Bachelor in Dance


Study programme description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Credits (ECTS)

180

Studyprogram code

B-UTØVDANS

Level

Bachelor's degree programme

Leads to degree

Bachelor i dans

Full-/Part-time

Full-time

Duration

6 Semesters

Undergraduate

Yes

Language of instruction

The Bachelor in Dance programme is a 3-year programme (180 credits).

The programme is aimed at applicants with a background in dance from a 3-year upper secondary education, or equivalent, who want to work as performing and co-creating dance artists.

The study programme focuses mainly on contemporary dance and includes both practical and theoretical courses that give you a comprehensive learning outcome. A high artistic level is the goal of the programme. As a student, you will encounter a wide range of working methods, from daily training in dance technique to lectures, projects and performance work. You will immerse yourself in repertoire, improvisation and choreography, as well as movement science and alternative training with teachers from Norway and abroad. In technique, different approaches in contemporary dance are emphasised, while classical ballet is an important supporting subject. In addition, other relevant genres of theatre dance are offered.

Reflection and investigation are key elements of the programme. Familiarity with different performance practices in the field of contemporary dance helps to develop the student to become an independent dance artist. You will be challenged in your ability to reflect and analyse in all courses, both performing, creative and theoretical. You will learn about dance in a cultural and social context, acquire knowledge of choreographic and aesthetic analysis, training theory, injury prevention and career issues/management, as well as an introduction to artistic research.

The programme environment is interdisciplinary and allows for collaboration with music students within several genres.

The student's own investigative work is continuous throughout the programme, both alone and in interaction with fellow students. Supervision and assessment are common to all courses in the three-year programme.

The study programme is offered at the Faculty of Performing Arts, which is located in Bjergsted on premises specially adapted for the type of activities that the programme encourages and requires. Students and teachers have access to several dance studios, changing rooms with showers and saunas, lecture and meeting rooms, a black box, a concert hall, a university library with a branch specialising in music and dance, and a canteen with a student lounge.

Learning outcomes

After completing the programme, the candidate should have acquired the knowledge, skills and general competence that enable him/her to:

Knowledge

  • have the comprehensive artistic and theoretical knowledge required to research, perform, create and communicate dance at a professional level
  • communicate orally and in writing about dance art, both to the colleagues and others in the field, audiences and society in general
  • participate in discourses that lead to change and new developments in the dance field

Skills

  • work with dance within different contexts that are relevant in today’s world, both as a performer and co-creator.
  • materialize and communicate their artistic intentions at a professional level
  • take responsibility for their professional career with the insight and skills required in their future field of work

General Competence

  • meet the demands in the professional dance field for independent thinking and reflection
  • work purposefully and independently, alone and together with others
  • work in dance art with an awareness of ethical and environmental considerations and demands.

Syllabus

STRUCTURE and CONTENT

The programme is organised as a full-time study over three years (180 ECTS) divided into study units:

  • Physical Practice: 55 ECTS
  • Artistic practice: 65 credits
  • Dance in context: 35 credits
  • Elective courses: 30 ECTS credits independent work/international semester.

The course of study is based on the knowledge and experience that exists about the field of dance as we understand it but also acknowledges that the dance associated with the free field is in constant upheaval. The content of the programme should be seen in accordance with the performer's role in contemporary dance and provide the student with the knowledge and experience required in a future encounter with professional life.

A high artistic level is the goal of the education. This must be understood beyond the technicalities of dance, and linked to the creative and co-creative. It also involves the ability to articulate oneself in a wider sense and to be able to see oneself and one's subject in a larger societal context. Independent reflection and being investigative are recurring themes throughout the programme. It is the sum of the courses in the programme that constitutes the strength of the programme.

Different approaches within contemporary dance have a main emphasis in the study unit Physical Practice, but classical ballet, alternative forms of training and movement science are important support subjects. The technical subjects are a recurring theme in the programme and form the basis for the practice for which we train. In addition to the techniques taught on a daily basis, students receive training in other relevant genres of scenic dance, such as, for example, hip hop and Afro-Cuban.

