Course Outline

Year 1 (Stage One) provides students with a practical understanding of the fundamentals of ballet and contemporary dance (Graham technique), with supplementary studies in Spanish technique and choreography work.

Year 2 (Stage Two) provides a practical understanding of the technical skills and artistry required by the profession in ballet, contemporary dance (Cunningham technique) and supplementary studies in jazz and choreography. The teaching aims for students to use this knowledge in a rehearsal and professional performance situation including solo and group pieces, and work for public performance.

The module in Contextual Studies underpins the practical dance training. These skills are essential in sustaining a career as a professional dancer. Through regular self-evaluation and goal-setting, students develop into successful reflective practitioners. The work of key practitioners in ballet and contemporary dance (from the 19th century to the present day) is woven throughout the course in both practical and theoretical modules and is used to inform stylistic and interpretative differences.

Successful completion of the course offers students the opportunity to the BA (Hons) (Top-Up) Professional Dance and Performance. This internationally recognised qualification establishes graduates as having outstanding achievement validated by a globally respected university and carries a value above and beyond a dancer’s performing career.

95% of our second year Foundation Degree students took part in this year’s National Student Survey. Central received positivity measures of 97% in Teaching, 98% in Learning Opportunities and 96% in Academic Support.
View the full National Student Survey results for 2025 here.

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 Central’s Audition Criteria, which can also be found on our Applying to Central page.

Personal Profile

At the commencement of their studies, the typical applicant might be expected to demonstrate:

• 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

Entry into Year 1, the normal requirements will be:

• minimum age 16, as of 1 September year of study
• adequate physical, technical & artistic aptitude (tested at audition and by interview).
• previous training (tested at audition).
• interest in and aptitude for further academic study (tested at audition interview).
• five passes (9 – 1) predicted at GCSE including English language (desirable) or equivalent and interest in and aptitude for further academic study.

Direct Entry into Year 2, the normal requirements will be:

(In addition to the above)

• the successful completion of a Certificate (i.e. 120 units of certificate level learning on a directly comparable course) or equivalent.
• satisfactory completion of required entrance tasks, including a piece of reflective writing and a research task.

Students may be admitted to the course with appropriate recognised prior learning. Such cases are subject to prior approval by the University of Kent according to its RPL process see: https://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/documents/copt2020- annexr-rpl-v2.pdf

International Applicants

International applicants may be required to achieve a minimum B1 Level, reaching a 4.0 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.

All applicants are required to demonstrate an adequate proficiency in both written and verbal English.

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        £23,614

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 further 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, additional financial support may be available from our In-House Bursaries.

For more information on Bursaries, Fees and Funding, click the link below.

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 the Registry team at registry@csbschool.co.uk.

Term Dates

The Foundation Degree is a two-year course, commencing in September each year.

Each 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 an important part of becoming a 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
• Study Skills
• 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
• Nutritionist
• Injury Prevention & Recovery Team

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 the contextual studies module that provides opportunities for reflection, research, career planning and dance studies.

Open Days

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.