Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Arts Choreography, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to MA Choreography at Leeds Beckett University.
This course handbook provides you with information that you will need as you study on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course. The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team, I wish you well in your studies.
Beth Cassani.
Course Director, MA Choreography
Welcome to The Leeds School of Arts.
With a history that spans over 170 years, Leeds School of Arts is united by a common goal: to encourage individuality, to inspire creativity, and to create impact. Arts at Leeds Beckett University is an inspired laboratory where ideas are piloted, risks are taken, and equal emphasis is placed on the navigation of nourishing creative journeys and the realisation of formidable art works. There are around 3000 students in the Leeds School of the Arts, spread across over 40 courses, in subjects ranging from Architecture and Landscape, Creative Technology, Art, Design and Fashion, through to Film, Music and Performing Arts. Our aim is to instil in you the confidence, curiosity and commitment to thrive at University and beyond, and to give you the freedom and independence to both think, and to make.
We have an exciting and experimental approach to contemporary, creative practice - set in the heart of a culturally energised city. We draw artistic inspiration from the innumerable sources of university culture, including the research of our extraordinary academics and the energy, open-mindedness and intellect of our students. This is more than a School, it is a community of creators and collaborators; a united, artistic family, pushing boundaries with a variety of courses.
Our School's principle of learning through theory and practice is enabled by deep and meaningful links with industry, community and the professions. We have Leeds based, national and international partnerships to enable students learning to be enriched by industry collaboration. Our new Leeds School of Arts £80m building, state-of-the-art technical equipment, workshop support and studio spaces will allow you to immerse yourself in live design and development projects, supported by a team of experienced staff on hand to challenge, listen and encourage.
I wish you well and hope you have a rewarding, enjoyable and highly creative year with us.
Dr Lisa Stansbie, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Beth Cassani
The name and contact details of your Course Rep can be found on your course noticeboard and MyBeckett: please note Course Reps will be elected at the beginning of the semester 1 or if the cohort numbers less than the required elective threshold, the group will self-represent.
The Academic Librarians for this course are Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Jennifer Winterburn, Maria Simoes and Ellie Clement
Please contact them at: lsalibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.
Dance Team
Beth Cassani, B.Cassani@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Dr Laura Griffiths, Laura.Griffiths@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Lisa Osborne Kendall lisa.kendall@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Dr Rachel Krische, R.Krische@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Performing Arts Principle Learning Officer:
Jonny Coulson
J.A.Coulson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Performing Arts Senior Learning Officers/Performing Arts Technicians:Jacob Simpson & Jack Sibley
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be via your student email address and announcements on MyBeckett.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are to:
1.To provide students with an MA education in Choreographic Practice which will enhance potential employability.
2.To develop and stimulate a community of critical enquiry into contemporary choreographic practice in current cultural and global contexts.
3.To expand and liberate the creative potential of students by encouraging and supporting the production of innovative practical work.
4.To provide an intensive hothouse environment for students to improve and develop their knowledge and understanding of choreographic practice through professionally modelled, constructive self-reflection, peer and professional critical feedback thus facilitating more advanced and complex strategies for making, producing, reflecting and disseminating.
5.To embed critical and creative dialogues between students in the academic context and the industry.
6.To develop public exposure for student's work in the region and internationally by working in collaboration with local arts, cultural organisations and international festivals.
7.To provide an experimental environment for graduates, practitioners, professional and 'emerging' artists and those working within diverse contexts to come together in supportive, collaborative enquiry to intensify and deepen their practice
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1.Demonstrate sophisticated practice that reflects originality and innovation and is informed by professional practice, scholarship and theory at the forefront of the discipline.
2.Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and apply knowledge, techniques and choreographic strategies systematically to articulate new insights and/or critical awareness in their own research and practice.
3.To autonomously negotiate, plan projects, taking initiative, applying critical reflection and collaborative communication to creative and practical decision-making and problem solving in a range of professional contexts.
4.Demonstrate a critical understanding of the current cultural debates pertaining to contemporary choreographic practices.
