4 February 2026
From September 2026, ISTD members will have access to an accelerated one‑year pathway onto NSCD’s MA Professional Dance Pedagogy - a unique opportunity to elevate your teaching practice and gain a full Master’s qualification at a reduced fee.
A new pathway for professional growth
The MA Professional Dance Pedagogy course has been specially designed for experienced dance teachers seeking to expand their pedagogical knowledge, enhance their ability to reflect critically on their own practice, and deepen their contribution to dance education across the sector.
Delivered fully online, the programme enables teachers to remain embedded in their day-to-day studio work while engaging with contemporary research, refining teaching methodologies, and developing the communication and advocacy skills needed in today’s dance education landscape.
This new fast‑track option recognises the learning and expertise gained through ISTD qualifications - particularly the DDP - allowing eligible members to top up their Level 6 diploma to a full Master’s degree in just one year.
Why this matters for ISTD members
This partnership has been shaped specifically to support ISTD teachers who wish to:
- strengthen their academic and pedagogical grounding
- inform and elevate their classroom practice with current research
- broaden their professional opportunities in FE, HE, and community settings
- work toward leadership roles within the dance education sector
The accelerated route and reduced tuition fee ensure that ISTD members can access a high‑quality postgraduate qualification that builds directly on their existing training and experience.
Eligibility for DDP graduates
Students currently undertaking or completing the ISTD Diploma in Dance Pedagogy (DDP) are ideally positioned to benefit from this new pathway. Successful DDP graduates will be able to apply for the MA through an enhanced Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, enabling entry directly onto the one‑year accelerated programme.
This makes the DDP not only a professional teaching qualification in its own right, but now also a meaningful stepping stone into advanced postgraduate study.
Key dates
- Start date: September 2026
- Application deadline: 26 July 2026
- ISTD member deadline: 30 April 2026 (to allow time for the RPL process)
- Delivery: Fully online
How to apply
Applications are now open.
To apply, visit: www.nscd.ac.uk/professional-dance-pedagogy-istd
Please complete the application form via the How to Apply page. Once submitted, you will be contacted by the NSCD Admissions Team regarding next steps, including RPL documentation and guidance.
