Course Outline

The BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree in Professional Dance and Performance is a full-time, one-year course, principally designed to offer a course of study that builds on the training provided by the school’s Foundation Degree course, or equivalent. The course comprises five modules of study with a total of 120 credits, which are all required to obtain the final degree award BA (Hons).

This course provides a practical understanding of the technical skills and artistry required by the profession in ballet, contemporary and jazz techniques with the opportunity to extend the skill base to virtuosic level, and provides training in aspects of musical theatre performance.

Throughout the course, and extensively in the Ballet Central module, knowledge is used in creative situations working with teachers and external professional practitioners leading to public performance opportunities in a range of contexts, including a national tour of small and mid-scale theatres.

The development of individual talent and unique performance qualities is achieved through the breadth of the curriculum, and, most importantly, the National Tour Ballet Central module.  In this, the preparation and performance of a wide range of repertoire, requiring the practical application of different techniques and styles, alongside variations in artistic and musical interpretation and characterisation, facilitate the development of individual strengths and versatility, leading to the development of the distinctive and unique performing artist.

Entry Requirements

Applicants to Central are chosen solely on the basis of talent in dance and potential to develop the skills required for a professional career in dance. Central School of Ballet is committed to widening participation and encourages applications from underrepresented populations in dance, including: those of Global Majority Heritage, applicants who are male-identifying or non-binary, from lower income households, and those in care, care leavers or those estranged. Central will support those with cognitive and learning disabilities and those with sensory, medical or physical disabilities to enable them to access the audition and course.

Entry is via audition. Please refer to our Audition Criteria, which can also be found on our Applying to Central page.

Personal Profile

To gain a place on this course you will need to demonstrate the following learner profile:

• A commitment to and aptitude for intensive professional dance training
• A wide interest in all aspects of dance and related studies, practical and academic
• An enthusiasm for group work and performance, and the ability to work long hours
• Motivation to attain high standards of technical accomplishment achieved through healthy working practices; to work creatively; and to develop personally & intellectually
• High technical accomplishment in Ballet (For applicants from the Foundation Degree in Performance and Professional Dance this is usually demonstrated by Ballet assessment scores, continuous and formal, of 55 and above).

For Direct Entry onto the course, the normal requirement will be:

• Successful completion of 240 credits on a directly comparable course (or equivalent)
• completion of required entrance tasks (a piece of reflective writing and a research task, and an audition).
• adequate physical, technical & artistic aptitude (see audition criteria).
• previous training (tested at audition).
• interest in and aptitude for further academic study (tested at audition interview).

International Applicants

International applicants may be required to achieve a minimum B2 Level, reaching a 5.5 score in each module band, in an approved English language examination such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS for UKVI), in time to commence their visa application in advance of the course.

Continuing Students

Students who continue directly from the CSB Foundation Degree are required to submit an application for the BA (Hons) Top-up Degree Course. Completion of the Central School of Ballet Foundation Degree does not guarantee direct entry to the BA (Hons) Top-up Degree.

BA (Hons) Top-up in Professional Dance and Performance applicants are required to demonstrate a strong proficiency in both written and verbal English.

Acceptance onto the course is at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Assisted Application Scheme

Central recognises some individuals and communities in society face obstacles and experience unfair disadvantage. In line with Central’s vision to be an institution which supports an increasingly diverse and innovative, internationally recognised culture of dance in the UK, the School is committed to finding ways to address these barriers where possible. Central’s Assisted Application Scheme is designed to offer additional support.

Eligible UK applicants may receive:

• support and guidance through the application and audition process
• potential travel bursaries
• fee waivers
• opportunities to arrive early to see the spaces

All UK applicants are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria, by referring to the page below.

International Applicants

Each year, Central is proud to welcome students from all over the world including Japan, China, Australia, South Africa and many other countries. Applicants who live outside of the UK are encouraged to attend one of the in-person preliminary audition dates where possible, or alternatively submit a video audition.

International students may be required to obtain a visa to study at Central School of Ballet. For more information on visas, please see our Student Visa Guide below. Prospective students are also encouraged to follow the government website for the most up-to-date visa guidance and information.