5.Demonstrate the ability to be able to work ethically, sensitively and with appropriate professionalism in diverse contexts with the aim of creating sophisticated artistic practice that communicates with critical and cultural awareness to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
6.Demonstrate a complex level of conceptual understanding in artistic research and practice including the ability to evaluate and interpret embodied experience and relevant data.
1. Demonstrate sophisticated practice that reflects originality and innovation and is informed by professional practice, scholarship and theory at the forefront of the discipline.
2. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and apply knowledge, techniques and choreographic strategies systematically to articulate new insights and/or critical awareness in their own research and practice.
3. Autonomously negotiate, plan projects, taking initiative, applying critical reflection and collaborative communication to creative and practical decision-making and problem solving in a range of professional contexts.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the current cultural debates pertaining to contemporary choreographic practices.
5. Demonstrate the ability to be able to work ethically, sensitively and with appropriate professionalism in diverse contexts with the aim of creating sophisticated artistic practice that communicates with critical and cultural awareness to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
6. Demonstrate a complex level of conceptual understanding in artistic research and practice including the ability to evaluate and interpret embodied experience and relevant data.
Assessment & Feedback
On this course students will be assessed predominantly by coursework and performance/presentation of live choreographic work. At the end of the course, accompanying the major choreographic project, students may choose between submitting a 6000 - word piece of critically reflective writing, or an extended viva-voce.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Verbal formative feedback is embedded within all modules of MCHOR and you are encouraged to develop strategies that allow you to collate, refer to and employ this formative feedback. This formative feedback may be online or face-to-face, in individual, small or whole group tutorials/mentoring sessions. You may also receive and contribute to online or face-to-face peer-to-peer feedback. Summative feedback at the end of each module will be either verbal or written.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Students who enrol on MA Choreography can expect a variety of engaging learning experiences. Most sessions are studio based with an emphasis on 'learning through doing', and practice led research enquiry. Taught workshops and tutor supported making processes form the main body of studio practice with technical training where appropriate to the module content. Studio teaching activity takes place in our own studio spaces on City Campus and also if relevant, in professional organisations and contexts, venues and site-specific environments.
Critical discussion and peer and staff formative feedback is embedded in all studio work, whilst seminar-based sessions also provide an opportunity for staff presentations and intensive discussion focussing on module specific content, trends in dance performance, choreography and wider cultural and interdisciplinary practices in a critical depth with staff and external speakers as appropriate. The ethos of MA Choreography is one that values Professional Practice, and as such, students should expect teaching and learning activities to occur with for example, professional artists or curators, as well as the programme team in professionally appropriate settings.
Making choreography is a significant part of MA Choreography, and this occurs in a variety of contexts. Students will be expected to engage with solo, self-authored, group directed and collaborative practices. Students may direct each other, they may work alone, make collaborative choreography, work with a student dramaturg or work with external artists. Receiving and working with critical feedback is built into to all modular learning. The understanding and critical articulation of practice and research is also demonstrated in the processing of ideas in creative practice, making compositions and presentations of performance, but also through for example, portfolios of critical and reflective documentation, presentations, vivas, essays, blogs, digital practices, report and essay writing.
The Virtual Learning Environment is primarily used by MA Choreography as a repository for information, the submission of assessments, and the distribution of feedback. As a minimum, all modules on MA Choreography will have module handbooks, assessment briefs, reading materials published on MyBeckett. Written Feedback will be released to students via Turnitin. Formal training on VLE is offered to all students on the course in induction. In addition to this, MA Choreography works closely with the Academic Librarians in order to provide training and support for digital research tools such as Dawson Era, Discover, and the E-Journal Catalogue.
Students enrolling on and engaging with MA Choreography are required to invest in independent study as relevant to all modules and practices. It is essential that given and independently negotiated timeframes are adhered to and that an autonomous approach to learning is developed and upheld throughout the course, fostering and supporting critical and creative dialogue.
