Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate
Locations
The Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate is delivered in two locations; Berlin, Germany and Sydney, Australia. There are some differences in the delivery of the programme in each location as outlined below.
Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate Berlin, Germany
The PDPTC Berlin programme begins with an Induction Seminar in January, followed by a period of distance learning. In July (exact dates will be published nearer the start of the programme) students will attend an Intensive Study Period (ISP) for four weeks. The ISP comprises of practical sessions, lectures, seminars, discussion groups and tutorials.
Both the Induction Seminar and ISP will take place at the Staatsballett, Berlin.
Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate Sydney, Australia
The PDPTC Sydney programme begins with an Induction Seminar in July, followed by a period of distance learning. In January, students will attend an Intensive Study Period (ISP) for four weeks. The ISP comprises of practical sessions, lectures, seminars, discussion groups and tutorials.
Both the Induction Seminar and ISP will take place at the RAD’s offices in Sydney.
Overview
This programme is designed for professional dancers wishing to prepare for a new career in teaching, or for dancers who are already teaching but wish to gain an internationally renowned RAD teaching qualification. Combining distance learning and an onsite Intensive Study Period, this flexible programme of study accommodates your rehearsal, performance and work schedules or teaching commitments and provides you with a secure platform for a career in teaching.
Delivery
The Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate is a modular programme which runs over 12 months, consisting of both part-time distance learning and intensive onsite taught study. You will complete three compulsory modules at postgraduate level.
The programme begins with a one week induction seminar, in the programme’s location, followed by a period of distance learning. In the summer, you will attend an Intensive Study Period (minimum duration four weeks) which comprises practical sessions, lectures, seminars, a summer teaching project, discussion groups and tutorials.
During the final part of the programme, you will undertake a teaching placement in a dance school/teaching context of your choice where you will be supported by a mentor and practical teaching supervisor.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from dancers with significant professional experience and advanced technical proficiency in dance. Applicants will also need to demonstrate their potential to study at postgraduate level. Initially applicants will submit an application form in which they will provide a written statement and references. Applicants will then be invited to attend an online interview, and submit a short teaching extract and a short written task. Applicant’s will be given clear guidance as to the requirements of these submission which are designed to assess their potential as a teacher and for study at level 7.
Students who do not have English as a first language:
Applicants whose first language is not English and who are applying for a programme where an English Language Proficiency test is required must achieve one of the following qualifications:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): For postgraduate programmes of study IELTS band of 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.
The IELTS must be the academic test and have been taken no earlier than two years before the date of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued.
Some other school leaving or matriculation certificates contain a compulsory examination in English and these may be taken as equivalent.
If you have another recently achieved English language qualification, please check with our Registry department at faculty@rad.org.uk to establish acceptability.
Further study and career opportunities
Graduates from the PDPTC are well placed to work in the private (vocational) dance sector and in a range of educational contexts internationally across Europe and/or to enrol for further study at postgraduate level.
The programme includes study of the syllabi and examinations of the RAD so that graduates are eligible to become teaching members of the RAD and can enter students for RAD examinations should they wish to do so.
PDPTC graduates may apply to transfer to the RAD’s Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching) providing they successfully complete an access module. PDPTC graduates who meet these requirements will be exempt from 60 credits of the Masters’ degree, which is delivered via distance learning.
For more information email: faculty@rad.org.uk
Programme Content
Dance Teaching in Context
Places a dancers professional experience at the core of study that bridges the gap between performance and pedagogy; key debates about dance teaching as a profession and the contexts in which teaching takes place are central concepts to this, the first module of the programme. You will gain systematic knowledge of the wide range of environments in which dance teaching takes place, regionally, nationally and internationally. The module also covers the expectations and requirements of professional dance teachers, their roles and responsibilities, and current employment opportunities.
Pedagogy in Practice
Places practice and theory side by side to support students, through mentoring and tutoring, as they engage with practical teaching opportunities; teaching observations, teaching assisting and a teaching project during the Intensive On-site Study Period (ISP). The module culminates in a 12 week teaching placement, in a context and country to suit the student (of the students’ choice).
Teaching Placement
Through a teaching placement, students gain practical experience in planning effective classes, managing the learning environment and providing a positive dance experience for all learners. The placement involves support from mentors and practical teaching supervisors who provide regular feedback, encouragement and support.
Dance Teaching for the 21st Century: Practice and Innovation
Informed by reflection of their vocational training and professional experience, this module places comparative study of different pedagogical approaches to ballet and selected contemporary techniques as central to students’ development as innovative creative teachers.
Requiring students to develop a critical response to existing studio-based practices and theoretical discourse in dance training and education, this module guides students in their journey to becoming professional dance teachers and educators.