Tuition Fees

September 2026 Entry

Home fees                  £9,525
International fees        £23,416

Note that EU students are now classified as International. There may be an increase in fees for both UK and International undergraduate students in subsequent years of study, but these will be kept in line with government regulations for higher education tuition fees. For more information please see Central’s Fees Policy on our Policies and Procedures page.

For information on the changes to fees for 2026/27, please see here.

Additional Costs

Due to the nature of vocational and elite training on undergraduate courses, students will need to budget for additional costs whilst training at Central.

Additional costs include:

• Acceptance fee
• Deposit
• Equipment
• Uniform
• Health care and insurance

For a full breakdown of additional costs, please refer to our Fees and Funding page below.

Funding and Bursaries

We recognise that embarking on a Higher Education course is a financial commitment and we strive to support talented students, to ensure that financial barriers do not limit their ability to apply or enrol onto our Undergraduate courses.
There are a variety of ways students could potentially receive financial support.

UK students are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance, as well as being considered for Central’s Means Tested Bursary scheme.

Depending on the student’s individual circumstances, further financial support may be available from our In-House Bursaries. All students are eligible to apply twice a year, once they have enrolled onto our courses. Awards are made in time with the school’s Student Support Policy and the available funds.

Central will also endeavour to respond to situations of hardship and emergency requests for funding. Should a student find themselves in need of emergency funding, please contact Registry at registry@csbschool.co.uk.

For more information on fees, funding and bursaries, please visit the ‘Fees and Funding’ page.

Term Dates

The BA(Hons) Top-up Degree is a one-year course, commencing in September 2026 and completing in July 2027.

The academic year is split into three terms:

Term 1 – Autumn term
Term 2 – Spring term
Term 3 – Summer term

Full term dates can be found below.

Student Support

Becoming part of the Central family, enjoying the experience of training and the chance to perform are all are an important part of becoming and professional dancer.  Central has a long tradition of providing a comprehensive range of support services for students to support wellbeing and optimal performance.

All Central’s teaching and support staff are selected for their openness and expertise in their field. Students are allocated male and female ballet tutors who oversee work and progress across the course and, where necessary, provide guidance towards the appropriate source of support. We encourage open discussions about progress on a regular basis. Many students will be living away from home or abroad for the first time and may face challenges during their training. We aim to provide the support and services to ensure that the highest level of individual care is offered.

Services provided to students include:

• Support for students with disabilities
• Counselling and guidance for mental health and wellbeing
• Financial assistance
• Academic support
• English language classes (where needed)

Working towards optimal performance

For most students, enrolment at Central School of Ballet is a significant step towards a career as a professional dancer. Central provides a holistic approach to training, with a focus on physical, emotional development and wellbeing. Dancers at Central will achieve a level of fitness similar to elite athletes by the end of the three year degree. To achieve this optimal performance, each dancer needs to maintain a balance of healthy body and mind. Students have open access to a comprehensive range of support services and staff to achieve this goal:

• Physiotherapist
• Pilates Instructor
• Injury Prevention & Recovery Team
• On-site Health & Wellbeing Psychologist
• Mental Health support

Disability and learning support

Central welcomes students with different abilities and additional needs. Central will support those with learning difficulties and disabilities to enable them to access the audition and course. So that each student can reach their fullest potential and meet personal goals, Central recognises that close personal and learning support is required and necessary.

Professional Development and Contextual Studies

The students enrolled on Central’s degree courses develop an exceptional range of skills and experience during their time at Central. This is due to a meticulously planned curriculum which integrates practical training with professional development modules that provide opportunities for research, career planning, goal-setting and contextual studies.

Open Days & Online Q&As

Open Days for our undergraduate courses are designed to give potential applicants a taste of what full-time training looks like at Central School of Ballet, whilst also offering support and guidance with the application and audition process. These Open Days are specifically designed for applicants who are considering applying for the following academic year only and meet the age requirement (minimum aged 16 as of 1 September year of entry).

For more information, please refer to our Open Days page below.

Ready to apply?

Head to our audition pages below to start your application now.