Dance: Urban Practice BA
Docklands Campus, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice
University of East London
Dance and Performing Arts
Program Overview: BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice
The BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice at the University of East London is a forward-thinking course that has been growing in popularity nationally and internationally since its launch in 2007. This vibrant and distinctive program offers you the chance to study with a dynamic and specialist skilled dance team in the cultural hub of East London.
The program covers hip-hop, club, social and popular dance styles, with contemporary techniques from across Europe, Africa and Asia. Whether it is popping or locking, contemporary or capoeira, afro-house or bharata natyam, this course is the first of its kind to offer a degree in dance without borders or limitations.
You will have outstanding opportunities to perform your work in the annual student-led festival, studio sharings and external events. The dance team will support and guide you to develop your skills as a researcher, choreographer, performer and in events management, while providing networking opportunities through varied and exciting industry links.
Key Program Highlights
- Pioneering urban dance degree established in 2007, the first of its kind in the UK to offer dance without borders or limitations
- Covers a diverse range of styles including hip-hop, club, funk, capoeira, African contemporary, afro-house, bharata natyam, kathak and kalaripayattu
- Industry partnerships with East London Dance, Breakin' Convention and The Source arts venue for real-world placements and professional experience
- Opportunities to work with acclaimed professional artists including choreographers and performers from the global urban dance community
Curriculum and Modules
The BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice curriculum blends practical dance training with academic study, preparing you for a versatile career in the arts. Across three years, you will develop technical proficiency, creative collaboration skills, and professional industry knowledge through a carefully structured sequence of core and elective modules.
Dance Technique and Hybrid Forms 1
Core ModuleDevelop foundational technical skills across multiple urban and contemporary dance styles. You will explore hip-hop, club, funk and international dance forms while building physical strength, flexibility and artistic expression.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration 1
Core ModuleStudy a range of popular, social, urban and vernacular dance forms while considering different aspects of their social and cultural histories. You will begin your journey as an independent researcher, learning a range of dance analysis methods.
Public Project 2
Core ModuleCreate and perform dance works that communicate responses to political, cultural and aesthetic questions. This module develops your choreographic voice and public presentation skills through live performance opportunities.
Dance Technique and Hybrid Forms 2
Core ModuleAdvance your technical proficiency across a broader spectrum of dance styles, deepening your understanding of hybrid choreographic approaches. You will refine your individual artistic identity through intensive studio practice.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration 2
Core ModuleStrengthen your abilities in creative collaboration, facilitation, project management and production. You will take on and evaluate roles that mirror professional practice, gaining hands-on experience in contemporary multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary work.
Professional Life (Mental Wealth)
Core ModuleBuild an industry-ready portfolio and develop essential professional skills including audition techniques, funding applications, networking and career planning. This module prepares you for the realities of building a sustainable dance career.
Elective Modules and Specialisations
Admission Requirements
Entry to the BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice requires both academic qualifications and a successful audition. All applicants are expected to demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to studying aspects of dance such as choreography, dance teaching and management, and applying theory to practice. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsPasses at A2 in at least two subjects required
- BTECExtended Diploma or Diploma accepted
- GCSE RequirementsGCSE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
- International BaccalaureateIB Diploma accepted; contact Uni4Edu for specific point requirements
- AuditionAll applicants must attend a practical audition and interview process
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 5.5 with minimum 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
- TOEFL iBTEquivalent score accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
- PTE AcademicRecognised equivalent scores accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of East London offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for international students. These awards are designed to help reduce the financial burden and make studying in London more accessible for talented students from around the world.
UEL International Scholarship
GBP 500 to GBP 5,000Available to overseas fee-paying students, this scholarship is automatically assessed when you receive an offer. The award is applied as a reduction on first-year tuition fees based on eligibility and merit.
UEL Early Payment Discount
5% tuition fee reductionFull tuition fee paying students can receive a 5% reduction on their fees by paying the total amount before the specified deadline. Contact Uni4Edu for current payment deadlines.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice enjoy what is often described as a portfolio career, making a thriving living across varied areas such as teaching, choreography, performing and managing. The University of East London is the fastest-rising university in London for graduate employability, providing strong career support through its Careers Guarantee initiative.
Potential Career Roles
Notable Industry Partners and Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of East London has experienced significant improvement in national rankings in recent years, driven by its transformative Vision 2028 strategy. UEL is recognised for its commitment to reducing inequalities, strong graduate employability outcomes, and high student satisfaction ratings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Student Satisfaction (Overall Positivity) | NSS | 2nd in London |
| Graduate Employability Growth | GOS | Fastest-rising in London |
| Student Start-ups | National Ranking | 2nd in UK |
| Reduced Inequalities (SDGs) | THE Impact Rankings | Top Position |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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