BA Dance Artist
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Overview
BA Dance Artist is a one-year, full-time ‘top-up’ degree designed for students with previous dance training who wish to elevate their current qualifications (such as an HND (or SCQF Level 8 equivalent)) to a full BA degree or equivalent. This programme uniquely balances rigorous technical training in contemporary, jazz, and commercial styles with focus on performance, improvisation and choreography.
From day one, you’ll be immersed in RCS’s uniquely collaborative environment, where you’ll work alongside students from across the School of Dance, Music, and Stage & Screen, developing both your artistic voice and a diverse skill set. Over the year, you will gain the critical skills needed to become a versatile and resilient dance artist.
Whether your ambition lies in performing, creating, or educating, BA Dance Artist will equip you with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and artistic integrity to thrive in today’s dance profession.
The important details
UK Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2026
International (including EU) Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2026
Course Start Date:
21 September 2026
Institution Code:
R58
Programme Code:
208F
Audition Fee:
£55
Application Fee:
£28.95
Welcome to BA Dance Artist
Watch our short introduction video to the BA Dance Artist programme and our School of Dance.
We spoke to Head of Dance, Kerry Livingstone, and some current Dance Artist students to hear about what the programme offers and what their experience has been like so far.
Why Study Dance Artist at RCS?
'Top-up' Opportunity
This one-year, full-time programme is specifically designed for students who already hold a Level 8 qualification (such as an HND) and want to elevate it to a full BA degree recognition.
Comprehensive Vocational Training
Balances rigorous technique, performance, choreography, and teaching skills.
Embedded Teaching Skills
Recognising that many dance artists teach, the programme includes a core Teaching Skills module where you learn safe dance practice, class structure and exercise construction.
Award-Winning Studios
You will dance in Wallace studios at Speirs Locks – home to a suite of award-winning dance studios. Our studios are purpose-built for School of Dance students.
Extraordinary Staff & Workshops
You will learn from highly experienced teachers and work with professional musicians. In addition to tuition, you will participate in regular guest workshops and masterclasses.
Well-Being
The physical and mental well-being of our dancers sits at the heart of training at RCS, starting from the audition process. Throughout your studies, the School of Dance staff team works with each of our dancers to prepare them to enter the professional world as individuals who are confident, versatile and technically strong artists.
Specialist Performance Medicine
The physically demanding nature of the programme is supported by optional access to the specialist Performance Medicine team at Scottish Ballet.
Body Positive
A body-positive approach is taken by all staff, with issues around weight and body image addressed confidentially and proactively, rather than being ignored or addressed publicly. You will be supported in addressing any issues swiftly. Access to non-dance subject classes like Gyrotonics, PIYO, pilates, yoga, and mindfulness will help you develop a healthy mind and body, and cope with the demands of the course.
Graduate Destinations
Students who study on the BA Dance Artist programme will graduate with a wide range of skills which can be applied to many dance-related areas:
- Performance
- Choreography and Creative Practice
- Dance Education
- Dance Health
- Dance Advocacy and Engagement
- Teaching
- Further Study
Programme Structure
Across all three terms you will study on the following core modules:
- Technique & Performance
- Professional Preparation
- Choreographic Collaboration
- Teaching Skills
- Reflective Practice
Beginning in the first term, you’ll engage with the module Creative Citizenship. In classes of peers from across all undergraduate programmes, you are introduced to the cultural, artistic, political, and educational context of learning in a Higher Education Performing Arts institution. You will perform in the Solos and Choreographic evening at the end of the term.
Technique classes continue to develop your strengths and artistry, whilst Teaching Skills develop with more targeted sessions. Students will work with guest choreographers in the creation of original work for the School of Dance Annual Performances and have the opportunity to participate in the annual Choreography Competition.
The focus shifts to performance, with rehearsals for the annual shows. You will perform in different styles, demonstrating your versatility and complete a ‘run’ of shows with the opportunity to work in different roles in multiple casts, which is invaluable experience. Looking to the future, you will complete the Professional Preparation module which equips you with skills for your future career.
School of Dance Photo Gallery
All photos by Andy Ross
How to Apply
Apply via UCAS Conservatoires
Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. You can read our guidance about using UCAS Conservatoires on our dedicated How to Apply page.
Applicants will also be required to create an Acceptd account when they apply, which will be used for scheduling auditions and submitting pre-audition photos. All applicants must submit a photo as detailed below, regardless of audition preference.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2027, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58. You will also require the following programme code to apply: BA Dance Artist – 208F
The closing date for all on-time Modern Ballet applications is 31 March 2026. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that the audition panel will review your application. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications.
Application/Audition fees
There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £28.95. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition/interview assessment administration fee. The interview assessment administration fee is £55 for this programme. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.
We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.
We are committed to ensuring fair access to a conservatoire education for students who have the talent and potential to benefit from it, regardless of their background. In support of this, audition fee waivers are offered to applicants whose financial hardship may be a barrier to auditioning. Please note you can only apply for a fee waiver request once you have completed and submitted your UCAS application. Please see the audition fee waiver form for more information.
Photo Submission
All applicants must submit photos via Accept’d, regardless of your audition preference.
Photograph Requirements
Photo 1: Full-length facing front feet parallel, arms by sides. This should be in dance wear and in bare feet. The picture does not have to be taken professionally.
You will be required to create an Accept’d account and once you have done so you will be able to easily upload your photograph. Please arrange for this to be submitted at least 5 days before your audition date if auditioning in-person.
Audition Information
You can choose between in-person auditions or auditioning online. If you are auditioning in person, you will not need to submit a video. However, all applicants must submit photos via Accept’d, as detailed above, regardless of your audition preference.
In-person Audition
You will be invited to a live audition which will consist of a jazz and contemporary dance class with a warm-up ballet barre. There will also be a short interview.
Online Auditions
All material must be submitted via Accept’d. The audition videos and photographs do not need to be professionally filmed/taken – your phone or a similar device is suitable. The camera should be positioned so that the full range of movements is shown (ideally between the front and the side for barre work and at the front for centre work).
Video requirements:
Students auditioning online should submit videos of –
- A Jazz or Contemporary solo between 1-2 minutes long. Students can perform to live or pre-recorded music and should wear their usual dance kit. The solo can be self-choreographed or created by someone else.
- A short example of ballet – a plie exercise, battement tendu and a grand battement at the barre on both sides
Please contact the admissions team if you have any questions.
References
It is your responsibility to nominate a referee as part of your UCAS Conservatoires application form. We may contact this referee after your audition if the panel feels they need more information.
We will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can read guidance about nominating your referee on the UCAS Conservatoires website.
Policy
We have a number of policies and pages which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire:
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.
World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study both music and the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2026, the 10th time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.
Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.
Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.
Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.
A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.