Dance Philosophy and History

Entry requirements

You are usually expected to hold a good second-class honours degree (or above) from an approved university or college in the UK, or a recognised degree from abroad.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This new postgraduate programme is the only one in the UK to investigate the interconnections between philosophy, history and dance.

Recognising the renewed interest in historical and philosophical enquiry by current dance scholarship and practice, this programme helps emerging and experienced dance practitioners and scholars locate their work effectively within philosophical and historical approaches for the advanced study of dance.

Our programme offers an in-depth, critical exploration of concepts, assumptions and theories underlying dance practice. You will gain an in-depth understanding of dance in the context of philosophy and history and you will learn to debate with critical insight issues of concern within dance and movement analysis. You will also develop your critical thinking on dance practices and issues from philosophical and historical perspectives. The programme incorporates Anglo-American Analytic as well as Continental schools of Philosophy; and Realist-Empiricist as well as Poststructuralist approaches to History.

The Department is home to the internationally-recognised Centre for Dance Research, which foregrounds the research of dance as cultural and artistic expression beyond, and including, theatre performance. Through seminars, forums and conferences involving staff and international invited guests, the Centre supports a compelling research culture.

We also have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations. In easy reach of London’s vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students.