Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

Dance research fosters independent examination of creative practice, pedagogy, history, people and society. In the Master of Dance Studies programme, you will critically examine practices, theories and issues that you find personally and professionally challenging and stimulating. Along with advanced specialist knowledge of dance you will gain intellectual and life skills that will equip you for employment, global citizenship and community involvement.

Programme structure

Your self-directed study will be supported by our award-winning staff who are successful practitioners, educators and scholars, with international and local expertise and networks that will support your individual research ambitions.

Your supervisor will provoke your thinking, challenging you to consider multiple perspectives of your research topic. Your study culminates in a written thesis and may incorporate a creative practice performance.

A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Dance Studies schedule.

For the 120-point pathway you will need to complete:

  • Thesis: 120 points

Or

For the 180-point pathway you will need to complete:

  • Thesis: 120 points
  • Elective courses: 60 points including Dance Research Methodologies (30 points) and 30 points from either Choreography and Performance Research, Dance in Community and Education Research, Dance Intensive or other approved 700 level courses. (see University calendar)

A student enrolled in the 180-point pathway must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of the programme in order to continue.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

120 point MDanceSt

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    DANCE 796A
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts
  • Code:
    DANCE 796A
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Sample programme structure

180 point MDanceSt

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    DANCE 724
    Name:
    Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Dance Studies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    DANCE 720-723
    Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    DANCE 796A
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Semester 3 60 points

  • Code:
    DANCE 796A
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

2025 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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0 at Stage III

    Bachelor of Dance Studies

Further programme requirements

N/A

N/A

Other pathways to study

If you do not currently meet the entry requirements, then you could seek entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies as a pathway to the 120-point Master of Dance Studies degree.

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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Bachelor degree

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

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, in Dance Studies or an equivalent field indicative of an ability to undertake advanced research in Dance. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution).

As part of your application, you may be asked to submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received. An interview may also be required to assist in assessing your application, and we will contact you directly if these elements are needed.

You need to have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average equivalent of 5.0 orf higher across your highest level of study in the degree.

Your degree should have been in Dance Studies or an equivalent field indicative of an ability to undertake advanced studies in Dance.

As part of your application, you may be asked to submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received. An interview may also be required to assist in assessing your application, and we will contact you directly if these elements are needed.

Other pathways to study

If you do not currently meet the entry requirements, then you could seek entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies as a pathway to the 120-point Master of Dance Studies degree.

In exceptional circumstances, if you have extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the 180-point Master of Dance Studies.

As part of your application, you must submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received.

An interview will also be required to assist in assessing your application. Once you submit your application for admission, we will contact you directly to organise the submission of your written statement and schedule an interview with Dance Studies.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Dance Studies cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,892.40*
International students
NZ$52,842*

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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 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.

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 all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Subject to supervisor availability, a 1 December start is available. Please contact the faculty for this information.

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

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 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

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 all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see 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 (Applications and Admissions)
Dr Sarah Knox
Email: sarah.knox@auckland.ac.nz

Postgraduate Adviser (Current postgraduate students)
Dr Sarah Foster-Sproull
Email: s.foster-sproull@auckland.ac.nz

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Postgraduate study boosts your potential to build a sustainable career in dance, academia and research, contributing to influential projects in dance and the wider arts community.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academic
  • Arts administrator/manager/director
  • Cultural adviser/educator
  • Professional choreographer
  • Professional dancer
  • Researcher
  • Secondary school specialist dance teacher
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