International Guide Connect with the world of dance
2015/16
Learn Teach Dance
Why the Royal Academy of Dance? Just a few reasons to further your dance education with the RAD... Why the RAD We have been a leading light in dance education and teaching for nearly a century and have the experience, expertise and enthusiasm to help you realise your goals. RAD graduates are in demand Our graduates are highly sought after by employers, with 100% employment rate on some of our programmes. Connected with the world of dance We have partnerships and connections with hundreds of dance education organisations around the world. Our work placements and field trips add to your learning experience and ensure that you are well prepared for the workplace. London – an exciting place to study The excitement of the West End, the splendour of the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells and numerous museums and art galleries are on your doorstep. London is an amazing city and a world class centre for culture and the arts. World class education at an affordable price We make our programmes of study as accessible as possible to all students and we are committed to delivering a world class education at an affordable price.
We are an international organisation We have students from all around the world currently studying with us on University and RAD-validated awards. We have 34 international offices and offer one programme in eight different languages. History & experience When you join us as a student you will become part of an organisation that has a long and distinguished history. Established in 1920, we have 94 years experience in training and educating dance teachers. Professional membership As a student you gain access to the professional membership body of the RAD which, in addition to a global support network, ensures you have a competitive advantage from day one. Registered Teacher Status Most of our students are eligible for registration as teachers with the RAD on completion of their programme. Student satisfaction Our students are satisfied with their study experience, with most of our programmes gaining over 90% in surveys. Established in
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3,500 dance teachers trained by the Faculty of Education
100%
employment rate on some of our programmes
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RAD Location London is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. With its landmark buildings, iconic skyline, top attractions and renowned theatres, it has long been a leading cultural centre for the arts. Located, next to the banks of the River Thames in Battersea, the RAD is less than four miles from the excitement of London’s West End. Getting around is easy with buses right on the doorstep and Clapham Junction train station is just a 20 minute walk or short bus ride away.
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Why London? London is a truly diverse and international city with over 300 different languages being spoken. It is a leading cultural centre for ballet and dance with stunning venues such as the Royal Opera House, London Coliseum, Sadlers Wells, Barbican Theatre, Royal Albert Hall and productions from companies such as English National Ballet, The Royal Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. There are also hundreds of live music venues including the O2 and Wembley Stadium, as well as countless cinemas, pubs and clubs. With over 250 museums and numerous art galleries including the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Haywards Gallery, Barbican Art Gallery and Tate Modern plus eight Royal Parks, with 110 square km of parkland and gardens and over six million trees, London is one of the greenest capital cities in the world. Battersea Park, with its boating lakes, art gallery, all weather tennis courts and year round calendar of events is less than a mile from the RAD.
94
years
90%
in satisfaction surveys taken by students
experience in training and educating dance teachers
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Student Story Zoi Karapostoli is a second year student on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education and moved to London from Greece when she accepted a place on the programme.
Q A &
Zoi was inspired to train for a career in dance teaching by her own dance teacher, who also trained at the RAD in London. After graduation, Zoi plans to work and travel abroad before returning to Greece to open her own school. Zoi is enjoying living and studying in the thriving capital of London. Here she answers some questions about her experience.
When did you first move to London and why? I first moved to London in 2012 to undertake the BA (Hons) Ballet Education programme. What really interested me was that the RAD offers a bachelor’s degree on teaching dance, not just a teaching diploma. What attracted you to study in London? For people who love art, London is one of the best places to be living as there are so many things you can enjoy like dance shows, theatre performances, musicals, music concerts, and art galleries. With numerous universities, London has a very active student life in relation to other cities worldwide. Having been here for two years now, I have to say that there is always new things to explore and it is a place where you never get bored.
