MSc Dance Science Degree

Program Overview

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This MSc Dance Science program combines dance-specific knowledge with specialization in disciplines like Biomechanics, Nutrition, Physiology, Psychology, or Strength and Conditioning. The program features hands-on experience in fully equipped laboratories, allowing students to develop expertise in a specific area within dance science and pursue careers in teaching, research, or the health and well-being sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This MSc Dance Science course is designed for students who wish to advance their undergraduate studies by developing specialist knowledge and application in a specific discipline within dance science. This course provides a unique selection of modules from across MA Dance and MSc Sports and Exercise Science programmes and give you the opportunity to specialise exclusively in a discipline of Dance Science and access fully equipped laboratories to gain hands-on experience. The discipline specific routes you could study are:

• Biomechanics
• Nutrition
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Strength and Conditioning
This course aims to:
• Develop a systematic and critical understanding of current theory, research and debates at the forefront of Dance Science.
• Develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of research methodologies and practical techniques used in the field of Dance Science.
• Foster a self-directed approach to learning.

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Outline:

This course is made up of core and optional modules. You will study a discipline specific route and can focus your studies on biomechanics, nutrition, physiology, psychology or strength and conditioning. Each discipline route includes three required modules in that subject area, two relevant dance electives, a research methods module. You will have to pursue either an Applied Dance Science: Supervised Research Portfolio or a Dissertation The Applied Dance Science: Supervised Research Portfolio allows you to gain insight into applied dance science and prepare for the type of reflective and academically grounded experience that is a central demand of candidates seeking membership and professional development opportunities with organisations such as the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), One Dance UK, British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), and National Dance Educators Organisation (NDEO). This modules list is indicative and subject to change.

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Core Modules:

• Research Dissertation or Applied Dance Science: Supervised Research Portfolio: In this module, you will either undertake a final research dissertation project or an applied dance science research portfolio.
The research dissertation acts as the culmination of your postgraduate study. You will develop a substantial dance research project of your choice. You can choose to include a varying amount of dance practice alongside written critical commentary.
• Developing As An Applied Practitioner in Biomechanics: This is an opportunity to develop your skills in delivering applied consultancy in the biomechanics of sport and exercise.
• Tissues, Modelling, and Assistive Devices: This module covers wide-ranging applications of biomechanics research findings on areas such as muscle, tendon, ligament tissues, one/two joint muscles, muscle and joint energetics, prosthetic design, orthotic design and function, vibration training, in-silico modelling, and neuromuscular modelling.

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Nutrition Route:

• Applied Techniques in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition: This is a hands-on module that advances the skills required to undertake physiological assessments linked to client population requirements.
• Applied Sports and Exercise Nutrition: To work in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, it is important for you to have a critical knowledge of nutrition theory, but equally to be able to critically dissect the relevance of published academic texts and be able to apply this to the individual in a broad range of settings and contexts.
This module aims to give you the core competencies needed to work with and add value to a broad range of competitive or recreational athletes requiring nutritional support for performance and/or recovery. This module develops critical knowledge of muscle function and energy demands, the use of carbohydrate, lipids and proteins as energy sources, the metabolic pathways, the nature of metabolic limitations in skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of nutrition and ergogenic aids (e.g. polyphenols, carbohydrates, beta-alanine, creatine) for optimal function of skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of proteins for muscle mass, and the relationships between nutritional interventions, signalling pathways and training adaptations in skeletal muscle. The application of this knowledge to athletic training and sport with divergent exercise intensity and exercise demands will be discussed within both theoretical and practical contexts.

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Physiology Route:

• Applied Techniques in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition: This is a hands-on module that advances the skills required to undertake physiological assessments linked to client population requirements.
This module develops critical knowledge of muscle function and energy demands, the use of carbohydrate, lipids and proteins as energy sources, the metabolic pathways, the nature of metabolic limitations in skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of nutrition and ergogenic aids (e.g. polyphenols, carbohydrates, beta-alanine, creatine) for optimal function of skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of proteins for muscle mass, and the relationships between nutritional interventions, signalling pathways and training adaptations in skeletal muscle. The application of this knowledge to athletic training and sport with divergent exercise intensity and exercise demands will be discussed within both theoretical and practical contexts.
• Professional Skills in Sport and Exercise Physiology & Nutrition: This module develops your knowledge base associated with applied physiological and nutritional support in a range of different environments including, exercise testing, physiological and dietary measurement, food safety and hygiene and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) considerations.
Specifically, the module will address the interplay between external physical challenges associated with different environments; internal physiological and metabolic challenges associated with gender, training status, and various states of disease-impaired or compromised function such as musculoskeletal injuries. Whilst the module gives due consideration to elite sports performance and recreational exercise participation, the module also discusses exercise and physical performance in occupational settings such as the military, and emergency services. A focus of the module is to critically discuss how sport and exercise scientists working in interdisciplinary teams can enhance performance, protection and promote safety and well-being.
• Whole Body Metabolism: Measurement and Application in Exercise Physiology: This module examines the application of whole-body metabolism to a variety of contexts within sport and exercise physiology ranging from elite sporting performance to clinical settings.
Existing knowledge will be challenged through critical evaluation of relevant peer reviewed publications. Additionally, through a theoretical and practical evaluation of measurement techniques available in the area of whole-body metabolism, an appreciation will be given to validity and reliability of methodological approaches.

