Let our students tell you why they chose to study at the University of Bedfordshire.

MSc Dance Science

Natasha King

Natasha, who has recently secured a job at the Central School of Ballet as Learning Development Manager, undertook a research internship while studying for her MSc Dance Science. Here she explains how the internship complemented her studies to enhance her employability when she graduated.

“While completing my MSc Dance Science at the University of Bedfordshire, I had the opportunity to undertake a paid research internship with the School of Media and Performance. Through this experience, I was able to work with performing arts staff on four different research projects: Accessing Pathways to Training for Disabled Young Dancers (with MSc Dance Science course coordinator Dr. Imogen Aujla, and in partnership with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), East Youth Dance Development (with Rachel Farrer, in partnership with DanceEast), Generations Dancing (with Rachel Farrer, Dr. Louise Douse and Dr. Imogen Aujla), and Access, Inclusion and Excellence: Evaluating Stopgap Dance Company’s IRIS programme (with Dr. Imogen Aujla, in partnership with Stopgap Dance Company).

My main tasks during the internship included assisting with focus groups, survey piloting and implementation, observations, and both quantitative and qualitative data processing and analysis. I was directly involved with the various preparatory and execution stages of each project, which developed my understanding of project management and the different methodologies that can be employed to achieve research aims.

The ‘real-life’ experience of the internship, combined with the theoretical and practical knowledge I attained on the core and optional units on the MSc, has enhanced my employability. On graduation, I secured a contract as a researcher with the University of Bedfordshire on their project The Role and Impact of Freelancers in the UK Dance Sector, in partnership with One Dance UK. I am now working in the role of Learning Development Manager at the Central School of Ballet, where I will continue to apply and develop my own research, while supporting students in their research endeavours. I am extremely grateful to the University of Bedfordshire for the opportunity to participate in the internship while studying, as it helped me to gain the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in my career.”

Diana Soares

After graduating from the MSc Dance Science, Diana completed a research internship in Biomechanics at the University of Wolverhampton with Professor Matthew Wyon.

As part of this internship she presented her research at the 25th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science in Pittsburgh, USA, and at the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences Biomechanics Interest Group Meeting in 2015.

Diana is now studying for a partially funded PhD in Biomechanics at the University of Bedfordshire.

This course offers a really good foundation to develop work in training and/or performance settings across recreational and elite sectors as a personal trainer, teacher or strength and conditioning coach. The facilities are excellent and I always felt supported by my tutor and by the University's student support. Diana Soars

Diana is also teaching dance science and fitness to undergraduate students on the BA (Hons) Dance and Professional Practice at the University of Bedfordshire.

Lindsay Jenkins

Lindsay recently graduated from the MSc Dance Science and has since assisted People Dancing with their research on dance and older people, and has enjoyed delivering guest dance science lectures. She says that studying the course helped connect her to the dance science community and find opportunities.

The quality of the teaching has been excellent and it has been really good to have so many visiting lecturers, because it has opened my eyes to varied career possibilities. All the lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and many are key researchers in their field, which has been inspiring for us.

The facilities at the University are excellent and accessible, and all the staff are very supportive and approachable – I feel I can contact any of them with questions or for advice. Lindsay Jenkins

Jessica Coleman

Jessica secured internships with the Dance Science and Health teams at Trinity Laban after graduating with her MSc Dance Science. As part of this she has helped to screen dance students, delivered lectures, and is writing a scientific journal article with her colleagues.

Jessica says: “The course offers a wide range of optional units alongside the core Physiological, Psychological and Biomechanical modules, to ensure the course is tailored to your particular areas of interest. This open learning environment enabled me to explore Psychological Approaches to Public Health and Professional Skills for Healthcare providers which facilitated my journey into the health, wellbeing and in turn dance science sector. Modules allow the opportunity to meet with visiting lectures who have a wealth of specialist knowledge, which lets you start the networking process before graduation. The connections I made during this time with established researchers and educators has been priceless!

"Applying science to dance within a laboratory-based environment at Bedford is extremely stimulating, and the facilities are incredible, with various dance studios, laboratories and pieces of equipment that can be used during assignments and research which you are encouraged to take full advantage of. The support and encouragement from my MSc tutor was second to none, as a known presence within the sector who is actively engaged in research, you get an insight into the diverse pathways that the course can lead, and she continues to plays a huge part in my passion for dance science, education and research."

The knowledge I obtained during my MSc has given me the means to secure an internship within both the Health and Dance Science Departments at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, as well as exposing me to further research possibilities and shaping my career as a dance scientist. Jessica Coleman

Jess is now lecturing in Applied Dance Psychology at Bucks New University.

Melanie Kerr

During her time studying on the MSc Dance Science, Melanie became focused on dance-related injuries and strength and conditioning.

In undertaking modules such as biomechanics, psychology, physiology, strength and conditioning, and exercise prescription, I was allowed to bring previous knowledge from my undergraduate degree and experience as a performer and choreographer to the course. It is with all of these qualifications and experience that I found myself interested in the pre-habilitation of a dancer through strength and conditioning. Melanie Kerr

As a result of the interests she developed on the course, Mel went on to successfully complete her Australian Strength and Conditioning Accredited Coaching qualification (ASCA). Now back in her native Australia, Mel is currently working as a dance teacher and conditioning coach at a vocational dance school.