Course Outline

The BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree in Professional Dance and Performance is a full-time, one-year course, principally designed to offer a course of study that is continuous with that provided by the school’s Foundation Degree course, or equivalent.  The course comprises five modules of study with a total of 120 credits, which are all required to obtain the final degree award BA (Hons).

This course provides a practical understanding of the technical skills and artistry required by the profession in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz techniques with the opportunity to extend the skill base to virtuosic level, and provides training in aspects of musical theatre performance.

Throughout the course, and extensively in the Ballet Central module, knowledge is used in creative situations working with teachers and external professional practitioners leading to public performance opportunities in a range of contexts, including a national tour of small and mid-scale theatres.

The development of individual talent and unique performance qualities is achieved through the breadth of the curriculum, and, most importantly, the National Tour Ballet Central module.  In this, the preparation and performance of a wide range of repertoire, requiring the practical application of different techniques and styles, alongside variations in artistic and musical interpretation and characterisation, facilitate the development of individual strengths and versatility, leading to the development of the distinctive and unique performing artist.

Entry Requirements

Applicants to Central are chosen solely on the basis of talent in dance and potential to develop the skills required for a professional career in dance. Central School of Ballet is committed to widening participation and encourages applications from students regardless of their background. Central actively encourages applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, from lower income households, and from those in care, care leavers or those estranged. Central will support those with cognitive and learning disabilities and those with sensory, medical or physical disabilities to enable them to access the audition and course.

Entry is via audition.

For Direct Entry onto the course, the normal requirement will be:

• The successful completion of a Foundation Degree, or 240 credits on a directly comparable course
• the completion of a required entrance task (a piece of reflective writing and a research task)

In line with UK Visas and Immigration and Student Visas, International applicants where English is not their first language, applicants are required to achieve a minimum B2 Level, reaching a 5.5 score in each module band, in an approved English language examination such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS for UKVI), in time to commence their visa application in advance of the course.

Continuing Students
Note that completion of the Central School of Ballet Foundation Degree does not guarantee direct entry to the BA (Hons) (Top up) course. Students who continue directly from the CSB Foundation Degree are required to formally apply for the BA (Hons) (Top up).

BA (Hons) (Top-up) in Professional Dance and Performance applicants are required to demonstrate a strong proficiency in both written and verbal English.

International Applicants

Each year, Central is proud to welcome students from all over the world including Japan, China, Australia, South Africa and many other countries. Applicants who live outside of the UK are encouraged to attend one of the in-person preliminary audition dates where possible, or alternatively submit a video audition.

International students may be required to obtain a visa to study at Central School of Ballet. For more information on visas, please see our Student Visa Guide below. Prospective students are also encouraged to follow the government website for the most up-to-date visa guidance and information.

Open Days

Open Days for Central’s Undergraduate Courses take place at The Countess of Wessex Studios in London and online via Zoom, and are designed to give potential applicants a taste of what full-time training looks like at Central School of Ballet, whilst also offering support and guidance with the application and audition process.

Open Days will give attendees the opportunity to have a tour of facilities, meet current students and receive guidance and support ahead of the application and audition process.

For more information, please refer to our Open Days page below.

Assisted Application Scheme

Central recognises some individuals and communities in society face obstacles and experience unfair disadvantage. In line with Central’s vision to be an institution which supports an increasingly diverse and innovative, internationally recognised culture of dance in the UK, the School is committed to finding ways to address these barriers where possible. Central’s Assisted Application Scheme is designed to offer additional support.

Eligible UK applicants may receive:

• support and guidance through the application and audition process
• potential travel bursaries
• free tickets to performances

All UK applicants are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria, by referring to the page below.

How to apply

Applications for September 2024 entry are closed. All information regarding the audition process for September 2025 entry will be published when applications open, in October 2024.

Tuition Fees

September 2024 Entry

Home fees                  £9,000
International fees        £22,697

Note that EU students are now classified as International. There may be an increase in fees for both UK and International undergraduate students in subsequent years of study – for more information please see Central’s Fees Policy on our Policies and Procedures page.

