BA (Hons) Professional and Commercial Dance (Accelerated Route)
Award
BA (Hons)
Start Date
To be confirmed
Duration
2 years
Mode
Full-time
Location
Shockout Arts
UCAS Points
104
UCAS Code
W667
Complete an honours degree through the intensive two-year BA (Hons) Professional and Commercial Dance (Accelerated Route). Develop your technique, creative practice and performance skills in ballet, jazz, street, hip hop, contemporary and commercial dance, alongside live and digital performance, industry engagement and independent inquiry. The programme prepares you for professional practice and progression to postgraduate study.
Course Overview
This course is taught by Shockout under a franchise delivery partnership with the University of Greater Manchester. Students will enrol directly with the University of Greater Manchester and will be taught by Shockout.Delivered by Shockout Arts in Manchester, the accelerated two-year BA (Hons) Professional and Commercial Dance develops technical, artistic and theoretical competence through advanced training at Level 6. You will complete 360 credits across Levels 4, 5 and 6 within two academic years, with each 120-credit level delivered through intensive study periods separated by independent study weeks or short study breaks. This approach combines professional training with academic inquiry to prepare you for a career in dance and the performing arts.
Training in ballet, jazz, street, hip hop and contemporary is explored through the lens of professional and commercial dance. Regular live and digital performance opportunities, including collaborative work with Shockout Arts’ in-house production company, develop performance, production and reflective skills. Simulated professional environments connect your learning with current industry expectations.
Work-based learning with professional artists and industry partners across commercial and community dance supports enterprise, employability and social responsibility. Curated audition experiences, workshops and mock castings develop resilience and adaptability. At Level 6, Industry Weeks offer intensive masterclasses and networking with leading practitioners, supporting your transition into professional practice.
Physical training is balanced with research and reflection. You will investigate the historical, cultural, political and social contexts of UK and international dance, explore your artistic identity and consider inclusive, ethical and sustainable approaches to performance-making. Creative digital tools and emerging technologies support critical exploration and professional readiness.
You will train and create at Shockout Arts in Manchester, in industry-standard, accessible studios equipped for technical development, performance and digital documentation. Teaching includes daily technique classes, intensive workshops, masterclasses and guest artist talks. Personal tutoring and feedback support your progress. Successfully completing the honours degree also provides a route towards relevant postgraduate study, subject to entry requirements.
For full details about Shockout Arts, open days and accommodation, visit www.weareshockout.com.
Course venue
Shockout Arts
Valo Building
Brian Statham Way
Old Trafford
Manchester, M16 0PU
Highlights
- Develop versatile dance technique and artistic identity through studio training, live and digital performance, and work with Shockout Arts’ in-house production company.
- Learn with professional artists and industry partners through workshops, masterclasses, work-based projects and industry-relevant showcases.
- Build professional confidence through audition experiences, mock castings, industry showcases and Level 6 Industry Weeks, strengthening your CV and networks.
- Shockout students and alumni have credits including Burlesque The Musical, Death Note The Musical (West End), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (UK Tour), Drake, Janet Jackson and Dua Lipa, alongside major awards shows, television and festivals.
Key Features
- Practical workshops and structured training in ballet, jazz, street, hip hop, contemporary and commercial dance are supported by lectures, presentations, seminars and tutorials.
- Live and digital performance, collaborative production and simulated professional projects develop your understanding of how work is created, realised, managed and documented.
- Inclusive teaching combines daily technique classes, intensive workshops, masterclasses and guest artist talks, recognising different ways of learning and creating.
- Creative digital tools and emerging technologies, including AI and digital media, are explored through critical reflection to support creativity and professional readiness.
- Develop transferable and entrepreneurial skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, collaboration, planning, time management, communication, digital literacy and decision-making.
- Explore ethical, sustainable and socially engaged practice, considering identity, cultural contexts and the needs of collaborators and audiences.
- Access the University’s e-learning resources, extensive e-library and librarian support alongside specialist studio teaching and opportunities to learn with industry professionals.
Entry Requirements
- 104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Normally, you should have at least two A-level passes (or equivalent). Any Level 3 subjects are acceptable; experience of dance is preferred.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- You will be required to attend an audition and interview at Shockout Arts. Email admissions@weareshockout.com to receive an audition date.
- Equivalent qualifications or relevant experience may be considered. A portfolio or another form of assessment may be requested to support your application.
- Applications from mature students without the standard entry qualifications will be considered. Applicants will be interviewed and required to complete a diagnostic assessment.
- All applicants must apply to both the University of Greater Manchester and Shockout Arts. The Shockout Arts application form can be accessed at www.weareshockout.com. For details of how to apply to the University of Greater Manchester, please see the How to Apply section of this web page.
- All students undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate dance programmes must provide a medical certificate, signed and stamped by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their fitness to participate safely in the programme's practical dance activities, taking account of any reasonable adjustments required.
- If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- This course is open to Home students only. Applications from International and EU students cannot usually be accepted because the study location for this course is not licenced by UKVI to sponsor students. Therefore, if you require sponsorship under the Student Visa Route to study in the UK, then, unfortunately, we'll be unable to consider your application for this course. Some EU students are eligible to study this course under the EU Settlement Scheme or Common Travel Area arrangement – for details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/studying-in-the-uk-guidance-for-eu-students.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
This accelerated honours degree provides an industry-relevant education that develops advanced technical, artistic and contextual understanding across professional and commercial dance. Performance, production and industry engagement help you build confidence, self-presentation, teamwork, communication and the ability to respond constructively to feedback. Entrepreneurial, research and digital skills support a sustainable career and progression to further study.
