- Duration
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 240
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Research options available
Programme overview
The Master of Dance Movement Therapy is an internationally recognized 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.
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.
Courses 240 points
-
- Type:
- Core courses
- Points:
- 150 pts
-
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 90 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 optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors degree or higher.
Further programme requirements
Research 240 points
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.
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.
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 optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Undergraduate degree or higher.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
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.
How much does a Master of Dance Movement Therapy 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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.
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
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
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
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?
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
Student 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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513