The dance-technical alone cannot develop a performing and co-creative dancer. The requirements today are diverse, and a dancer often has the task of co-creating production work, in addition to requiring a clear artistic signature to succeed. The programme at UiS takes this into account in the study unit Artistic Practice, which includes work with improvisation and composition, choreography, and dissemination, as well as an introduction to artistic research.

Dissemination work is in focus in all three years of study, both as real scenic work, and presentations of continuous investigations related to the individual performer / choreographing oneself and not least in the encounter with relevant repertoire. During the study period, the student will explore a wide range of repertoire, and in this way develop skills in dynamic expressions, musicality and role performance.

The student's ability to critically reflect and analyse is challenged in all subjects, both performing, creative and theoretical. In the study unit Dance in context, emphasis is placed on the historical, cultural, social and aesthetic aspects of dance, knowledge that is important for a holistic understanding and which forms the basis for seeing oneself in a larger context. In addition, the course Career issues and management for dance artists provides the necessary knowledge and skills in the transition to a professional career after graduation.

Career prospects

The programme prepares students for a professional career as a dance artist or for further studies in dance or related subjects. With an additional year in Practical-Pedagogical Education (PPU), a graduate is qualified to work as a dance teacher.

After completing the programme, candidates are awarded the degree Bachelor in Dance, a qualification for admission to master's degree programmes in Norway or abroad.

Course assessment

The programme is quality assured through UiS's quality system and standards and criteria in the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Research and NOKUT. The courses, and the study programme as a whole, are revised in the annual study programme revision. An electronic questionnaire is used in student evaluation of courses. The students receive close follow-up from the academic staff and are also offered supervision from the study coordinator. The faculty's management is in regular contact with student representatives. Students are also represented in regular group meetings.

Study plan and courses

  • Utøvende hovedområde - Obligatoriske emner

    • BDA732: Artistic Practice III

      Year 3, semester 6

      Artistic Practice III (BDA732)

      Study points: 25

    • BDA840: Career issues and management for dance artists

      Year 3, semester 6

      Career issues and management for dance artists (BDA840)

      Study points: 5

  • Valgemner

Student exchange

Exchange semester

5th semester (autumn semester in 3rd year)

It is recommended that all students travel to an international environment this semester.

Students who do not wish to travel abroad during the international semester complete an individual project at UiS. It is desirable that the alternative elective course BDA850 Independent Project, which runs parallel to the international semester, has an international dimension.


Why a stay abroad?

Primarily, the student will develop as a performing and co-creative dance artist during their stay abroad. An international semester will give the student the opportunity to further specialise in relation to the original study programme at UiS but will also provide opportunities for individual specialization.

Dance students gain good knowledge of international dance environments through both their own exchange, but also through extensive visits by guest teachers and choreographers. The programme has an international profile with employees who have international experience from several countries, and incoming exchange students are admitted annually for one or two semesters.


Arrangement of the exchange

The semester is organized as a separate elective course of 30 credits. The content of the international semester at another institution must have an individual learning agreement as the basis for the stay. Such a learning agreement replaces an application for prior approval of part-time studies abroad.

The student must ensure that the offer from the host institution fits together with his/her own progression and planned course.

The teaching the student receives may also include both theoretical and practical/executive components based on the offer made at the institution in question. In the 5th semester, especially repertoire and performance work are important.


Application process

The deadline for notifying UiS that you wish to go on exchange in the following academic year is 1 February. The deadline is the same whether you are going on exchange in the autumn or spring semester. This is reported through the Digital Student Expedition.

Each student can set up two (2) institutions they wish to travel to and will be nominated for both of these. The different recipient universities have different application procedures, which one must familiarise oneself with. Many of UiS's performing arts partners use EASY as an online application tool.

