Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2024 Late Year Term – 1 December
2025 Semester One – 3 March
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

The Master of Community Dance activates the role of dance in interrogating local and international societal concerns. As identified by UNESCO, such concerns may include sustainability, cultural diversity, equity and peace. You’ll develop and sustain critically driven research that you find personally and professionally challenging and stimulating. You will gain in-depth understanding of the principles, concepts and ideas that define community dance theory and practice. Along with advanced specialist knowledge of community dance you will gain skills that will equip you for employment, global citizenship and community involvement.

Programme structure

The MCommDance is part of our dual masters programme with the Beijing Dance Academy, Beijing, China. More information on this academic partnership can be found here.

Your self-directed study will be supported by our award-winning and internationally renowned staff who are successful practitioners and scholars. They are passionate about supporting your individual research ambitions. Your supervisor will provoke your thinking, challenging you to consider multiple perspectives as you investigate your personal research topic into community dance and work towards producing your 35,000-40,000 word thesis.

Thesis: 120 points

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.

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 (Hons)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Research 120 points

You must have completed the Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies with a GPA of 5.0.

You must submit a research proposal to demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced study in community dance. A CV and/or interview may also be required, and we will confirm whether this is needed.

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

    One year of postgraduate study

  • 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 120 points

You must have completed:

  • a one-year postgraduate qualification, following an undergraduate degree, in dance studies, 

or

  • a one-year postgraduate degree and have demonstrated the ability to undertake advanced studies in community dance.

Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.

You must submit a research proposal to demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced study in community dance. A CV and/or interview may also be required, and we will confirm whether this is needed.

Other pathways to study

The University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies (PGDipDanceSt) is a suitable pathway into this masters programme.

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 Community Dance 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.

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 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.

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
Late Year Semester 2025
11 November 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 academia and research, contributing to influential community projects at a national and global level.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academic
  • Arts administrator/manager/director
  • Community dance practitioner – dancer, choreographer, teacher
  • Cultural adviser and educator
  • Regional council community facilitator
  • Researcher
  • Youth work in community groups (eg Police, church groups, Iwi networks etc)

Further study options

See all study options

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