Additional Costs

Due to the nature of vocational and elite training on undergraduate courses, students will need to budget for additional costs whilst training at Central.

Additional costs may include:

• £100 acceptance fee
• £650 deposit for UK students (applicants eligible for our Supported Application Scheme are not required to pay a deposit)
• £3,000.00 deposit for International students
• Approximately £1490 for private medical insurance
• £125.00 for resource fee
• Approximately £400 – £600 for Central’s school uniform
• Completing Central’s Health Certificate, to be completed by a GP. Prices vary
• Approximately £140.00 for audition photographs
• Approximately £30 for a Ballet Central hoody

There will be further costs incurred for International students who require a Student Visa; including but not limited to the cost of the visa itself, and any other requirements e.g the IELTS for UKVI English test and the health surcharge. For more information on the Student Visa and costs, please visit https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

Please note, this is a brief overview and applicants are encouraged to refer to the Course Summary document for a full breakdown of any additional costs.

Funding and Bursaries

We recognise that embarking on a Higher Education course is a financial commitment and we strive to support talented students, to ensure that financial barriers do not limit their ability to apply or enrol onto our Undergraduate courses.
There are a variety of ways students could potentially receive financial support.

UK students are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance, as well as being considered for Central’s Means Tested Bursary scheme.

Depending on the student’s induvial circumstances, further financial support may be available from our In-House Bursaries. All students are eligible to apply twice a year, once they have enrolled onto our courses. Awards are made in time with the school’s Student Support Policy and the available funds.

Central will also endeavour to respond to situations of hardship and emergency requests for funding. Should a student find themselves in need of emergency funding, please contact the Senior School Manager josh.yeardley@csbschool.co.uk

For more information on fees, funding and bursaries, please visit the ‘Fees and Funding’ page.

Term Dates

The Foundation Degree is a one-year course, commencing in September 2024 and completing in July 2025.

The academic year is split into three terms:

Term 1 – Autumn term
Term 2 – Spring term
Term 3 – Summer term

Full term dates can be found below.

Student Support

Becoming part of the Central family, enjoying the experience of training and the chance to perform are all are an important part of becoming and professional dancer.  Central has a long tradition of providing a comprehensive range of support services for students to support wellbeing and optimal performance.

All Central’s teaching and support staff are selected for their openness and expertise in their field. Students are allocated male and female ballet tutors who oversee work and progress across the course and, where necessary, provide guidance towards the appropriate source of support. We encourage open discussions about progress on a regular basis. Many students will be living away from home or abroad for the first time and may face challenges during their training. We aim to provide the support and services to ensure that the highest level of individual care is offered.

Services provided to students include:

• Support for students with disabilities
• Counselling and guidance for mental health and wellbeing
• Financial assistance
• Academic support
• English language classes (where needed)

Working towards optimal performance

For most students, enrolment at Central School of Ballet is a significant step towards a career as a professional dancer. Central provides a holistic approach to training, with a focus on physical, emotional development and wellbeing. Dancers at Central will achieve a level of fitness similar to elite athletes by the end of the three year degree. To achieve this optimal performance, each dancer needs to maintain a balance of healthy body and mind. Students have open access to a comprehensive range of support services and staff to achieve this goal:

• Physiotherapist
• Pilates Instructor
• Nutritionist
• Performance Psychologist
• Injury Prevention & Recovery Team

Disability and learning support

Central welcomes students with different abilities and additional needs. Central will support those with learning difficulties and disabilities to enable them to access the audition and course. So that each student can reach their fullest potential and meet personal goals, Central recognises that close personal and learning support is required and necessary.

Professional Development and Contextual Studies

The students enrolled on Central’s degree courses develop an exceptional range of skills and experience during their time at Central. This is due to a meticulously planned curriculum which integrates practical training with professional development modules that provide opportunities for research, career planning, goal-setting and contextual studies.