Master of Dance Studies MDanceSt at University of Auckland

About

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.

Disciplines

Creative Arts and Industries

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

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.

Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

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

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0 at Stage III

Bachelor of Dance Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

N/A

Other pathways to study

You must have completed the Bachelor of Dance Studies 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies as a pathway to the 120-point Master of Dance Studies degree.

Programme requirements

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.

Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma
Study option

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

Bachelor degree
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Research 120 points Research 180 points

You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, in Dance Studies or an equivalent field indicative of an ability to undertake advanced research in Dance. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution).

As part of your application, you may be asked to submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received. An interview may also be required to assist in assessing your application, and we will contact you directly if these elements are needed.

You need to have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average equivalent of 5.0 orf higher across your highest level of study in the degree.

Your degree should have been in Dance Studies or an equivalent field indicative of an ability to undertake advanced studies in Dance.

As part of your application, you may be asked to submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received. An interview may also be required to assist in assessing your application, and we will contact you directly if these elements are needed.

Other pathways to study

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

In exceptional circumstances, if you have extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the 180-point Master of Dance Studies.

As part of your application, you must submit a written statement covering your previous dance education, experience, involvement in community activities, practice/employment in dance, and details of any academic and/or professional awards and prizes you may have received.

An interview will also be required to assist in assessing your application. Once you submit your application for admission, we will contact you directly to organise the submission of your written statement and schedule an interview with Dance Studies.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

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

Doctor of Philosophy

See all study options

Xavier Breed

Dancer, Policy Advisor, Educator and Youth Leader Xavier Breed shares his journey.

Read Xavier's story

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 52,842

Application Fee

NZD

Master of Dance Studies MDanceSt

University of Auckland

University of Auckland

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines