Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations
City
Points
240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

The Master of Dance Movement Therapy is an internationally recognised professional accreditation. Over two years of study and research, students become fluent in key aspects of dance movement therapy including anatomy and kinesiology, movement analysis, psychology, dance-based interventions in community and clinical settings, and individual and group therapeutic relationship. You will critically examine practices, theories and issues enabling you to contribute to the field of dance movement therapy in practice and theory.  

The Master of Dance Movement Therapy will not be open for applications after 2027. Please see our new Master of Creative Arts Therapy as an alternative option, which will launch in 2028.

Programme structure

Your first year of study will involve taught courses, practicums and independent research with experienced dance therapists, practitioners and researchers. International and local expertise and networks will support your future in dance therapy.

The second year is comprised of an advanced practicum in dance therapy and a written thesis, which will draw extensively on community and clinic-based experience. You have the opportunity through this to develop a speciality within the field of dance movement therapy.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Courses 240 points

  • Type:
    Core courses
    Points:
    150 pts
  • Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    90 pts

2027 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors degree or higher.

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Research 240 points

You must provide a CV, written statement, and attend an interview. You will also be required to consent to the disclosure of criminal convictions.

Written statement

Your written statement should outline the following:

  • Why are you applying for the Master of Dance Movement Therapy
  • Why you think you are suited to a career as a dance movement therapist
  • What skills and background you bring to this course
  • Future goals for your work in this field, including populations you may be interested in working with

CV

This should cover relevant training, experience (professional and amateur), involvement in community and extracurricular activities, dance experiences and accomplishments.

Interview

Once you have completed your online application for admission and uploaded your written statement, CV, and academic transcripts you will be contacted via email regarding scheduling in your interview time.

Other pathways to study

You must have completed the requirements for the bachelors degree in a relevant field with at least a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II or a postgraduate diploma in a relevant field with an overall GPA of 5.0 or higher. Relevant fields include Dance Studies, Counselling, Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences, Physical Education, Psychology, Sport Science, Theatre Studies, and/or qualifications that lead to registration as a health professional.

The University’s Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) degree is a suitable pathway into this programme. You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BDanceSt if you hold an undergraduate degree in a dance-related discipline. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Undergraduate degree or higher.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Research 240 points

You must have completed the requirements for the bachelors degree or higher in a relevant field with a GPE of 5.0. Relevant fields include Dance Studies, Counselling, Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences, Physical Education, Psychology, Sport Science, Theatre Studies, and/or qualifications that lead to registration as a health professional.

You must provide a CV, written statement, and attend an interview. You will also be required to consent to the disclosure of criminal convictions.

Written statement

Your written statement should outline the following:

  • Why are you applying for the Master of Dance Movement Therapy
  • Why you think you are suited to a career as a dance movement therapist
  • What skills and background you bring to this course
  • Future goals for your work in this field, including populations you may be interested in working with

CV

This should cover relevant training, experience (professional and amateur), involvement in community and extracurricular activities, dance experiences and accomplishments.

Interview

Once you have completed your online application for admission and uploaded your written statement, CV, and academic transcripts you will be contacted via email regarding scheduling in your interview time.

Other pathways to study

The University’s Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) degree is a suitable pathway into this programme. You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BDanceSt if you hold an undergraduate degree in a dance-related discipline. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Dance Movement Therapy cost per year?

2027 fees

Domestic students
NZ$12,237.60*
International students
NZ$55,484*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2027
8 December 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

We strongly recommend you get in touch if you have any questions or would like to know more about postgraduate study in the Dance Studies programme.

Postgraduate Adviser 
Dr Mark Harvey
Email: m.harvey@auckland.ac.nz

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The Master of Dance Movement Therapy provides qualification as a registered dance movement therapist, in New Zealand, Australia and beyond, in clinical and community contexts. This programme leads to career opportunities bringing together dance and health in diverse national and international contexts. The Master of Dance Movement Therapy is an internationally recognised professional accreditation whose graduates can practice in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Austral-Asian region. Upon graduation, students will meet the requirements and can apply for provisional professional membership with DTAA (Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia) as a Dance Movement Therapist and full professional registration with ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) as a Creative Arts Therapist.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Activities coordinator in aged care
  • Arts therapist
  • Counsellor utilising dance therapy techniques
  • Dance movement therapist
  • Disability dance specialist in schools
  • Group facilitator (disability, children, families, high needs populations)
  • Teaching, training, education
  • Therapeutic dance teacher

Further study options

See all study options

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