Royal Academy of Dance

Students at the Royal Academy of Dance (Royal Academy of Dance)

History: The Royal Academy of Dance was founded in 1920 by a small circle of eminent dance professionals and the first teacher-training course was offered in 1946. In 2001 it launched a new distance learning degree in dance education and in 2002 it was granted Initial Teacher Training Accredited Provider status, to train government recognised teachers. In April 2009 the academy launched its first Masters programme, the Master of Teaching (Dance).

Address: The RAD is located close to the centre of London and the Thames in Battersea Square. However, many courses are delivered through distance learning, allowing students to study from their own homes and in their own language.

Ambience: It's all about dance and dance teaching. The focus is on providing aspiring dance teachers with recognised qualifications to teach in a variety of genres and contexts.

Who's the boss? Luke Rittner is the chief executive and Darcey Bussell CBE is president.

Prospectus: 0207 326 8086, order one online here and follow @RADheadquarters.

UCAS code: R55

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Not particularly - you'll need a minimum of two A-levels, preferably three for degree programmes. An intermediate level of dance is also required.

Vital statistics: Over 1,000 students from more than 45 countries are enrolled on faculty of education programmes each year. Offers two programmes which lead to government recognised qualifications at postgraduate and master's level, two undergraduate programmes and a range of professional diploma and certificate programmes in dance teaching. Degrees are validated by the University of Surrey and professional training awards are validated by the Academy.

Added value: Excellent facilities include a specialist dance library, seven purpose-built dance studios, a music technology suite and a technology suite offering dance specialist software.

Teaching: 'Outstanding' according to the latest Ofsted inspection.

Any accommodation? None provided by the Academy, but they can help you find somewhere to stay nearby.

Cheap to live there? No - this is London, so expect to pay £100 upward per week for a room in a shared flat.

Transport links: The RAD is served by numerous road and rail links. The nearest tube stations are South Kensington and Sloane Square, mainline rail services can be accessed from Clapham Junction and Victoria and buses from both rail stations deliver visitors to the front door.

Fees: £5,999 per year for UK students and £10,030 for those from overseas. The postgrad teaching course is £5,999.

Bursaries: Limited bursary provision is available through the Academy. Students are advised to get in touch for more details.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: The RAD's location, close to the London cultural scene, means that there is the opportunity to take advantage of London’s thriving dance scene. London nightlife also provides ample opportunity to dance the night away in a very different fashion.

Glittering alumni: The Faculty of Education was only established in 1999 and the first FoE students graduated in 2002 - watch this space.