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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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 and in 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.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See s.foster-sproull@auckland.ac.nz

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
  • Community dance practitioner
  • Cultural adviser
  • Professional choreographer
  • Professional dancer
  • Professional studio dance teacher
  • Research assistant

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

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 Entry 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.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

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.

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

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.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma 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 postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Dance Studies or Bachelor of Performing Arts at this University, or have equivalent prior study.

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

3 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 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

4 A student admitted to this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student admitted to this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies Schedule.

7 Enrolment in DANCE 791 requires the approval of the Academic Head or nominee.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Distinction

9 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

10 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

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

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Up to 30 points may be substituted from other courses from 700 level courses offered at this University. The approval of all Heads of Department concerned is required.

Enrolment in DANCE 791 requires the approval of the Academic Head or nominee.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

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