In cases where we have received more applicants than there are available places, partner universities abroad may ask UiS to rank the applicants. If UiS is asked to rank the applicants, this will be done on a professional basis. The number of applicants to each partner university will therefore have an impact on the chance of getting a place at the desired place of study.

Both applications through EASY and other application portals must contain a number of attachments. There may be different requirements at different institutions, but most often the following are required:

Video where you show yourself as a dance artist

Motivation letter

Letter of recommendation from teacher

Artistic CV

Transcript of records in English (order on StudentWeb well in advance)

Learning Agreement – IF they ask for it. In any case, a learning agreement must be written later, if you are offered a place

Check carefully the institutions' websites to see if they have their own provisions regarding the application process and application deadlines. As a student, you have a responsibility to follow up on these.


Contact

Contact the course coordinator for exchange for academic guidance.

Practically related questions about exchange: musikk-dans@uis.no

General questions about exchange: The exchange guide in Digital Student Expedition

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava

    I tillegg til dans og musikk tilbyr Academy of Performing Arts også utdanning innen teater og film/TV. Med sine over 1000 studenter er den Slovakia sin største kunstneriske utdanningsinstitusjon.

    Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerpen

    Antwerpen er en nydelig by, med historie tilbake til middelalderen. Nærmeste storby er Brussel.

    Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

    This institution has nearly 1.400 students, located in the La Villette park in Paris.

    Den Danske Scenekunstskolen

    OBS! På grunn av sin studieordning, kan Statens Scenekunstskole København (DASPA) vanligvis kun ta imot studenter innenfor dans i høstsemester i partallsår (det vil si 2022, 2024, 2026 osv.)

    Fontys University of Applied Sciences

    "Fontys Dance Academy. A different place for special people." Med campus i byen Tilburg, en både kulturell og ikke minst internasjonal by, takket være alle de multinasjonale selskapene som er etablert der (Tesla, Sony, Schenker, Coca-Cola).

    Iceland University of the Arts

    Iceland University of the Arts (IUA) i Reykjavik utdanner studenter med tanke på et internasjonalt arbeidsmarked. Kjerneverdiene til IUA er curiosity, understanding, and courage. OBS! Enkelte studieår tar ikke IUA imot innreisende utvekslingsstudenter, sjekk nettsiden deres for detaljer.

    Institute of Theatre, Barcelona

    The Conservatory of Dance ved Institute of Theatre ligger i Barcelona, i den autonome regionen Catalonia. Undervisningen er derfor på katalansk eller spansk.

    Konzervator Duncan centre

    Konzervator Duncan centre er den eneste institusjonen i Tsjekkia som tilbyr studier innen Contemporary dance, et seks (!) år langt studium.

    Music and Arts - University of the City of Vienna

    På tysk: Musik und Kunst - Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK). Universitetet, som ligger i sentrum av Wien, tilbyr studier innen musikk, dans og drama.

    Polytechnic Institute of Lisboa

    UiS har innenfor dans hatt gjensidig utvekslingsaktivitet med Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, nærmere bestemt deres Escola Superior de Dança (ESD).

    Savonia University of Applied Sciences

    Dra på utveksling til spennende Kuopio hvor du vil oppleve nye kulturer og stor faglig utvikling!

    State University of New York College at Brockport

    State University of New York at Brockport (SUNY Brockport) ligger i Rochester, staten New York, kun én time fra Niagara Falls. Rochester-området er kåret til et av Amerikas beste steder å bo.

    Stockholms konstnärliga högskola

    Stockholms konstnärliga högskola (SKH) tilbyr utdanninger innenfor et bredt spekter av utøvende fag: Sirkus, dans, dansepedagogikk, film, media, opera og scenekunst.

    Turku University of Applied Sciences

    Ved Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) studerer man ved deres Arts Academy. Turku (eller Åbo på svensk) ligger på sørvestkysten av Finland.

  • Belgia

    Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerpen

    Antwerpen er en nydelig by, med historie tilbake til middelalderen. Nærmeste storby er Brussel.

