WHY STUDY DANCE WHY STUDY DANCE
When you study Dance at the University of Salford, you become part of a close-knit community where every lecturer knows your name. You'll be supported to discover your potential as a dance professional, forge valuable industry connections, and be encouraged to develop your entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll receive top-tier academic tuition and professional insights from experienced lectures and associate artists with extensive dance industry experience.
You'll be based in our £55 million New Adelphi building, the heart of performance and creativity on campus. Here, you'll have access to industry-standard facilities, including specialist dance studios, a 350-seat New Adelphi Theatre, and photography and motion capture facilities. You'll have the opportunity to develop your dance practice independently or in collaboration with other ambitious students in the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology; including music, media and motion capture, performance, fashion design and photography. By the end of your degree, you'll graduate with a comprehensive portfolio of work and the confidence needed to make an immediate impact in your career.
CAREERS IN DANCE
Our Dance courses empower students to go out and become ambassadors for dance, equipped with the skills to create and sustain rewarding careers. We nurture your creative and professional aspirations, ensuring you graduate ready to make dance happen. Our alumni have gone on to work with renowned dance companies and organisations such as New Adventures, Phoenix Dance, ACE Dance and Music, Beijing Dance Theatre, Tavaziva, Yorkshire Dance, Hawk Dance Theatre, and Joss Arnott Dance.
Our graduates have founded their own performance companies like Coalesce Dance Theatre and H&T Creative, creating and performing new dance works considering global themes nationally. Others have launched unique dance businesses such as Allure Dance Collective and Tracing Steps, empowering others through dance.
Many of our graduates thrive in self-employed careers, combining performing, teaching, producing, and project managing. They share their passion for dance through successful teaching careers in schools, colleges, community dance and the private dance sector.
Graduate Case Studies
FERN WAREHAM AND RACHEL MAFFEI
Course: BA (Hons) Dance
Year of Graduation: 2018
Job Title: Founders of Coalesce Dance Theatre
Coalesce Dance Theatre was founded in 2018 by us, Fern Wareham and Rachel Maffei, after studying together at The University of Salford. We are proud to be an all-female identifying, LGBTQIA+, and disabilityled contemporary dance company based in Manchester. We started by creating self-funded small-scale works for local dance festivals and platforms. In the early years, we took on multiple roles, including dancers, choreographers, bid writers, producers, and more, to build our company's profile.
In 2019, we successfully applied for project funding from Arts Council England, completing 10 ACE-funded projects and receiving over £250,000 in support. We've performed at over 100 venues across the country and have three successful touring shows co-created with young people, embedding their voices into our work
Without the support of The University of Salford Coalesce wouldn't be where it is today. Firstly, being the place we met, grew and established their working practices. Secondly, through the continued support of two of the companies activities; DanceConnect and CYD. These two programmes are highly integral to continued growth and development of dance in the North West.
Salford nurtures and encourages growth beyond leaving the course, they are passionate about the dance scene and deliver high quality training and experiences.
RUSALIA IGNATOVA
Course: BA (Hons) Dance
Year of Graduation: 2022
Job Title: Head Dance Teacher
As an international student, I’ve since returned to my home in Bulgaria where I am now a Head Dance Teacher. I combine the fundamentals of ballet and contemporary technique, derived from my studies at Salford with my own foundational learnings to choreography and teach young aspiring artists. I’ve also recently gained the role of Dance Instructor for the Summer Academy of Musical Theatre in Bulgaria. I’m also working on new projects that promote the cultural richness and significance of Plodiv.
I learnt so much from my course that I was able to come back to Bulgaria and immediately take up a job as Head Dance Teacher at the National High School for Stage and Film Design in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. I want to thank the University of Salford and my dance lecturers as they gave me everything I need to become the person, teacher and choreographer I am now.
JO FREEMAN
Course: MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices (Emergence)
Year of Graduation: 2021
Job Title: Professional Freelance Dance Creative & Teacher at Northern Ballet School and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre
I am a freelance dance artist and am enjoying a rich and varied career. One of my roles is with Fallen Angels Dance Theatre & Movement. Their approach to creativity has allowed me to feel empowered and valued with my experience in and out of the studio. I have been involved in life changing works with opportunities such as performing at the Royal Opera House, collaborating with Digital Artists and most important growing skills and authenticity as an artist.
My experience studying Dance at Salford really delved deep into so many different aspects of creative roles in the industry. Despite being older than the rest of my cohort, I learnt so much and really valued the variety in our training.
