If you've successfully completed the Level 4 DDE and are looking to progress your dance teaching career, the Level 6 DDP is the essential next step as a qualified teacher.
The ISTD’s Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy (DDP) is a higher-level teaching qualification for experienced dance teachers. The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awards 120 credits at Level 6 in the UK on the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF), and in the EU on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
The DDP is delivered through Approved Dance Centres and the ISTD Academy. Applications for entry for September 2023 through the ISTD are closed. For further information about the ISTD Academy visit the ISTD Academy webpage.
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.
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.
| Qualification | Relevant Unit | Exemption |
| Licentiate in ICB / Cecchetti | Unit 4a | Unit 4 |
| Licentiate Modern Theatre/Tap | Unit 4b | Unit 4 |
| QTLS/DTTLS/PTLS | Core Units | Unit 1, 2 & 3 |
Our graduates have gone onto a range of roles including working in the College/FE system teaching dance. They have also become Tutors for the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE), progressed to the Fellowship exam with the ISTD and onto Examiner Training, teaching in conservatoires and vocational schools, and in community and private dance settings.
Successful completion of the DDP may provide a route into applying for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) to be qualified to teach in Further Education colleges. Once you have received your DDP you can apply to SET (Society for Education and Training) to undertake their QTLS programme in the UK. This process is called Professional Formation and takes around 6 months to achieve. The current cost is around £500.
You will need to be teaching pupils aged 14+ in a school and/or college to be able to access and commence the process. You will also need GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Level 4 or above to apply. More information can be found here.
Successful completion of the DDP would also make you eligible to apply to become an ISTD Level 4 DDE Approved Tutor. You would be able to teach, support and guide Level 4 students developing their dance teaching practice.
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.
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