Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy (DDP)

Application

The DDP is delivered through Approved Dance Centres and the ISTD Academy. For further information about the ISTD Academy visit the ISTD Academy webpage. 

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

If a DDP applicant does not meet the above entry requirements they can apply for their experience and other qualifications to be recognised through the ISTD APEL process. If APEL is needed to access the DDP this must be applied for prior to starting the course. There are two APEL application windows, in April and October. Please contact hqualifications@istd.org for an APEL application form.

APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)

The below table outlines the qualifications that enable automatic exemptions from units within the DDP. If you hold one of these qualifications you can be automatically exempted from the relevant DDP unit by providing a certificate as evidence of completion of the exempting course.

Opportunities post‑DDP

Our graduates progress into a wide range of roles across the dance education sector. Many go on to teach in the College/FE system, work in community and private dance settings, or secure teaching posts in conservatoires and vocational schools. Others become ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) Tutors, progress to the Fellowship examination, or move into Examiner Training.

Become a Tutor for the Level 4 DDE

Successful completion of the DDP makes you eligible to apply to become an ISTD Level 4 DDE Approved Tutor. This role allows you to teach, support and guide Level 4 students as they develop their dance teaching practice.

Fast-track to the MA Professional Dance Pedagogy (NSCD)

ISTD DDP graduates can also take advantage of an exclusive new opportunity with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD). Through a bespoke partnership, ISTD members can apply for an accelerated one-year pathway onto NSCD’s MA Professional Dance Pedagogy, benefitting from a reduced fee and recognition of prior learning (RPL).

This innovative online programme has been designed for experienced dance teachers who wish to deepen their pedagogical understanding, critically reflect on their teaching practice, and enhance their contribution to dance education. Suitable for educators working across a broad range of contexts, the MA supports teachers to engage with contemporary research, refine their methodologies and develop strong communication and advocacy skills. Because the course is delivered fully online, students can remain embedded in their own teaching practice throughout their studies.

This opportunity is particularly well suited to ISTD members looking to extend their professional knowledge, inform best practice, and advance their careers.
Top‑up your Level 6 diploma to a full MA qualification.

Start date: September 2026
Application deadline: Midnight 26 July 2026
ISTD member deadline: 30 April 2026 (to allow for the RPL process)
Location: Online

How to apply: Visit www.nscd.ac.uk/professional-dance-pedagogy-istd and complete the application form via the How to Apply page. The NSCD Admissions Team will then contact you for further information.

ISTD Membership

Successful completion of the DDP will enable you to become a Full Teaching Member of the ISTD. This type of membership has many benefits, including being able to enter students for ISTD examinations, access a fully comprehensive and extensive on-going CPD programme, receive ISTD updates in a newsletter and Dance magazine.