  • Danmark

    Den Danske Scenekunstskolen

    OBS! På grunn av sin studieordning, kan Statens Scenekunstskole København (DASPA) vanligvis kun ta imot studenter innenfor dans i høstsemester i partallsår (det vil si 2022, 2024, 2026 osv.)

  • Finland

    Savonia University of Applied Sciences

    Dra på utveksling til spennende Kuopio hvor du vil oppleve nye kulturer og stor faglig utvikling!

    Turku University of Applied Sciences

    Ved Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) studerer man ved deres Arts Academy. Turku (eller Åbo på svensk) ligger på sørvestkysten av Finland.

  • Frankrike

    Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

    This institution has nearly 1.400 students, located in the La Villette park in Paris.

  • Island

    Iceland University of the Arts

    Iceland University of the Arts (IUA) i Reykjavik utdanner studenter med tanke på et internasjonalt arbeidsmarked. Kjerneverdiene til IUA er curiosity, understanding, and courage. OBS! Enkelte studieår tar ikke IUA imot innreisende utvekslingsstudenter, sjekk nettsiden deres for detaljer.

  • Nederland

    Fontys University of Applied Sciences

    "Fontys Dance Academy. A different place for special people." Med campus i byen Tilburg, en både kulturell og ikke minst internasjonal by, takket være alle de multinasjonale selskapene som er etablert der (Tesla, Sony, Schenker, Coca-Cola).

  • Portugal

    Polytechnic Institute of Lisboa

    UiS har innenfor dans hatt gjensidig utvekslingsaktivitet med Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, nærmere bestemt deres Escola Superior de Dança (ESD).

  • Slovakia

    Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava

    I tillegg til dans og musikk tilbyr Academy of Performing Arts også utdanning innen teater og film/TV. Med sine over 1000 studenter er den Slovakia sin største kunstneriske utdanningsinstitusjon.

  • Spania

    Institute of Theatre, Barcelona

    The Conservatory of Dance ved Institute of Theatre ligger i Barcelona, i den autonome regionen Catalonia. Undervisningen er derfor på katalansk eller spansk.

  • Sverige

    Stockholms konstnärliga högskola

    Stockholms konstnärliga högskola (SKH) tilbyr utdanninger innenfor et bredt spekter av utøvende fag: Sirkus, dans, dansepedagogikk, film, media, opera og scenekunst.

  • Tsjekkia

    Konzervator Duncan centre

    Konzervator Duncan centre er den eneste institusjonen i Tsjekkia som tilbyr studier innen Contemporary dance, et seks (!) år langt studium.

  • USA

    State University of New York College at Brockport

    State University of New York at Brockport (SUNY Brockport) ligger i Rochester, staten New York, kun én time fra Niagara Falls. Rochester-området er kåret til et av Amerikas beste steder å bo.

  • Østerrike

    Music and Arts - University of the City of Vienna

    På tysk: Musik und Kunst - Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK). Universitetet, som ligger i sentrum av Wien, tilbyr studier innen musikk, dans og drama.

Admission requirements

Admission to Bachelor in Dance (180 credits), requires Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse (GSK) in Norwegian). There is no requirement for Norwegian language. International applicants must document higher education in accordance with the GSU- list (Higher Education Entrance Qualification for Persons with Foreign Education - NOKUT). English language requirement applies to all applicants, and must be documented. In addition, you must be found qualified after passing the audition and the interview.

All applicants for the Bachelor in Dance programme must submit a video audition by January 15 as round 1. Round 2 is carried out physically in week 10 in Stavanger. Applicants living outside Norway, Sweden or Denmark can apply for an exemption from the entrance exam in Stavanger in week 10. In such cases, the second round will be carried out by submitting a new supplementary video.

For more information, please visit the programme's website.

Application: Local Admission

Application Deadline: 15 December

Contact information

Faculty of Performing Arts, phone: +47 51 83 40 00, e-mail: musikk-dans@uis.no