Are you passionate about the study of human movement? Do you love music and culture? If so, then perhaps you ought to consider studying for a degree in dance.

However, it is very important to remember that dance is a very physically demanding course and requires students to not only have a sense of rhythm, but also to have high health and fitness levels. Students will be expected to study modules in choreography, so creative candidates will be particularly suited to this subject.

As well as learning about movement, dance students will also be expected to learn about the origins of dance, so an interest in history and culture is beneficial to potential candidates.

Many students who opt to take a degree in dance or a related subject are looking to pursue a career that includes performing onstage. While jobs as dancers and performers can be difficult to achieve, they can also be quite lucrative. Dancers working in London’s West-end can earn up to £700 a week, although your salary will very much depend upon where and who you work for.

However, the majority of dance graduates end up working in teaching positions within the dance industry. Whether working at a dance academy or teaching within main-stream schools, there are a wide range of vacancies available for dancers with a strong degree. Similarly large companies such as the Royal Ballet Company and Northern Dance look for employees with dance training and experience. These graduates may be hired to work within PR and marketing departments as they have an in-depth knowledge of the industry.

There is a far more rigorous application procedure for those wishing to pursue a career in dance. While many universities require students to have 3 A-levels or equivalent for undergraduate courses and a 2:1 performance related degree for postgraduate courses, it is also important for students to demonstrate their talents.

Potential undergraduates will be expected to attend a dance audition to showcase their skills, with many establishments requiring potential undergraduates to undergo health checks to ensure that they are up to the physical demands of the course. Those who do not speak English as a native language will be required to score a minimum of 6.0 on an IETLS test to demonstrate fluency in the language before starting any course.

A basic dance course will last 3 years and will allow for the study of a number of dance and choreography techniques. However, some establishments will allow you to extend your course for a further year in order to qualify for professional dance training. While some of your lectures may focus on theory, the majority of your modules will be assessed in a practical manner. Postgraduate courses will last for a minimum of a year and will focus on specialised dance techniques.

The dance industry is a particularly tough one and while your skills as a dancer are essential to your career, so too is the university at which you choose to study. If you’re planning a career on the stage, then remember that casting directors also look at the reputation of the establishment that was responsible for your dance training. Try and apply to a University that has links with dance companies in order to increase your chances of finding a job.

Of course, it is also important to ensure that you choose a location that suits your personal tastes and circumstances; after all you’ll be spending the next three years as a student.While prestige is beneficial, you also need to investigate the local area and see if you can envisage yourself living in the vicinity. How much will rent cost? How much is transport? Is there a thriving arts and dance culture nearby? What are the facilities like?

Before deciding where to study, you should always budget. Make a list of the funding you are able to access in your current financial situation including bursaries and scholarships that you may be eligible for. Similarly, do you have the dance skills to study at your chosen establishment? If you’re not entirely certain, then it may be worth spending a year doing further training before auditioning for your place on the course of your choice.