Shockout students and alumni have built an impressive portfolio of professional credits, working alongside some of the biggest names in the global music and entertainment industry, as well as appearing in major West End productions, UK tours, international concerts and televised events.
Credits include Burlesque The Musical, Death Note The Musical (West End), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (UK Tour), Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Janet Jackson, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Stormzy, Little Mix, Spice Girls, Rita Ora, Zara Larsson, Demi Lovato, Black Eyed Peas, Zayn Malik, Mabel, Jax Jones, Ludacris, Tinie Tempah, Paloma Faith, Cheryl, will.i.am and many more.
Further credits span some of the industry’s most prestigious events and platforms, including the MTV VMAs and EMAs, BRIT Awards, MOBO Awards, The X Factor, The Voice, Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball, Wireless Festival, V Festival, Parklife and Lovebox.
What can I do with this qualification?
You may also progress to relevant postgraduate study or train to become a dance teacher in the education sector, subject to the entry requirements and professional training requirements of the chosen route.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use their skills in other careers. Relevant experience, professional training and/or postgraduate study may be required. Possibilities include:
- Teaching and education
- Arts administration
- Broadcasting
- Theatre stage management
- Event management
- Acting
- Dance therapy
- Sports training
- Marketing and PR
- Advertising
- Community arts
- Musical theatre
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Journalism and writing
- Dance criticism
Fees & Funding
Funding your studies: From January 2027, eligible students may be able to use the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) to access tuition fee loan funding for this course. The LLE is designed to make student finance more flexible and support people to study, retrain or develop their skills at different stages of life. Find out more about the LLE and eligibility Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) | Skills for Careers
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.
Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.
Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
Additional costs
Medical Fitness Certificate: As a condition of enrolment, students must provide a medical fitness certificate, signed and stamped by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their fitness to participate safely in practical dance activities. Medical practitioners may charge for the provision of this certificate, and any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
Enrichment Fee: You will be required to pay a one-off enrichment fee. The enrichment fee is refundable if you do not gain the qualifications required for entry to the course or a satisfactory medical report.
Dance Attire: Successful applicants and students must wear suitable dance attire; a list will be provided. You may already have many items. Contact Shockout Admissions for an estimate if you need to buy them new.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Multiple courses or institutions (September entry):
Apply via UCAS (www.ucas.com), where you can select up to 5 courses for a fee of £28.95.
Institution: University of Greater Manchester
Code Name: UGM
Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Single course applications (any intake):
You can apply directly to the University using our online application form. This route is:
Free, secure, and straightforward
Supported by direct contact with Admissions
Includes regular application updates
Provides access to offer-holder events and taster sessions
Important:
You cannot apply both via UCAS and directly in the same academic year — a UCAS application will invalidate any direct application.
For September entry, accepted direct applicants will have a simplified UCAS record created and shared on their behalf. By applying directly, you agreed to these terms.
Before you apply:
Check the entry requirements and ensure you select the correct start date/location.
Prepare the following:
Education history and dates
Qualification certificates (image files for upload)
Employment history (if applicable)
Personal statement (to enter or upload
Contact details for two referees (including at least one academic)
Document formats: PDF or JPEG (Word accepted for personal statements). Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
Need Help?
Undergraduate Admissions Team
Phone: 01204 903394
Email: admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
International Applicants
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Greater Manchester Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Greater Manchester
For valued members of the University of Greater Manchester Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching combines tutor-led classes, industry-led workshops and simulated work-based projects, supported by the Virtual Learning Environment and creative digital tools. Practical sessions focus on core technical forms and commercial dance. Guided independent study extends your learning through rehearsal, training, research, reading, seminar preparation and assignments.
Emerging technologies, including AI and digital media, are explored with critical reflection to enhance creativity and professional readiness. Teaching prioritises accessibility, sustainability and industry relevance. Blended learning includes online delivery and engagement where appropriate, alongside practical sessions, lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.
Assessment includes in-studio technical assessments, practical skills assessments, showcase performances, practical project reports, portfolios, oral presentations, written coursework and a major research project. Formative activities are part of your learning and provide feedback without contributing to your module grade. Summative assessments contribute to your module results. Feedback on both helps you understand your strengths and identify areas for development.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Techniques and Well-being
- Performance in Practice
- Professional and Commercial Dance Studies (Industry in Practice)
- Professional Performance and Industry Engagement
- Techniques and Innovation
- Applied Research and Critical Practice in Dance
- The Company, Major Project
- Teaching and Applied Dance Practice
- Independent Research or Practice-Based Dissertation
- Professional and Commercial Industry Development
- Studio to Stage
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 33% Practical exams 67% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 33% Practical exams 67% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 40% Practical exams 60% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 32% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 68% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 30% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 70% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 58% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 42% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
Postgraduate Options
Programme Contacts
Disclaimer: The “Greater Manchester Way” represents our preferred teaching and learning approach; however, not all courses follow a block-teaching model. While course structures and delivery patterns may vary to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, all courses benefit from the GM Way approach to curriculum design and assessment. Applicants and students should refer to individual course specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
