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Professional Diploma in Dance Performance – UAL Level 4 Diploma

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma

Two dancers learning choreography in a studio.

Availability & Details

Professional Diploma in Dance Performance - UAL Level 4 Diploma SFY-PADA4D/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Higher Education

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (1 year)

Examination board
University of the Arts London
Fees
Course Fee Advanced Learning Loan -
Course free for under 19 year olds Standard -

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Overview

This course is designed for students with a strong passion for choreography, performance, and teaching. You will refine your technical ability across a range of styles, including jazz, contemporary and commercial, while developing the confidence and skills to teach at Level 3 and beyond.

Throughout the course, you will explore a variety of teaching methodologies and take part in practical teaching observations, strengthening your communication, leadership, and professional practice. You will also have opportunities to choreograph original work for college productions, industry events as well as create competitive pieces for competitions such as Dance Live.

In addition, you will gain valuable industry experience through placements in both professional settings and secondary schools, helping you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for a successful career in the dance and performing arts industry.

You will need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English.
  • 120 UCAS points from a full Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts or an equivalent A Level programme.
  • A successful interview and audition.

This course is ideal for students with a strong performance background who are looking to develop their own choreography or pursue a career in dance teaching or community arts.

You will take part in:

  • Technique classes in jazz, contemporary, and commercial styles
  • Opportunities to develop skills in ballet and tap
  • Choreography and composition masterclasses
  • Practical teaching opportunities within the college and wider community

You will engage in a range of performance and teaching opportunities throughout the year, culminating in the creation and development of your own dance company. This prepares you for a career as a self-employed creative practitioner.

Units include:

  • Unit 1: Applied Professional Practice
  • Unit 2: Specialist Performance Practice
  • Unit 3: Specialist Performance Project

Key focus areas:

  • Building and managing a dance company
  • Professional standards and industry expectations
  • Progression mentoring and audition preparation
  • Development of teaching and facilitation skills
  • Showreel and headshot production
  • Practitioner research and study
  • Technique and choreography workshops

You’ll be continuously assessed through a range of practical performances, technical and creative projects and strategic collaborations. By working as a professional in your chosen specialism, you’ll gain opportunities to demonstrate your skills and achieve your artistic and career goals. Expect regular feedback and guidance to support your development.


  • Theatre visits

  • Dance workshop

  • Dancewear and appropriate footwear

Successful students have progressed into careers such as:

  • Professional dancer or performer
  • Dance teacher or facilitator
  • Movement director

Many students also go on to study at university or conservatoire level.

There is also the opportunity to progress directly into Year 2 of an Arts degree at the University of Portsmouth, allowing you to save on first-year tuition fees.

We have links with Bedales School, The Point, HYDC, Warner Hotels and private dance schools.

For 2026/2027 you will be performing at The Spinnaker Tower as part of 100 years of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Comic Con, Victorious Festival, New Generation (The Point), Bedales Platform and many more!


The teaching has been really good, I’ve loved all of my teachers, they’ve all been really nice and supportive.

Jodie Hook

My experience at the college has been really good, it’s been really rewarding, all the lecturers were so lovely and supportive there’s no way I could have done it without them - the teaching has been outstanding.

Lucie Brooks, A Level student

“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student