There is so much more to dance than moving your body, which is why our philosophy is “Move Your Thinking”.

Our programmes have a strong focus on how dance may contribute to and transform society. You can be involved in projects with artists, children, elderly or people with physical disabilities to see the benefits dance can provide. We also have deep respect for Māori and Pacific Islands dance and the place they have in our community and history.

Dance Studies immerses you in safe and professional industry practices, dance technology, academic writing and research. Our practical and choreographic classes allow you to express what you discover in your research and refine your performance capabilities.

Dance Studies provides exciting research avenues. There is increasing interest in the benefits dance can provide to the elderly, youth communities, migrant and refugee communities. The importance of arts education within all children’s education is a topic applicable not only within New Zealand, but around the world. With award winning researchers and teachers guiding your research, you have scope to explore your research interests.

The Dance Studies department has strong international networks, leading to exciting international performance and research opportunities for students at any level of study.

The University’s Dance Studies Programme is New Zealand’s leading centre for postgraduate research in dance, becoming internationally recognised for its research in teaching and learning, choreographic practice and dance ethnography.

Types of doctoral study

In the Dance Studies programme, you are able to choose one of two ways to complete your doctoral study, depending on your research preferences.

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The traditional PhD thesis is a formal piece of advanced research, with a final examined thesis of up to 100,000 words. Your thesis serves as a contribution to the field of dance research on both a local and international level. To find out more about the programme structure, entry requirements and start dates, visit Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

2. PhD including Scholarly Creative Work

You can also consider completing your PhD including Scholarly Creative Work. This allows you to submit a creative work and a written component as examinable work. There are some specific guidelines around the admission requirements and timing of the examination for creative works. To find out more about this option, visit PhD including Scholarly Creative Work.