance, choreography, teaching and dance production, in addition to related careers in the creative arts and leisure industries, notably fitness / personal training, events management and sports studies.

Notable Alumni:

Zoe Gadd: Dance Lecturer, Artistic Director, Choreographer & Performer Dance Ahead

Gary Rowntree: Artistic Director, Choreographer & Performer Rowntree Dance Theatre

Anna Hall: Artistic Director, Choreographer & Performer Braena CIC

Anthony Lo-Guidice: Artistic Director, Choreographer & Performer Lo-Guidice Dance

Nadia Iftkar: Artisitc Director and Choreographer of ‘Company of Others’

Kristin-Kelly Abbott: Artistic Director and Choreographer of ‘Abbot Dance Theatre’

Katherine Whale: Performer; Fertile Ground / Transitions Dance Company

Kiran Kumar: Performer ‘Fertile Ground’

Ashling McCann: Performer ‘Fertile Ground’

Rachel Surtees; Megan Henderson; Joy Trinity Smith: Candice Ghani - Performers Disneyland Paris.

Bethany Ainsley: Company Director Nouveau Wellbeing. Business Person of the Year North East 2018

Katy Patterson: Fitness Instructor

Beth Loughran: Dance Lecturer Cumbria University

Rosie Watt: Dance Producer

 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff Points at A-level, BTEC QCF Subsidiary, 90 Credit, National or Extended Diploma; Pass in Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) .

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade C in GCSE Maths & English Language or the Level 2 equivalents.

Mature students (age 21) will be considered only on the basis of relevant industry experience.

Applicants for whom English Language is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum IELTS Score of 6.0 or the nationally recognised equivalent.

 

Further Information

If you have a query about this course or would like advice on your study options, you can contact Student Services by using the LiveChat function on this page, by emailing enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk or by telephoning 0191 200 4000. We are currently open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Course Costs