Course Outline

Established in 2011, Central’s MA Choreography course is designed for professional choreographers who wish to develop their choreographic profile and professional skills. The course has been specifically developed for its flexibility, allowing students to develop critical reflection and research linked to the making of choreography while continuing to work as either a freelance dance practitioner or a dance company member. The focus of the MA in Choreography is choreography and research, and involves the development and refinement of prepared material for studio or theatre-based performance. The course is unique in providing a specialisation in ballet, although there is scope within the course for traditional practices, both past and current to be redefined, expanded, and developed. Students are given the opportunity to investigate the process of choreography by interrogating, identifying, developing, and modifying their existing skills. On successful completion of the MA, graduates will have had an opportunity to develop their own creative and artistic voice and will have increased their choreographic portfolio. Many of our MA graduates have further developed their careers within the dance profession, taking up leadership roles and contributing to the artistic development of UK and international dance companies.

All degree courses are validated by the University of Kent.

Attend an Open Day

An open day will be arranged for students planning to apply in the following academic year. You are welcome to request a visit to the school, at The Countess of Wessex Studios in London’s South Bank area in Southwark to see the facilities and to find out more about the course.

Entry Requirements

The MA is aimed at professional dancers and emerging/mid-career choreographers with an existing choreographic portfolio, such as mid-career dance artists from a classical or contemporary dance background. The student candidates will be skilled in dance performance and will possess a BA (Hons) degree in an appropriate subject, such as dance from a professional training course. Candidates not holding a BA (Hons) will be able to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This will require the applicant to possess the experience and understanding of a comparable level gained in a professional dance company or vocational school. Candidates must submit examples of their choreographic work digitally and may be invited to attend an interview.

International Applicants

We welcome expressions of interest from international applicants, pending compliance with visa regulations.

Tuition Fees

Entry in 2024

The tuition fees for UK postgraduate students on the four term MA Choreography course are £10,000.

You may be eligible for financial support, see Funding and Bursaries below.

International Students

The tuition fees for all international postgraduate students will be £21,200 for entry in January 2023, to cover the four terms of the course.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Funding for UK students
For several years, the Leverhulme Trust have generously funded scholarships for up to two MA students per year, covering 100% of the course fees. UK applicants will be considered for this scholarship as part of the application process for entry in January 2025.

Depending upon your individual circumstances, bursary support may also be available. The Central School of Ballet in-house bursary fund is open for applications twice a year, once in the autumn term and once in the spring term. Awards are made in line with the school’s student support policy and the available funds.

Funding for UK Students

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course. Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, see the Student Funding pages on the UK Government website Postgraduate loan UK Government. The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term. You will have to pay the loan back.

Term Dates

The MA course commences in the spring term in January. Central’s academic year commences in September and consists of three terms; the autumn term runs from early September to mid-December, the spring term from January to March/April and the summer term from April to mid-July. Download the term dates for the current academic year.

Student Support

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. The MA Course Lead oversees work and progress across the course and provides guidance towards the appropriate source of support. We encourage open discussions about progress on a regular basis.  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

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.