- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
Following on from a Bachelor of Dance Studies, the BDanceSt(Hons) combines taught coursework and independent study, culminating in the completion of a final dissertation.
You will develop your research awareness and skills by applying theory and practice within individual and group research projects. Your thinking and action will be honed for deeper and richer research that may take you into an academic career. You will benefit from participating in a range of international and local networking opportunities within diverse dance communities.
Programme structure
Combined with self-directed study, you will continue to investigate dance education, cultural diversity, wellness and dance and choreographic practice with world-leading academic supervisors. You’ll explore issues, philosophies and practices in dance in depth, and be introduced to the diverse methods and ethics of academic research. Your personal research direction will be guided and supported as you review relevant literature and produce your 10,000–12,000 word dissertation.
Core courses: 90 points
Elective courses: 30 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
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.
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Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Dance Studies
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) with a GPA of 5.0 in your Stage II courses. Your BDanceSt must have been completed within two years of starting the BDanceSt(Hons).
If your BDanceSt was completed more than two years prior to starting this honours programme, you must also submit a CV covering previous dance education, experience, and practice/employment.
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in dance
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QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in dance at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0 or higher in your final year of study.
You must also submit a CV covering previous dance education, experience, and practice/employment.
Other pathways to study
The University’s Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) degree is a suitable pathway into this honours 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.
How much does a Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,993.60*
- 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.
Key dates
The Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) has one intake per year, with applications due by the 8 December in order to commence study the following year.
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.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
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
Where could this programme take you?
On top of the career pathways available following your undergraduate degree, postgraduate study boosts your potential to build a career in academia and research, contributing to influential projects in dance and the wider arts community.
Jobs related to this programme
- Academic
- Arts administrator/manager
- Community dance practitioner
- Cultural adviser
- Dance teacher – secondary school specialist
- Professional choreographer
- Professional dancer
- Researcher
Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) graduate Emma Broad (Ngāi Tahu) is drawing on the diverse skills from her studies to launch her career in the arts.
Read Emma's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
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