Studying a dance degree or drama degree at a UK university will help students achieve their dream of a career in or related to the performing arts.
Students will study modules such as dance technique, contextualising dance, choreography composition, improvisation, performance and place, dance portfolio and bodywork, and the flexible nature of many dance and drama programmes means you can specialise in what interests you.
Learn more about the top five dance and drama universities in the UK below (Guardian University Guide 2022) and if you wish to begin your UK study application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Top Five UK Universities for Dance and Drama
1. University of Essex
Studying drama at the University of Essex will help prepare you for life as an independent performing artist. Since opening in 1964, Essex has had a "radical innovation" approach to research and education. Because of a determination to do things differently and put student success at the heart of the University mission, Essex were named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018.
What they say: “Our training is by professionals and for professionals, allowing our graduates to work successfully across the globe. An international, outstanding teaching faculty is made up of professionals from all areas of live and recorded performance.”
- Suggested course: BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre
2. Conservatoire for Dance and Drama
Located in the UK’s cosmopolitan cities of London, Bristol and Leeds, the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama delivers world-leading education and vocational training in the performing arts across six member colleges. The School offers an immersive experience and access to industry links post training. Notable alumni include Olivia Colman, Naomi Harris and Dane Hurst.
What they say: “The course is fun and highly intensive, with studio-based classes, enhanced by a range of contextual studies that directly relate to the experience of performing, making, researching and understanding dance. Plus, you will have access to unique performance and creative opportunities throughout the course.”
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance
3. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
This Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, Scotland is the busiest performance arts venue in Scotland. It offers several vocational undergraduate degree programmes in dance and you will develop classical and contemporary dance technique, becoming a technically strong dancer.
What they say: “This is the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.”
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Modern Ballet
4. Manchester Metropolitan University
The Performing Arts programmes offered at Manchester Metropolitan University are designed to nurture and enhance raw talent and develop a career in the professional entertainment industry. You will get specialist training in dance, singing and acting all combined together or with an emphasis on any one, depending on what you wish to specialise in.
What they say: “This course will enable you to gain the skills and understanding to work professionally as a theatre maker, performer, director, producer, facilitator or teacher, or to move into other creative industries, as well as to engage in further academic study and research.”
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance
5. University of Manchester
A world-renowned leader in the education of contemporary dance and drama artists,the University of Manchester offers an environment of creative and technical excellence where you are encouraged to push your artistic boundaries. You will learn through intensive technical training, in-depth study, extensive studio time, collaborative projects and performance opportunities at the UK’s only music and contemporary dance conservatoire.
What they say: “With a huge range of course units to choose from, this course is diverse and flexible, enabling you to build upon existing interests while allowing you the room to discover new forms and traditions of performance, practice and media.”
- Suggested course: BA Music and Drama
Study Dance in the UK
Make a career out of your passion by studying dance or drama in the UK. Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your international application.
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