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Find out more about Zoi’s experiences at www.rad.org.uk/prospectus Would you recommend London to other students? I would definitely recommend London as one of the best places to study abroad. It has so many universities, where you can study so many different subjects, and they all offer a high level and quality education; hence, there is so much student life. In addition, London has numerous student halls, which constitute ideal accommodation for students who come from abroad, as they are the best place to meet other people, make friends, and socialise. Also, there are many part-time jobs, which is very good for students who want to be financially independent.
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Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to London? I wish I’d had a bit more information on the higher education system of the UK, Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), UCAS points and how the system works etc. However, I obtained all this information from the RAD. Other than that, there is not anything else I wish I had known, since the RAD provided me with all the information I needed beforehand. What would be your top tip for living and studying in London? Make the most of it! Not many people have the opportunity to study in this amazing city.
What opportunities are there to make friends and socialise with other students? When you first move to London from your country, you feel that you are in a foreign place, not knowing anyone. You need to remember that there are a lot of people in the same situation as you, looking for new friends. London is a very multi-cultural city; hence you have the opportunity to meet such a variety of people from all over the world. I will never forget some of the friends I have made in London.
“ L ondon is a beautiful city with so much life. Especially for people who love art.”
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London in pictures St Paul’s Cathedral
The Shard – tallest building in London
Battersea Power Station
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Clapham Common Bandstand
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Houses of Parliament, Westminster
Hyde Park
London Eye
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Planning Ahead At the RAD, we understand that planning to leave your home country and study abroad is a big decision. We are here to help answer your queries and guide you through the process, but here are some things to consider before making your application. Studying in English — Applicants whose first language is not English If you are applying for a programme where an English Language Proficiency test is required, you must achieve one of the following qualifications: • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): band 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the subtests. The IELTS test must have been taken no earlier than two years before the date of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 92 in the Internet-based test, normally with 22 or higher in each subtest (23 in the speaking test), or paper-based equivalent • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (grade B) • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (grade C). Some other school-leaving or matriculation certificates contain a compulsory examination in English and these may be taken as equivalent. If you have recently gained another English language qualification, check with Registry to make sure that it is acceptable.
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Financing your studies Home / EU Students Tuition fee loans are available from the government for UK/EU students living in the UK who secure a place studying for their first degree or other higher education course. Maintenance loans for living costs are available to full time UK undergraduates and grants are available for some eligible students depending on circumstance. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance For International Students wishing to apply for the BA (Hons) Ballet Education If you are from outside the EU and none of the above applies to you, you will be eligible for International fee status. Note that this fee status can apply to UK passport holders who are living abroad, although some exceptions apply. To help international students plan and manage their money for studies in the UK, Brightside have developed The International Student Calculator. This features: • an interactive budget builder to help students work out their income and expenditure • important advice about essentials like getting insurance and NHS treatment • case studies of other international students sharing their money-saving tips. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance
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“ I came over from Singapore, specifically to study at the Royal Academy of Dance as it is known globally for its prestige across the world.” International student, BA (Hons) Ballet Education
Tuition Fees For a list of up to date tuition fees for international students please visit www.rad.org.uk/he-fees or contact Registry. Visa Requirements If you are offered a place on an RAD programme you will need to check whether you require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. UK, EU/EEA or Swiss passports If you have a valid UK, EU/EEA or Swiss passport you don’t need a visa. These include passports issued by the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or the United Kingdom.
