- 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
- Thesis: 90 points
- Elective courses: 30 points
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.
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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA 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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Bachelor degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
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.
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.
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.
| 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?
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
Dancer, Policy Advisor, Educator and Youth Leader Xavier Breed shares his journey.
Read Xavier's storyStudent career planning service
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