- 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
The Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies builds on undergraduate study and previous dance experience by delving deeper into dance practice and philosophy. You will gain practical, conceptual and theoretical skills in choreography, dance education, dance writing and community dance.
The programme is delivered through taught courses that encourage you to discover your chosen fields of research.
Programme structure
You will investigate choreographic practice, dance education practice and the role of dance in wellness contexts, dance and cultural diversity. You’ll explore issues, philosophies and practices in depth, and be introduced to the diverse methods and ethics of academic research. Award-winning teachers and researchers will guide your research and foster your individual interests and career.
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
Programme requirements
You must have completed a Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) or Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPerfArts) at the University of Auckland within two years of starting the PGDipDanceSt.
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.
Alternatively, you must hold an undergraduate degree in dance studies or performing arts from a recognised university (or similar institution) and submit a CV covering your previous dance education, experience, and practice/employment.
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
Other pathways to study
- If you have completed a bachelors degree from the University of Auckland, or an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution), you may be considered based on your academic history and a CV covering your previous dance education and experience. We will assess your practice/employment to determine whether it is equivalent to the level of competence needed to attain an undergraduate degree in dance studies or performing arts. An interview may also be required, and we will confirm whether this is needed.
- 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 credit transfer.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in 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 $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
- 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
- Community dance practitioner
- Cultural adviser
- Professional choreographer
- Professional dancer
- Professional studio dance teacher
- Research assistant
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.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
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