Tier 4 (General) student visa If you do not hold a UK, EU/EEA or Swiss passport, you will need a visa. The Home Office operates a tiered Points Based System for immigration (PBS). If you are coming to the UK to study a degree or college course for longer than 6 months, you will need a Tier 4 (General) student visa and must apply before you come to the UK. The RAD holds Highly Trusted Sponsor status with the UK Border Agency and can sponsor Tier 4 (General) student visa applications. A visa sponsored by us will allow students to attend programmes of study at the RAD only, not at another university or institution. A Tier 4 (General) student visa will normally be issued for one academic year at a time. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/visas-immigration/study-visas Accommodation for full-time students We don’t provide accommodation, however, we do give students a list of places to stay. For more information please contact the Admissions Officer on +44 (0)20 7326 8086 or email faculty@rad.org.uk
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Global Connections
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We have students studying with us all around the world. 1. Aruba 2. Australia 3. Brazil 4. Brunei 5. Bulgaria 6. Cambodia 7. Canada 8. Caymen Islands 9. China 10. Costa Rica 11. Cyprus 12. Denmark 13. El Salvador 14. France 15. Germany 16. Gibraltar 17. Greece 18. Guatemala
19. Hong Kong 20. India 21. Indonesia 22. Ireland 23. Israel 24. Italy 25. Japan 26. Macau 27. Malaysia 28. Malta 29. Mexico 30. Namibia 31. New Zealand 32. Philippines 33. Portugal 34. San Marino 35. Singapore 36. Slovenia
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37. South Africa 38. Spain 39. Sweden 40. Switzerland 41. Thailand 42. Turkey 43. Uganda 44. UK 45. USA 46. West Indies 47. Zimbabwe
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41
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30
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47 2 37 31
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different languages offered for one of our programmes
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international offices
number of countries represented by our members and students
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Students working around the world
“ I love my job!” Teaching in China is different to back home. There are different problems to overcome and complications I have never incurred before. But I’m also lucky to meet an enormous assortment of students from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities from around the world. It is those special ‘classroom’ moments that make me one of those people who say “I Love My Job!” Ellen Travers
“ It has been great to be a part of a growing school and Singapore is a fantastic City...” I would just like to say what a wonderful time I am having out here. I am working at a great Ballet Academy who have recently opened their second school which has the most beautiful studios and is right in the centre of Singapore. I have learnt so much already, working 6 days a week, doing administration and I am getting to teach around 25 hours a week. It has been great to be a part of a growing school and Singapore is an amazing city. Bethany Robson
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How to apply UK/EU students should contact Admissions Officer Registry, Faculty of Education Royal Academy of Dance 36 Battersea Square London SW11 3RA
Accredited prior learning The Faculty of Education is keen to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds. If you do not hold traditional academic qualifications, but may have prior certificated or experiential learning, which can be credited, you should contact Registry.
tel: +44 (0)20 7326 8086 fax: +44 (0)20 7326 8040 email: faculty@rad.org.uk www.rad.org.uk/howtoapply
Vetting and barring scheme and criminal records disclosure All applicants for programmes of study requiring contact with young people and vulnerable adults will need to comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and any subsequent legislation to ensure that they will not be putting at risk young people or vulnerable adults in their care. International students may need to provide a satisfactory police check or equivalent from their country of residence. For more information please contact Registry.
International students should contact their national office for advice on the programmes and the application process. The names and contact details for all RAD national offices can be at www.rad.org.uk Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD Applications for RAD-validated programmes and part-time students of the BA (Hons) Dance Education and Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching) should be made directly to Registry at the Faculty of Education. Applications for our full-time degree programmes and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching should be made online at www.ucas.com Auditions and interviews International students applying for a Londonbased programme who are unable to attend an audition in London may supply video/DVD and other evidence in place of an audition.
Age Teaching qualifications offered by the RAD are of UK higher education standard. Students who have followed the UK route to a higher education qualification will therefore normally be 18 years of age on admission. The RAD will judge each application on merit, subject to the legal requirements on individuals charged with the supervision of children.
Supporting Documentation Any supporting documentation not in English that you send to the RAD as part of your application, such as references and certificates, should come with a certified translation. www.rad.org.uk
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Photography Benedict Johnson Produced by Lorraine Nicholson Suzie Lorimer Design Hudson Fuggle Thank you to all the students, past and present, who contributed to this prospectus by sharing their views and experiences. Information correct at time of print. The Royal Academy of Dance reserves the right to make changes to the published information. For more information visit www.rad.org.uk