Northern School of Contemporary Dance announces degree awarding powers

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is thrilled to announce that after much dedicated hard work behind the scenes, NSCD has been granted full degree awarding powers, by the Office for Students (OfS). This marks a major milestone in what is their 40th anniversary year. 

Sharon Watson, MBE, DL Principal and CEO said:

“This marvellous achievement is the result of the collective commitment, talent and hard work of our staff, students, and the wider local community. Being able to fully accredit NSCD with the ability to award BA and MA degrees marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter and we are proud to have met the exacting standards required to be entrusted with awarding our own degrees.”

“This is a real achievement in such a competitive world and fills us with fresh opportunities, bold ambitions, and continued creative evolution for NSCD.”  

This landmark achievement follows an intensive 18-month period of rigorous scrutiny by the OfS, including desk-based assessment and a detailed onsite review. The process examined all aspects of institutional and academic operations - including academic governance, regulatory frameworks, academic standards, student experience, environment for supporting students, and systems for evaluating the school’s performance.  

Being granted degree awarding powers is a defining moment for NSCD. It recognises the strength and integrity of the academic and institutional practices and offers greater independence to shape, deliver and develop specific programmes in the North of England; whilst also being able to be responsive to the evolving needs of students and the dance sector. 

Sharon Watson continued:

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the University of Kent, our current validating university, for the collaborative and supportive partnership we have enjoyed over many years. Their guidance and shared commitment to academic excellence have been invaluable throughout our journey.” 

Darren Carr, Vice Principal and Director of Higher Education added: 

“This is a transformative moment for NSCD and a testament to the incredible dedication of our staff and students. Gaining degree awarding powers gives us the freedom to shape our own academic future with creativity and confidence. We are deeply grateful for the support and endorsement we have received throughout this journey. This achievement belongs to all of us.” 

Corinne Bailey Rae in her role as Patron of NSCD commented: 

“As Patron of Northern School of Contemporary Dance,  I am happy to be able to be part of a progressive and growing dance industry in my hometown of Leeds! Thanks to the dedication of all the staff and governors of the school, they can now offer degrees directly from the school. There will be graduation ceremonies from the school in Chapeltown!  

Getting raw talent into the arts is so important. I hope local young people will be inspired to get involved and MAKE the culture!” 

NSCD will enrol its first students onto their own degrees from September 2025. To find out more about the courses on offer visit the website.