Contemporary Dance
University of Limerick, Ireland
Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance
University of Limerick
Contemporary Dance
Program Overview: BA in Contemporary Dance at University of Limerick
The BA in Contemporary Dance at the University of Limerick is designed to develop your contemporary dance skills and knowledge of your dance practice, while introducing you to other forms of artistic expression. Based at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, you will train in cutting-edge performance and rehearsal spaces equipped with advanced technological infrastructure.
Throughout the program, you will learn a range of Modern and Contemporary Dance Techniques, Choreography, Ballet, and movement awareness practices such as Yoga, Pilates, and Feldenkrais. You will also have the opportunity to engage with other dance forms including Aerial Dance, Hip Hop, Flamenco, and Irish traditional dance, broadening your artistic vocabulary.
The program combines intensive physical training with scholarly inquiry, introducing you to various dance and performance approaches and scholarly traditions. A distinctive Co-operative Education placement in your third year provides invaluable professional experience, preparing you for a fulfilling career in the performing arts and beyond.
Key Program Highlights
- Training at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal facilities
- Integrated Co-operative Education work placement in Year 3 for real-world professional experience
- Diverse movement training spanning Contemporary, Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, and additional dance genres
- Faculty of industry performers, international guest artists, and leading academics from around the world
Curriculum and Modules
The BA in Contemporary Dance curriculum balances intensive studio-based training with academic study and professional development. In your first year, you focus on developing your performance practice and engage critically with classical, popular, traditional, and world music and dance. From second year onward, you pursue specialist modules while continuing physical training, culminating in a Co-operative Education placement and advanced creative projects.
Contemporary Dance Technique
6 ECTS per semesterDevelops safe dance practice, posture and alignment, technical clarity, freedom and flow, dynamics, musicality, and dance communication through contemporary and modern movement disciplines.
Choreography and Performance
6 ECTS per semesterIntroduces choreographic elements, principles, and performance skills using structured improvisation, compositional tools, open and closed scores, and task-based movement explorations to cultivate your choreographic voice.
Ballet Technique and Movement Awareness
6 ECTS per semesterProvides foundational training in classical ballet technique alongside somatic practices including Yoga, Pilates, and Feldenkrais to build body awareness and support artistic development.
Dance Studies and Experiential Anatomy
6 ECTS per semesterExplores dance from scholarly perspectives, including experiential anatomy and movement analysis, developing your critical, analytical, and reflective skills to inform artistic practice.
Dance Pedagogy
6 ECTS per semesterPrepares you with the knowledge and skills to teach dance effectively, covering pedagogical approaches, curriculum design, and methods for diverse learning environments.
Co-operative Education Placement
30 ECTSA substantial work placement in your third year where you construct your own professional experience in dance performance, cultural institutions, education, or related creative industries.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA in Contemporary Dance requires both academic qualifications and demonstrated dance proficiency. Applicants must show proficiency in at least one dance style and bring a curiosity, questioning, and reflective attitude to their pre-professional practice. An audition is a key component of the selection process. Contact Uni4Edu to begin your application.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompletion of secondary school or equivalent qualification to the Irish Leaving Certificate with minimum required grades
- Dance ProficiencyDemonstrated proficiency as a performer in one or more dance styles
- AuditionSuccessful completion of an audition demonstrating technical ability and artistic potential
- Leaving Certificate RequirementMinimum six subjects including two H5 (Higher Level) grades and four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or equivalent
- Age RequirementApplicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of course commencement
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.5 with no component below 6.0 (Academic IELTS only)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 90
- PTE AcademicMinimum overall score of 63 with no section below 59
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Limerick offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for both domestic and international students. These merit-based and need-based awards can help offset the cost of your studies. Contact Uni4Edu to learn about available scholarships and determine your eligibility.
UL International Student Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship available to international students demonstrating strong academic performance and potential. This award is designed to support talented students from outside the EU in pursuing their studies at UL.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The BA in Contemporary Dance prepares you for diverse career paths in the performing arts and creative industries. The Co-operative Education placement in Year 3 provides invaluable professional experience, and the University of Limerick consistently achieves graduate employment rates above the national average. The program equips you with both artistic and transferable professional skills.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Limerick is a respected Irish public research university recognized across multiple global ranking systems. UL is particularly noted for its strong employability focus, outstanding Co-operative Education program, and its commitment to sustainable development and social impact.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Related Subjects | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #51 |
| Education and Educational Research | U.S. News Subject Rankings | #55 |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | THE Impact Rankings | #20 |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | THE Impact Rankings | #24 |
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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