Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance

The Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program at the University of Limerick is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in contemporary dance practice, theory, and performance. This program offers students opportunities to develop their technical skills, artistic expression, and critical understanding of contemporary dance forms. Through a combination of practical training, theoretical studies, and creative exploration, students engage with diverse dance styles, choreographic approaches, and cultural contexts, preparing them for careers as versatile and informed dance artists.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program is structured to provide students with a well-rounded education in contemporary dance techniques, choreography, improvisation, dance history, and critical theory. Core modules cover topics such as contemporary dance technique, movement analysis, dance composition, performance skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students also have opportunities to explore related areas such as somatics, dance science, cultural studies, and digital media.

Research Focus: The University of Limerick has a strong research focus in contemporary dance and related fields, with faculty members conducting innovative research in areas such as dance somatics, choreographic practice, dance and technology, dance and activism, and dance pedagogy. Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program have the opportunity to engage in research projects, seminars, and conferences, exploring topics such as embodiment, identity, globalization, and social justice through dance.

Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program fosters strong connections with the contemporary dance industry, providing students with opportunities for performance, collaboration, and professional development. Students engage with local dance companies, choreographers, festivals, and cultural organizations, participating in workshops, residencies, and performance opportunities. Industry partnerships and guest artist programs enhance students' understanding of career pathways and opportunities in the contemporary dance field.

Global Perspective: While rooted in contemporary dance practices, the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program at the University of Limerick embraces a global perspective, recognizing the diversity and interconnectedness of dance cultures worldwide. Students explore a range of dance traditions, techniques, and perspectives from different cultural contexts, contributing to their understanding of dance as a universal language and a form of cultural exchange. They also have opportunities to study abroad, participate in international exchange programs, and collaborate with dance artists from around the world.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements 

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with a minimum of 21 in each section.
• PTE: Overall score of 61 with a minimum of 59 in each section.
• DET: Overall score of 120 with no section score below 110 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

The University of Limerick (UL) is supporting the academic aspirations of international students by offering various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, talent, and diverse backgrounds.

Merit-Based Scholarships: UL provides a range of merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, varying from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The university also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to encourage diversity and attract exceptional talent from different parts of the world, providing financial support to deserving candidates.

Sports Scholarships: UL values sporting achievements and offers scholarships to international students who excel in sports. These scholarships support athletes pursuing their academic goals while representing the university in various sporting events.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance program at the University of Limerick possess a versatile skill set and profound understanding of contemporary dance, empowering them for various career paths within the dance industry and beyond. 

Professional Dancer: Graduates can pursue careers as professional dancers, performing in contemporary dance companies, independent productions, interdisciplinary collaborations, and site-specific performances. They showcase their technical proficiency, artistic expression, and versatility in movement, working with choreographers to bring their artistic visions to life on stage.

Choreographer: Graduates with a passion for creativity and choreography can work as choreographers, creating original dance works, commissions, and performances that explore contemporary themes, concepts, and movement vocabularies. They collaborate with dancers, composers, designers, and other artists to develop innovative and thought-provoking dance pieces for theaters, festivals, and multimedia platforms.

Dance Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as dance educators, teaching contemporary dance technique, improvisation, composition, and performance skills in various educational settings such as universities, colleges, conservatories, dance schools, and community programs. They inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers, fostering artistic growth, critical thinking, and creative exploration.

Dance Company Director: Graduates with leadership skills and artistic vision can establish their own contemporary dance companies or artistic collectives, curating seasons of performances, workshops, and outreach initiatives that engage audiences, support emerging artists, and contribute to the development of the contemporary dance field regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Dance Therapist: Graduates interested in the therapeutic applications of dance can pursue careers as dance/movement therapists, using movement-based interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges in diverse populations such as children, adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs. They work in healthcare settings, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community organizations.

Arts Administrator: Graduates can work in arts administration, managing dance organizations, festivals, venues, or cultural institutions, overseeing programming, marketing, fundraising, and operations. They contribute to the sustainability and growth of the contemporary dance sector, advocating for resources, support, and recognition for dance artists and organizations.

Dance Researcher or Scholar: Graduates with an interest in dance research, theory, and academia can pursue careers as dance researchers, scholars, or educators, conducting research, publishing articles, and teaching courses in dance studies, performance studies, cultural studies, or related fields. They contribute to the scholarly discourse and advancement of dance as an academic discipline.

Movement Coach or Consultant: Graduates can work as movement coaches, consultants, or choreographers for film, television, theater, and other media productions, providing expertise in movement direction, choreography, and physical storytelling to enhance character development, narrative coherence, and aesthetic impact.

Community Dance Practitioner: Graduates can work as community dance practitioners, facilitating dance workshops, residencies, and projects that engage diverse communities in creative expression, social interaction, and personal development. They use dance as a tool for empowerment, social change, and community building in settings such as schools, prisons, shelters, and community centers.

Dance Critic or Journalist: Graduates with strong writing and communication skills can work as dance critics, journalists, or bloggers, contributing reviews, articles, and features on contemporary dance performances, artists, trends, and issues for print publications, online platforms, and cultural websites.