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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Following on from a Bachelor of Dance Studies, the BDanceSt(Hons) combines taught coursework and independent study, culminating in the completion of a final dissertation.

You will develop your research awareness and skills by applying theory and practice within individual and group research projects. Your thinking and action will be honed for deeper and richer research that may take you into an academic career. You will benefit from participating in a range of international and local networking opportunities within diverse dance communities.

Programme Structure

Combined with self-directed study, you will continue to investigate dance education, wellness and dance, cultural diversity, and choreographic practice with world-leading academic supervisors. You’ll explore issues, philosophies and practices in dance in depth as we introduce the diverse methods and ethics of academic research. Your personal research direction will be guided and supported as you review relevant literature and produce your 10,000–12,000 word dissertation.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits.

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) 

Associate Professor Sarah Foster-Sproull

Email: s.foster-sproull@auckland.ac.nz

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

On top of the career pathways available following your undergraduate degree, postgraduate study boosts your potential to build a career in 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
  • Dance teacher – secondary school specialist
  • Professional choreographer
  • Professional dancer
  • Researcher

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.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements


University of Auckland qualifications

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.

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Dance Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)           

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Your BDanceSt must have been completed within two years of starting the BDanceSt(Hons).

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed a Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 90 points above Stage II.

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.

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 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

The Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) has one intake per year, with applications due by the 8 December in order to commence study the following year. 

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.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, a student must have completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Dance Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative.

2 A student who has not completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Dance Studies from this University but who has:

a passed courses with a total value of at least 345 points for that degree

and

b achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points above Stage II

may, with the approval of the Head of Programme, be admitted to the Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) concurrently with the remaining courses for the Degree of Bachelor of Dance Studies. The Degree of Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) will not be awarded until the requirements for the Bachelor of Dance Studies have been completed.

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 Creative Arts And Industries.

(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

3 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Bachelors Honours Postgraduate Degrees.

4 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) Schedule.

6 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

7 In any course that includes performance work of a practical nature a student must comply with the requirements for that course as specified by the Head of Programme.

Research Component

8 a The research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative, on the recommendation of the Head of Programme.

b The research project topic must be approved by the Head of Programme prior to enrolment.

c The research project must be completed and submitted as specified in the General Regulations – Bachelors Honours Postgraduate Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

9 A student may apply to reassign the courses passed from this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies.

Distinction

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Bachelors Honours Postgraduate Degrees.

Variations

11 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

12 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2020.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 90 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points for all Research Project, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Research Project

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours)

Year 1
Semester One
Choreography and Performance Research
Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Dance Studies
Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Dance in Community and Education Research
Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Research Project
Research Project
30.0 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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