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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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. They offer local and international expertise while helping you to build networks that will support your individual research ambitions.

Your supervisor will provoke your thinking, challenging you to consider multiple perspectives across your research topic. Your study culminates in a written thesis and may incorporate a creative practice performance.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

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.

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 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.

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts

Research (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Dance Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

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

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 the Bachelor of Dance Studies from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above above Stage II      

If you do not currently meet the entry requirements, then you could seek entry into the PGDipDanceSt - Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies as a pathway to the 120-point Master of Dance Studies degree.                                                                                           

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

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

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

Emailsarah.knox@auckland.ac.nz

Postgraduate Adviser (Current postgraduate students)

Associate Professor Sarah Foster-Sproull

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

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

Subject to supervisor availability, a 1 December start is available. Please contact the faculty for this information.

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.

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, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts or Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies from this University, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Dance Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Dance Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above above Stage II

or

c passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: 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.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Dance Studies Schedule.

8 A student intending to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of courses. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Dance Studies cannot continue.

9 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the Programme Director.

Research Component

10 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic and mode of presentation for examination must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Performance and/or Exhibition

11 a Where performance or exhibition research forms an agreed part of the thesis presentation under Regulation 12b, the examination of the performance or exhibition component shall be organised by the Academic Head in conjunction with faculty academic services. The process for the written thesis shall be in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

b Recordings of performances and exhibitions are not deposited in the University Library, nor deposited with the University’s digital repository, except when included within a written thesis submission in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies.

Distinction

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

14 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

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the Programme Director.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Dance Studies - 180 points

Year 1
Semester One
Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Dance Studies
180 points Requirements - DANC-R3MDanceSt - Master of Dance Studies specialisation in Dance Studies - Research 180 - Compulsory Course
30 Points

Elective Course

30 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Thesis - Level 9
180 points Requirements - DANC-R3MDanceSt - Master of Dance Studies specialisation in Dance Studies - Research 180 - Thesis
60 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Thesis - Level 9
180 points Requirements - DANC-R3MDanceSt - Master of Dance Studies specialisation in Dance Studies - Research 180 - Thesis
60 Points

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