The Emergence Company master’s programme at Salford is prestigious for the industry professionals that work with the students and so I knew it would be an exciting opportunity. I am so grateful that the staff at Salford really did everything they could to give us the best experience possible.
I had difficulties with my mental health during my studies; however, I still felt the staff believed in me and invested in fulfilling my potential and that is something I will forever be grateful for.
I still work closely with the university because of the connections I gained during my time there and have taught and mentored the students. It really feels like I’ve been able to give back and inspire future creatives.
The highlight of the course for me was how we got to work so closely with the choreographers, and I really feel like I built a valued relationship with them and with my cohort that I know will last.
OUR DANCE COURSES
We offer an undergraduate degree and two postgraduate programmes within Dance at the University of Salford. Whichever degree you choose, you’ll join a supportive community that celebrates your individual creative talent. Completing a degree with us will open doors to a wide range of exciting careers in the dance, performing arts and the wider arts and health economy. We are dedicated to maintaining a strong alumni network, advocating for our Dance@Salford graduates by connecting them to professional opportunities and fostering collaborations.
Our BA (Hons) Dance course provides a dynamic and handson approach to developing your skills as a dance professional and an entrepreneurial creative practitioner. This degree plays a significant part in the dance ecology of Greater Manchester and has strong links and partnerships with creative organisations and artists in the area including; Factory International, The Lowry, Company Chameleon, Coalesce Dance Theatre, all providing a multitude of opportunities for our students. The course also lays a solid foundation for further study at postgraduate level.
Both of our MA programmes are designed to help you deepen your knowledge and ensure you can embark on your career aspirations. Our award-winning MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices: Emergence programme partners with Joss Arnott Dance to deliver a dance performance focussed course in which you become a member of the Emerence Dance Company and embark a national tour. Our MA Dance and Professional Practices is an opportunity to advance your dance skills and deepen your individual creative practice to prepare you for a sustainable portfolio career. Both MA programmes include opportunities to work with renowned artists and regional companies with access to mentoring and master classes. All of which will equip you with the skills you need to thrive in roles such as a dance maker, educator, producer or project manager.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
BA (Hons) Dance
UCAS Code: W500
Throughout this course, you will take part in daily technique classes that explore a diverse range of styles, including Contemporary, Ballet, Yoga and Conditioning, Commercial, aerial silks and hoop, and African and Asian dance. Enhance your composition abilities and deepen your knowledge of the role of a choreographer. You will participate in intensive industry projects led by visiting choreographers, and seize regular opportunities to showcase your work at our New Adelphi Theatre. You will acquire valuable experience in teaching dance to various participant groups, and engage in essential dance business and arts and events management including short industry placements. All of this will ensure you graduate with a strong portfolio of work and the confidence you’ll need to make an impact from day one of your new career.
COURSE INFORMATION
Location: Peel Park Campus
Institution Code: S03
Institution Code Name: SALF
Duration: Three years full-time
Start Date: September
TYPICAL ENTRY
UCAS Tariff: 104 points
A-Levels: BCC
BTEC National Diploma: DMM
Scan to explore the course
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE?
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you want to discuss any course or the application process, our dedicated course enquiries team is on hand to answer your queries:
+44 (0)161 295 4545 enquiries@salford.ac.uk salford.ac.uk/contact-us/course-enquiries
Making an application
When applying for this undergraduate degree you’ll make your application through UCAS - the organisation which processes applications for higher education.
Scan or visit to find out more: salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ apply
A key part of your application will be the audition process, which includes a technique class, a creative workshop, and an informal interview. You don’t need to be an expert—we’re looking for a solid understanding of the fundamentals and a clear passion to grow and develop your skills.
Our courses and entry
requirements
On each of our CourseFinder pages we have detailed course information and entry requirements. We also have a webpage where we list all of our Dance courses with handy FAQs where you can find out more.
Find out more: salford.ac.uk/dance-courses
Qualified by life, but
not on paper
If you’ve been out of education for a while, want to further your career or simply want to study in a field that you’re passionate about, the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES) could be for you.
Find out more: salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply
International applications
As an international applicant, you are able to apply through UCAS, the organisation which processes applications for UK higher education, or you can apply directly through our regional offices or approved education consultant in your country. To find out more and for help with your application, you can visit our website where you will find advice on how to apply, entry and English language requirements, documents required, help and advice with visa requirements, and much more.
Find out more: salford.ac.uk/international
Apply to the University of Salford through UCAS using the code S03.
The deadline for most courses is in January*
Book accommodation and arrange student finance.
Receive your offer.
Accept your offer.
Receive your exam results.
Receive your enrolment pack and start life as a Salford student!
