Introducing the BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education Degree
Introducing the BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education Degree
The ISTD is delighted to announce the launch of the BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education Degree – an exciting new degree-level progression opportunity for dance teachers seeking to further develop their professional practice, academic knowledge and career prospects.
Delivered through a new validated higher education partnership between the ISTD – through the ISTD Academy – and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, the new Level 6 top-up degree has been designed specifically for dance educators. The first cohort will commence in September 2027, providing a flexible and accessible route for experienced teachers to achieve a full BA (Hons) qualification while continuing to work and teach.
Ginny Brown, Chief Executive of ISTD, said: “At ISTD, dance teaching is at the heart of everything we do. This exciting new degree programme reflects our commitment to raising professional standards and creating clear progression routes for dance teachers, wherever they are in their careers.”
A new step in dance teacher education
For many dance teachers, attaining professional teaching qualifications is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and development. As the dance sector continues to evolve, teachers increasingly seek opportunities to deepen both their practical expertise and their understanding of teaching, learning and professional practice.
The BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education has been created to meet that need. The programme aims to professionalise dance teaching, provide a clear progression route from existing ISTD qualifications and support those wishing to progress to postgraduate study in the future.
Developed for teachers across all dance genres, the degree represents a significant addition to ISTD's education framework and reinforces the Society's commitment to supporting teachers at every stage of their careers.
Who is the degree for?
The programme is designed primarily for dance teachers who already hold initial recognised teaching qualifications and have relevant teaching experience.
Potential applicants may include holders of:
- Diploma in Dance Education (DDE)
- Diploma in Teaching and Coaching Dance (DTCD)
- Associate qualifications
- Associate Diploma qualifications
- Licentiate qualifications (where relevant)
Applicants with equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be considered through an individual admissions process. Appropriate teaching experience will be required, and applicants will participate in an interview process as part of their application.
The programme is also expected to appeal to international teachers, professional dancers with teaching experience and those seeking a teaching-focused degree pathway that fits around existing professional commitments.
Flexible study for working professionals
The degree will initially be offered as a two-year part-time programme, enabling students to study alongside their teaching careers. Teaching will be delivered through a live online learning model, creating opportunities for students both within the UK and internationally to participate in a vibrant learning community.
Unlike traditional higher education study, the programme has been built around the realities of professional teaching practice, allowing students to apply their learning directly within their own teaching environments.
What will students study?
The programme combines academic study with practical teaching development and professional skills.
Students will undertake four core modules that cover theory of teaching, teaching practice, mentored practice (including Licentiate) and business for dance teachers.
A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on mentoring and individual support. Students will benefit from:
- Mentor-led guidance
- Teaching observations
- Constructive feedback
- Opportunities to reflect on and enhance their teaching practice
- Professional and business development skills designed specifically for dance teachers
The programme also includes the opportunity for students to undertake a Licentiate assessment pathway where appropriate.
Julie Campbell, ISTD Director of Education, explained: “What makes this programme particularly distinctive is its focus on individual development. Through personalised mentorship, students will be supported to refine their own teaching practice, develop critical and reflective skills, and build the confidence to become leaders in dance education.”
More than an academic qualification
What makes this degree distinctive is its combination of teaching expertise, academic study and business knowledge.
Alongside developing advanced teaching practice, students will build the skills needed to thrive as modern dance professionals, including understanding how to operate, develop and sustain successful teaching careers and dance businesses. This practical focus sits at the heart of the programme and reflects the changing needs of dance education today.
The degree is also intended to create a clear educational pathway within the wider ISTD framework, enabling teachers to progress from existing qualifications towards a recognised honours degree and, ultimately, postgraduate study.
What will students study?
The programme combines academic study with practical teaching development and professional skills.
Students will undertake four core modules that cover theory of teaching, teaching practice, mentored practice (including Licentiate) and business for dance teachers.
A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on mentoring and individual support. Students will benefit from:
- Mentor-led guidance
- Teaching observations
- Constructive feedback
- Opportunities to reflect on and enhance their teaching practice
- Professional and business development skills designed specifically for dance teachers
The programme also includes the opportunity for students to undertake a Licentiate assessment pathway where appropriate.
Julie Campbell, ISTD Director of Education, explained: “What makes this programme particularly distinctive is its focus on individual development. Through personalised mentorship, students will be supported to refine their own teaching practice, develop critical and reflective skills, and build the confidence to become leaders in dance education.”
More than an academic qualification
What makes this degree distinctive is its combination of teaching expertise, academic study and business knowledge.
Alongside developing advanced teaching practice, students will build the skills needed to thrive as modern dance professionals, including understanding how to operate, develop and sustain successful teaching careers and dance businesses. This practical focus sits at the heart of the programme and reflects the changing needs of dance education today.
The degree is also intended to create a clear educational pathway within the wider ISTD framework, enabling teachers to progress from existing qualifications towards a recognised honours degree and, ultimately, postgraduate study.
Fees and funding
The current tuition fee for the programme for September 2027 entry is £9,500 for the full course.
UK-based students are eligible for Higher Education student finance support, and for bursaries through NSCD's Bursary scheme. International students are eligible to apply for support through the ISTD's Bursary Scheme. UK and International students pay the same course fee, reflecting the online nature of delivery.
A partnership built on excellence
The degree will be delivered through a validated higher education partnership between ISTD, through the ISTD Academy, and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, one of the UK's leading specialist dance institutions. The partnership brings together ISTD’s internationally respected teacher training with NSCD’s higher education expertise, creating a distinctive honours-level pathway for experienced dance teachers.
Darren Carr, Vice Principal and Director of Higher Education at NSCD, said: “This partnership represents an important step in our strategic vision to broaden access to high-quality specialist higher education and strengthen pathways into sustainable careers across the dance sector.”
Graduates of the programme will be eligible for full ISTD membership, providing an important professional milestone and further strengthening their connection to the global ISTD community.
Looking ahead
An online open day and webinar will be held by the ISTD Academy to offer prospective students the opportunity to learn more about the course structure and the application process. Applications open on 1 October 2026, with the first intake beginning in September 2027.
The BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education marks an important milestone for dance teacher development. By combining practical teaching expertise, academic achievement and professional skills, it provides a flexible and forward-looking pathway for teachers ready to take the next step in their careers.
Looking ahead
An online open day and webinar will be held by the ISTD Academy to offer prospective students the opportunity to learn more about the course structure and the application process. Applications open on 1 October 2026, with the first intake beginning in September 2027.
The BA (Hons) Professional Dance Teaching and Education marks an important milestone for dance teacher development. By combining practical teaching expertise, academic achievement and professional skills, it provides a flexible and forward-looking pathway for teachers ready to take the next step in their careers.
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