Level 7 Full Time |
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Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Research & Development (20 credits) | Y | Dramaturgy (20 credits) | Y |
Commission (20 credits) | Y | Choreography in the Expanded Field (20 credits) | N |
Writing Talking Festival (20 credits) | N | Writing Talking Festival (20 credits) | N |
Choreographer's Mentor Project (20 credits) | N | Choreographer's Mentor Project (20 credits) | N |
Artist as Teacher (20 credits) | N | Artist as Teacher (20 credits) | N |
Socially Engaged Practice (20 credits) | N | Socially Engaged Practice (20 credits) | N |
Improvisation (20 credits) | N | Embodied Knowledges (20 credits) | N |
The Festival Project (20 credits) | N | The Festival Project (20 credits) | N |
Semester 3 | Core (Y/N) |
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Choreographers' Major Project (60 credits) | Y |
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Students choose 3 electives. Electives listed above are indicative, therefore availability of electives is subject to change.
Level 7 Part Time |
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Semester 1/4 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2/5 | Core (Y/N) |
Research & Development (PT Semester 1 only) (20 credits) | Y | Dramaturgy (PT Semester 2 only) (20 credits) | Y |
Commission (PT Semester 4 only) (20 credits) | Y | Choreography in the Expanded Field (20 credits) | N |
Writing Talking Festival (20 credits) | N | Writing Talking Festival (20 credits) | N |
Choreographer's Mentor Project (20 credits) | N | Choreographer's Mentor Project (20 credits) | N |
Artist as Teacher (20 credits) | N | Artist as Teacher (20 credits) | N |
Socially Engaged Practice (20 credits) | N | Socially Engaged Practice (20 credits) | N |
Improvisation (20 credits) | N | Embodied Knowledges (20 credits) | N |
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| The Festival Project (20 credits) | N |
Semester 3 | Core (Y/N) |
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Semester 6 | Core (Y/N) |
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Choreographers' Major Project (60 credits) | Y |
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The option modules listed are indicative of a typical year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules.
Overall Workload | Level 7 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 600 hours |
Independent Study | 1200 hours |
Placement | 0 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the Leeds School of Arts Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
'In Year' Work Placement Information
MA students have the opportunity to work with, meet and engage with a range of choreographers, dance practitioners and artists within the context of their studies with workshops, guest talks and mentoring in Choreographer's Mentor, Research & Development and Dramaturgy and/or self-directed supervised projects that take the student in to the dance community for example; Artist as Teacher or Socially Engaged Practice.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
- Contemporary choreographic practice
- Performance
- Dramaturgy
- Direction
- Project management
- Research skills
- Practice as Research methodologies
- Critical thinking and evaluation
- Independent learning and practice
- Spectatorship and critical viewing
- Team-working and collaborative practice
- Presentation
- Enterprise
- Digital literacy
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
This course will enhance and develop your choreographic skills. You may apply these skills in direct relation to the areas of the cultural sector and dance profession that are of interest to you in future employment.
Core modules will introduce you to the current dance-making landscape and offers skills that prepare you for features of that, for example; documenting your work, profiling your work, engaging with industry contexts, professional networking and dialogue around choreographic practice. Core modules will focus on making you very 'dance literate'. You will become well able to articulate your practice to a range of audiences; stakeholders, funders, programmers, venue managers etc.
Elective modules will allow you to focus upon chosen aspects of choreography/choreographing with a view to tailoring your programme to your own career interests and goals.
The staff team is made up of an outstanding group of academics and artist scholars who are industry professionals with extensive professional networks. You are taught by experts in their field (at national and international level) and all the staff team perform, choreograph, direct, mentor artists, curate & organise, publish and deliver papers alongside their regular pedagogic practice. This is a significant factor in facilitating graduate opportunities.
The courses on-going relationships with professional spaces, organisations and festivals also significantly contributes to the development of your potential employability. We regularly connect students with opportunities for volunteering or work experience as they arise with our partners and networks.
The experience of learning in exceptional professional university spaces provides you with a sense of belonging to a diverse artistic and research community, you are invited to work within this community from the outset. Also, Leeds is a cultural hub, and Dance is in particular a key aspect of this. Leeds continues to be a vibrant city, full of opportunities for graduates, within easy reach of other cultural performance hubs in Manchester, Hull, Sheffield, Newcastle and London.