* Dates subject to change
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
MA Dance and Professional Practices
This programme is a gateway to a sustainable career as a freelance dance artist and entrepreneur. This MA Dance and Professional Practices programme offers a unique blend of creative and professional development tailored for portfolio dance artists. You’ll enrich your skills in teaching, choreographing, performing, and producing; developing your artistic identity across various disciplines. Guided by industry professionals and academics, you’ll engage in collaborative projects that foster teamwork and creativity, and present your work to a broader audience, building your professional reputation and networks.
COURSE INFORMATION
Location: Peel Park Campus
Duration: One year full-time /
Two year part-time
Start Date: September
TYPICAL ENTRY
Second class honours degree, 2:2 or above
MA Dance Performance and Professional
Practices: Emergence
This programme is a professionally focused course, co-designed and co-delivered with our industry partner, Joss Arnott Dance (JAD). It is a prestigious and highly selective programme which has industry collaboration at its heart and mirrors working environments in the creative industries. You will become part of Emergence postgraduate dance company, working with internationally acclaimed choreographers to produce new performance work each year. It is an intensive course that addresses the wider needs of the dance professional, including modules on producing, teaching and workshop design/delivery allowing you to develop skills, knowledge and experience to expand your professional opportunities upon graduation.
COURSE INFORMATION
Location: Peel Park Campus
Duration: One year full-time
Start Date: September
TYPICAL ENTRY
Second class honours degree, 2:2 or above
HOW TO APPLY FOR A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE?
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you want to discuss any course or the application process, our dedicated course enquiries team is on hand to answer your queries:
+44 (0)161 295 4545 enquiries@salford.ac.uk salford.ac.uk/contact-us/course-enquiries
Making an application
/ For almost all courses you can apply directly to the university via the online application portal apply.salford.ac.uk/SignIn
/ Once you have found your course make sure you select right level and mode of study for example Masters/PGCert/PGDip and then Full-time/Part-time/Distance Learning.
Dance Performance and
Professional Practices
/ If you’re an inquisitive dance artist eager to elevate your creative practice and enhance your career prospects, we invite you to apply for this MA programme that’s tailored for dancers at all stages of their career.
/ Applicants should be open to exploring and interrogating various processes of creation, production, teaching and performance.
/ Within your personal statement you should write about the ways that this specific MA programme will help you advance from your current work within dance towards specific career aspirations.
/ As part of the application process, you will also need to provide a portfolio of work and participate in an online audition and group interview, either live or recorded.
Dance Performance and Professional Practices (Emergence)
/ If you’re an enthusiastic and committed dancer, and would like to improve your technical ability and enhance your career prospects, we’d love to hear from you. Our MA in Dance Performance is designed for dancers at all stages in their career. We’re looking for applicants who have either been working professionally or who have studies on a related undergraduate course.
/ When writing your personal statement, you should include the ways that this specific MA programme will help you advance from your current work within dance towards specific career aspirations.
/ As part of the application process, we hold both in-person auditions, and online ones for International students or those unable to join in person.
/ You can find out more information about the audition process on our course webpage salford.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ dance-performance-and-professional-practices-emergence
Application deadlines
Home students do not have strict deadlines to apply, but we advise that you apply at least four weeks before the start of the course:
/ If the courses reach capacity they close early for new applications.
/ As both of these courses will require a portfolio or audition make sure you give yourself enough time to complete these.
/ For MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices: Emergence, you will need to submit your application before the audition deadline, usually in January
International students have strict application deadlines during the application window:
/ This is to accommodate CAS/Visa deadlines, visit salford.ac.uk/international/application-deadlines
HEAR FROM OUR UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
LUCY WISWOULD-GREEN
Course: BA (Hons) Dance
As a third year student studying BA (Hons) Dance at the University of Salford, I have gained so much experience in many different areas that go far beyond dance. The programme here is so dynamic; we’ve delved into everything from contemporary dance and ballet to street dance and choreography, and are constantly pushing our physical and creative boundaries. What I’ve loved most is the collaborative spirit of the New Adelphi building, where we primarily train. Throughout my time at Salford, I have had opportunities to collaborate with fashion students, music students, technicians and more, and I am really finding my own choreographic voice. The Dance at Salford team are amazing, always encouraging us to innovate and providing invaluable feedback. Looking
ahead, I’m excited to see where my passion takes me, whether that’s performing, teaching, or even starting my own dance company.
Salford has definitely equipped me with the skills, resilience, and artistic vision to make that a reality.
