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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Through the BDanceSt, you’ll grow as an educator, performer, choreographer and researcher. Award-winning teachers will help you develop confidence in leadership and teamwork. We focus on contemporary, cultural and community dance, interacting with different dance forms and working with people of all ages and abilities. Regular teaching and performance opportunities give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned while building your professional networks. Dance Studies operates in a family-orientated environment where your individual talents and background are valued.

Programme Structure

In your first year, you and your classmates will begin to understand your moving bodies, as you explore the choreographic and general creative processes related to dance. You will increase your dance vocabulary and investigate the different ways in which dance can be taught and learned.

In second year and beyond, you’ll continue to strengthen your personal choreographic style and performance skills. You’ll visit different community groups and develop your teaching and leadership abilities. You’ll learn more about improvisation, technology and professional practices. You’ll develop your business skills and have the chance to research personal areas of interest. In your second year, you can enrol in a General Education course, which allows you to supplement your studies in another subject area of your choice.

We recommend you choose WTRAED 100 - Waipapa Taumata Rau: Introduction to Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Arts and Education as your General Education course.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

New Zealand’s professional dance industry requires articulate performers, choreographers, educators, production specialists and directors. Graduates confidently create their own businesses such as dance studios, dance companies and event management companies. Many also gain employment as dance teachers (at early childhood, primary and secondary level) or as production assistants in creative fields.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Artistic director
  • Arts administrator/manager
  • Community dance practitioner
  • Dance teacher (Primary school arts specialist)
  • Dance teacher (Secondary school dance specialist)
  • Dance photographer/journalist
  • Professional choreographer
  • Professional dancer

Some career paths may require further study.

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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Experience the University

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Take a 360° virtual tour with Dance Studies students.

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of some of the Dance Studies spaces on campus.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Overseas qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained outside New Zealand, view our international entry requirements . 


New Zealand secondary school qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard .
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Qualification and Score required

NCEA - 150

CIE - 150  

IB - 26


New Zealand tertiary qualifications

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.  

Grade required

2.2 Grade Point average Calculate your Grade Point Average

2.2 Grade Point equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Further requirements 

Selection into the BDanceSt programme will be based on your CV, written statement and a group audition workshop. All applicants are required to upload a 500 word written statement and a CV of relevant dance experience as well as attend a group workshop/interview.

Group workshop/interview

This audition includes a 1–2 hour movement exploration workshop followed by a group discussion. No set pieces are required for the audition. You will receive an invitation to register for this workshop/interview, held in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Alternative arrangements may be made for applicants who are unable to attend the group session.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should list all relevant training, experience (professional and amateur), involvement in community and extracurricular activities, dance experiences and accomplishments.

Written statement

You must upload a 500-word written statement outlining your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme.

Profile of a successful applicant

  • Dance Studies students value dance as an academic discipline of study. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate:
  • An awareness of dance activity in New Zealand
  • An understanding of choreographic processes and products
  • An ability to move, to dance  
  • A genuine interest in studying dance that will go beyond any initial technique training
  • An interest in a broad spectrum of arts activity and interdisciplinary collaborations
  • An ability to articulate ideas and listen to others
  • An ability to work in groups and independently
  • An openness to exploring a diverse range of dance activities
  • A willingness to take creative risks and support others' experimentation
  • A healthy physical readiness to participate in a breadth of dance activity
  • Commitment

Other Pathways to Study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2027 Semester One01 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two19 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

BDanceSt audition dates for 2027:

  • Saturday 22 August 2026, 10am-12pm, Auckland
  • Sunday 11 October 2026, 10am-12pm, Auckland
  • Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am-12pm, Auckland


Virtual: Individual auditions are available online Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. To request a virtual audition please contact a Student Hub.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Notes:

(i) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts and Education.

(ii) To be eligible for selection an applicant must demonstrate that they have the artistic and creative skills and knowledge required for this degree. The submission of a CV, written statement and audition/interview is required.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 Of the 360 points required for this degree, a student must pass:

a(i) at least 300 points as listed in the Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule, including at least 180 points above Stage I, of which at least 90 points must be above Stage II

and

(ii) 30 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open Schedule or the relevant General Education Schedule approved for this degree or from a combination of these schedules

and

(iii) the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

b A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.

3 Up to 30 points may be taken from courses available for any other Bachelors degree at this University.

General Education Exemptions

4 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules who has

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

or

(ii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution.

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute the requirement with courses approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

c A student admitted to this degree, who has completed between 120 and 235 points inclusive of degree-level study at another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules.

d A student who has been fully or partially exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.

Special Cases

5 Students entering this degree with prior learning in dance may be required to:

either

a enrol directly in a corresponding Stage II or Stage III course

or

b take an alternative course approved by the Head of the Programme.

In such cases where a student is required to enrol in an advanced or alternative course (due to prior learning), should the student then fail the advanced or alternative course, the student will be credited with the course originally specified in the Regulations if they are certified by the examiner as having reached the standard of a pass for that course.

Variations

6 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

7 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • 300 to 330 points for Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule, and
  • 30 points from General Education Courses, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule

Complete 300 to 330 points comprising:

  • 105 points for all Stage I Core Courses, and
  • 90 points for all Stage II Core Courses, and
  • 105 points for all Stage III Core Courses, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Optional Courses

Selected courses must include at least 180 points at level 200 or higher.

Selected courses must include at least 90 points at level 300.

Stage I Core Courses

Complete 105 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Core Courses

Complete 90 points for ALL of the following:

Stage III Core Courses

Complete 105 points for ALL of the following:

Optional Courses

Complete 0 to 30 points from the following:

General Education Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Other Courses

Select between 0 and 30 credits from University of Auckland at levels 100 to 400.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

*Academic English (AELR) MUST take place in Semester 2 of year 1 (The UoA will advise you if you have this requirement). All other students: Any other GenED can take place in year 2 or 3.

Degree Plan for the Bachelor of Dance Studies

Year 1
Semester One
DANCE 131
Dance Education
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 120
Dance Vocabulary I
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
PACIFIC 110
Pacific Embodied Practices
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
MAORI 190
Kapa Haka 1
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
ACADINT A01
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
DANCE 112
Dance Kinesiology
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 107
Dance History and Contexts
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 110
Contemporary Dance and Choreography 1
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage I Core Courses
15 Points
General Education Courses
15 Points

OR AELR course if required
Year 2
Semester One
DANCE 231
Community Dance
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 220
Dance Vocabulary II
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
General Education Courses
15 Points
Optional Courses
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule
15 Points
Semester Two
DANCE 212
New Zealand Dance Contexts and History
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 222
Safe Dance Practices
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 210
Contemporary Dance and Choreography 2
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 216
Indigenous Dance: Aotearoa and Te-Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage II Core Courses
15 Points
Year 3
Semester One
DANCE 314
Dance and Technology
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 322
Professional Practices
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 320
Dance Vocabulary III
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 316
He mana Motuhake o te-Moana-Nui-a-kiwa: Contemporary Indigenous Dance
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
Semester Two
DANCE 302
Dance in Aotearoa New Zealand
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 331
Dance Education Research
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
DANCE 310
Contemporary Dance and Choreography 3
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule - Stage III Core Courses
15 Points
Optional Courses
Bachelor of Dance Studies Schedule
15 Points

DANCE 207: Dance tour elective takes place in summer school of year 3

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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