Choreography at Leeds Beckett aims to prepare students for a breadth of career possibilities within the diverse field of contemporary choreography.
The course is based on the idea that the Independent Dance Artist specialises in making and performing dance in a range of contexts, often with artists from other disciplines and often with commercial partners or in partnership with cultural institutions. This might mean pitching for and obtaining;
-freelance professional commissions,
-independent projects,
-movement direction for theatre or opera,
-work making choreography for the film, tv and music video industries,
-running an independent dance company,
-work as a choreographer in the community,
-work with children or other specialist groups,
-commissions in site specific dance or dance in different environments.
The programme of study supports students to advance their interests in career areas like these.
Alongside choreography this course aims to enable students to develop as innovative creative practitioners more generally so that they may go on to apply their skills to work as a choreographer, a performer, a director, a producer, a facilitator, a leader, a teacher or lecturer, a dance therapist, a dance filmmaker, an arts administrator, an arts manager, a community practitioner, an academic researcher, or a health specialist.
Career management skills and networking:
Career management and professional development skills are embedded throughout the programme via work related learning opportunities that arise or that students set up in their elective modules as appropriate. Various voluntary opportunities to facilitate networking are also offered to students with local, national and international organisations as and when appropriate. Students are advised to join professional networks Students are advised to join professional networks such as Yorkshire Dance Collective (Dance Artists Network), New Work Yorkshire (Network), Artists development at The Place (London) and to sign up to listings such as The Arts Council's Arts Jobs. Students are also able to join the alumni run Trace Collective that we support at LSA.
Natural progression routes out of this degree include:
-PhD research programmes
-Project-based choreographic making & performance
-Diverse opportunities for developing as an independent portfolio artist
-Working with dance and choreography in formal and informal educational settings
-Professional roles in key cultural organisations within the dance industry
The exceptional industry links of the tutors facilitate access to professional networks including:
- Internationally recognised artists working in experimental and contemporary practices.
- National and international cultural organisations, venues and festivals - graduates have recently performed their work at local and international festivals.
Alternative career pathways:
Skills acquired from this degree are also directly transferable to employment within careers that require masters level attainment, and that focus on, for example; communication, facilitation, marketing, project management, creative enterprise and the cultural industries. Students from our Master programme have highly developed communication skills and as such are successful in roles that require public facing presentation skills, collaborative team working and creative problem solving.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Physical Resources
BA (Hons) Dance is part of the Performing Arts subject area and is housed in the new Leeds School of Arts building in Leeds city centre. Performing Arts has 5 dedicated spaces, these include 3 double height, rigged studios; a fully functioning black box theatre; a main stage theatre again with world class facilities. The Dance Course has access to specialist equipment for lighting, staging and documenting performance, which can be loaned, and you can also borrow equipment from the University's AV Loans as long as you have a valid Library Card. Both the Sheila Silver library (see Library Resources below) and the Students' Union are adjacent to the Leeds School of Arts building. Other disciplines housed in Leeds School of Arts include Film, Music and Creative Technology. A café and break out spaces are also accessible in this building.
Staff Resources - Industry Experts
All your course tutors are industry experts. In addition, you may experience workshops, mentoring sessions or talks with performing arts industry professionals through the course of your studies. Your study may allow you to carry out work-based learning that will position you to work alongside industry professionals in a real-life employment context. This may be part of a self-directed projects on Festival electives, Socially Engaged Practice or Artist as Teacher electives should you choose to work in this way. You are also encouraged to make use of the relevant industry-related talks and events that take place in regional arts and cultural industries venues.
Library resources in support of this course are available throughout the year 24 hours a day. The University library has a large and diverse selection of discipline specific materials, for example, books; journals; databases; which are available as conventional loans and whenever possible as digital resources. Discipline specific resources are available at the libraries on both university sites.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Post Graduate Certificate Choreography
Leeds Beckett University
PT students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. PT delivery is usually at half the intensity of the FT equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set but the modules offered within each level are consistent. Please note that the work placement option is not generally available to PT students.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
-Dr Jamieson Dryburgh
-Director of Higher Education
-Central School of Ballet
Appendices
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