WING LEUNG GORETTI
Course: MA Dance
Studying for an MA in Dance at the University of Salford has been an incredibly enriching experience, blending rigorous academic study with creative practice. The course strikes a great balance between practical studio work and critical research, giving me the tools to push boundaries in performance, teaching and scholarly writing. One of the highlights has been collaborating with fellow students and industry professionals, which has expanded my perspective on contemporary dance practices. Navigating life as an international student has had its challenges, but the creative environment and connections with peers have made it a meaningful journey.
A typical day varies—some are spent in the studio experimenting with movement, others in seminars discussing dance philosophy or cultural contexts. The university’s facilities, including well-equipped studios and research resources, have been invaluable. My ambition is to work as a choreographer and educator, bridging different dance traditions, and this MA has given me the confidence and skills to pursue that path. The most rewarding part has been discovering new ways to think about dance—not just as an art form, but as a means of cultural dialogue and innovation.
My time here has allowed me to deepen my understanding of choreography, dance theory, and performance, while also encouraging me to explore my own artistic voice.
WHAT COULD MY DAY AT UNIVERSITY LOOK LIKE?
8:00AM Breakfast 9:00AM Dance Technique Class 10:30AM Snack break and chance to catch up with friends 11:00AM Dance Technique Class
Undergraduate
12:30PM Lunch 13:30PM Choreography seminar and Performance workshop 16:30PM Free sports massage appointment with the Dance Clinic 17:30PM Dinner
19:00PM
Extra-curricular dance class or independent studio/ study time 20:30PM
Meet friends in the SU 22:00PM Sleep
Don’t put this in your calendar just yet as timetables change each year! This is an illustrative guide for what your day could look like when you study a Dance degree at Salford.
LIFE OUTSIDE OF LECTURES AND SEMINARS
There’s so much to do in your spare time at the University of Salford; from the huge choice of clubs, societies and events on offer at our Students’ Union, to the fitness suites, sports pitches and 25m swimming pool available at our Sports Centre, there’s something for all tastes and abilities!
8:00AM
Breakfast and Gym 9:00AM Technique Class 11:00AM Repertoire Development or Creative Practice session 13:00PM Lunch
Postgraduate
14:00PM
Tour Rehersals or Career Development Masterclass 17:00PM Reflective practice seminar 18:00PM Dinner 19:00PM Tuesdays: Dance Connect Professional Class or Independent studio time
20:30PM
Meet friends in the SU 22:00PM Sleep
OUR COMMUNITY
All our Dance courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.
Our students, staff and graduates often feature on our social media accounts. You can see the latest updates from our dance community and the other parts of the school by following these accounts.
CAMPUS LIFE
The University of Salford is a unique place to study for many reasons, but especially for our location. Our Peel Park campus is next to one of the UK’s first public parks, a lush green space featuring a play area, sports pitches and two sculptures which form part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. We also have a campus in the creative hub at MediaCity, home to BBC, ITV, and the UK’s largest media facilities outside of London. Whichever campus you’re based on, you’ll have the buzzing city of Manchester on your doorstep.
University is a time to make new friends, discover new passions and find your voice. Our Students’ Union runs a range of student-led societies which cover all aspects of student life –from gaming to sports, politics to the environment, performance to faith. You’ll be sure to find your place here. There’s more to our campus than places to study. Fitness fanatics can take advantage of our large sports centre, 3G sports pitches and swimming pool, while culture vultures can revel in Atmosphere Café, the Art Gallery and our New Adelphi Theatre. There are lots of options to keep you busy! If you’re travelling from further afield, you can make your first year an even more memorable one by living in our stylish student accommodation right at the heart of campus. If you’re here for the day, our specialist facilities, onsite parking and handy public transport access make commuting a breeze. Our new student lounges feature comfy seating, cooking facilities and extra study space – your home from home when you’re studying on campus.
TWO CITIES, ONE AMAZING LOCATION TWO CITIES, ONE AMAZING LOCATION
As pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, there’s always been an entrepreneurial spirit here in north-west England – we’ve got big ideas and we make them happen. Thousands of students from over 100 countries have already found that Salford is the place where they can gain skills and knowledge to unlock their career ambitions.
Salford students are part of a 100,000 collective making up one of Europe’s largest student populations. Famous for music, culture, sport, art and science, the cities of Manchester and Salford offer an unrivalled student experience where you can balance your academic studies with a wealth of world-class culture, exciting events and legendary nightlife. It’s no surprise that Manchester regularly features in lists of the best cities in the world!
EXPLORE DANCE AT SALFORD
Start your journey with Salford to Salford.
Visit: salford.ac.uk/dance-courses for more information or scan below