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Psychology Route:

• Advanced Performance Psychology: This module examines psychological characteristics that have been proposed as important determinants of success in sport with specific focus on mental toughness.
• Enhancing Physical Activity Participation and Wellbeing: This module deepens your knowledge of health behaviour change in the context of exercise and physical activity.
You will also explore key concepts of self-concept, motivation, and behaviour change, whilst appreciating the range of psychosocial barriers and facilitators that can result in positive or maladaptive affective responses, cognitions, and behaviours.

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Strength and Conditioning Route:

• Applied Measurement Techniques: You will learn how to develop and implement an effective performance testing battery to athletes from a range of sports.
• Planning, Programming & Application: Successful strength and conditioning relies on a sound comprehension of the principles governing program design, planning and application.
the emphasis of this module is to develop a robust theoretical understanding, practical skills and competencies that will make you an effective strength and conditioning practitioner.
• Strength & Conditioning Theory & Practice: The strength and conditioning process is underpinned by the fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science.
The ability of a system to adapt to training-based stimulus relies on a physiological response to biomechanical demand. The effectiveness of this demand is often dependent on efficient transference of correct and safe movement technique, whether strength or conditioning. strength and conditioning practitioners should have sound and applied insight into applied human physiology and biomechanics and the aim of this module is to provide this.

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Optional Modules:

• Applied Dance Science: Case Study: The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate dance-specific monitoring and observation of an individual dancer within a real-life setting, over a specified period of time.
• Awareness in Motion: This module will give you the opportunity to discover more about your own movement potential through a somatic practice, focussing particularly one somatic practice, such as the Feldenkrais Method.
By drawing attention to functional anatomy of the skeleton, you will discover more about efficiency and ease of motion through somatic practice lessons and become more aware of your potential as a mover. You will explore the philosophy and principals of the method to support and inform your practice. This learning and enriched body knowledge will provide you with more awareness, understanding and potential as a mover and will also challenge the way you think, learn and experience movement.
• Examining Practice: Subjective Perspectives in Dance: This module examines and explores subjective perspectives as a way of examining practice.
You will use a range of theoretical principles, embodied and methodological approaches and qualitative methods to place knowledge in the context of your existing practice. The module encourages you to interrogate an area of your own dance practice and will challenge you to consider relevant frameworks of research across a range of contexts. Through subjective-led enquiry, you will research your practice in relation to developments in research and will be challenged to question (and explore) how methodological approaches relate to your own practice.
• Pedagogical Approaches: Through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical tasks, you will analyse, deconstruct and reconstruct technical exercises and phrases in order to build a critical base of teaching material.
Planning, phrase construction and giving corrections will be explored in the context of somatic development and consideration of issues relating to health and safety. You will also be expected to undertake critical analysis and evaluation of professional dance classes. You will be introduced to lesson planning, devising schemes of work appropriate to different teaching situations such as primary and secondary syllabus work, special needs and working with the elderly and community-based groups.
• Principles of Motor Learning for Dance: In this module, you will explore theories and practices of motor learning and control.
Specific topics will cover include: organization of motor control, perception, anticipation, instructional strategies, conditions of practice, attention and feedback. The intersection of somatically informed approaches to practice will also be considered. Consideration of different learners will be addressed in relevant weeks in relation to the novice or advanced dancer.
• Scientific Principles of Dance Practice: This applied theory module explores the interrelated theories of the body and mind in motion, as applied to dance-specific contexts.
• Technical Dance Practice: This module aims to develop and strengthen contemporary dance understanding and performance through regular attendance and practice in a variety of dance technique classes.
Daily classes allow you to develop and refine technical skills through reflective practice directed toward performance artistry. Motional complexity, qualitative interpretation, musicality, alignment, flexibility, core strength and stamina will be priorities in developing technical skills. Alongside this, classes will emphasis experiential learning, developing sensory awareness, physical efficiency, anatomical knowledge and skeletal imagery through taught material, improvisation, and partner work. The variety of techniques taught are designed to challenge your movement memory and problem-solving skills as well as develop an athletic and more technically tuned body.

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Assessment:

All modules are assessed through programme work in the form of practical choreography presentations, essays, reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, online tasks and group working.

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Teaching:

You will study through theoretical and practical workshops, lecturers, seminars and rehearsals. You will be assessed through a range of assignments depending on which study options you choose. Class sizes vary depending on the modules you and other students select.

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Careers:

Within the past decade there has been a marked growth in the career opportunities available for dance science, such as teaching in further and higher education, working in professional companies and in health and well-being. There is also an increased need for appropriately qualified and accredited individuals to fill these positions.

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Other:

You will perform in an Arts Council funded Dance Theatre Space and rehearse in four superb dance studios, the large gymnasium and two sprung-floor spaces. You will also be able to take advantage of a programme of dance company performances, workshops and events supported by Arts Council funding. You will also access our sports facilities and labs including:

• Five dedicated physiology labs
• Four dedicated psychology labs
• Two dedicated biomechanics labs
• An environmental chamber to simulate heat, altitude, etc
• A sports injury clinic and adjoining rehabilitation space
• Modern fitness suite
• Strength and conditioning room
• Two multi-purpose gymnasiums
• Indoor and outdoor climbing walls and climbing boulder
• A range of grass and astro turf pitches
• Outdoor and indoor netball and tennis courts
• 110m synthetic athletics track