Dance and Early Childhood

Dance and early childhood is a combination that brings together two distinct but complementary fields of professional and creative practice. Dance at degree level is not only about performance technique but about developing as a creative artist, engaging with choreography, movement theory, and the physical and expressive possibilities of the body. Early childhood studies examines the development, learning, and wellbeing of very young children, asking how they grow cognitively, emotionally, and socially, and how practitioners and environments can best support them.

The two subjects connect through a shared interest in embodied learning, creativity, and the importance of movement and play in early development.

At Liverpool Hope University, this four-year full-time degree with a foundation year gives you the opportunity to pursue excellence in dance practice alongside serious academic engagement with early childhood. On the dance side, you will develop your performance and choreographic skills, foster creativity, develop your signature practice, and engage with diverse techniques and theories. The early childhood component develops your understanding of child development and early years pedagogy in ways informed by your experience as a creative practitioner.

A sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities are built in, giving you professional and international experience. The typical entry tariff is 104 points.

Graduates from this programme pursue varied careers. Many go on to work in dance education, early years settings, community arts, movement therapy, and arts in health contexts. Others develop independent practice as dance artists while working in teaching or facilitation roles.

The early childhood qualification provides a foundation for further professional training in early years education, and the combination of creative and educational skills is valued in a growing range of roles that bring arts and learning together for very young children. Postgraduate study in dance, early childhood education, or arts in health is a natural continuation.