Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Dance Studies

The Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) is a comprehensive three-year program that prepares students for a range of dance-related career pathways. Through this program, students will grow as educators, performers, choreographers, and researchers, developing confidence in leadership and teamwork.

Programme Overview

The BDanceSt program focuses 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 students the chance to apply what they have learned while building their professional networks. The program operates in a family-oriented environment where individual talents and backgrounds are valued.

Programme Structure

The program is structured over three years, with each year comprising 120 points.

Year 1 (120 points)

• DANCE 120: Dance Vocabulary I (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 131: Dance Education (15 points, compulsory core course)
• MORI 190: Kapa Haka 1 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• PACIFIC 110: Pacific Music and Dance (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 107: Dance History and Contexts (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 110: Contemporary Dance and Choreography 1 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 112: Dance Kinesiology (15 points, compulsory core course)
• General Education course (15 points)

Year 2 (120 points)

• DANCE 220: Dance Vocabulary II (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 231: Community Dance (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 216: Indigenous Dance: Aotearoa and Te-Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE XXX: Dance Elective Course (15 points, elective taught courses)
• DANCE 210: Contemporary Dance and Choreography 2 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 212: New Zealand Dance Contexts and History (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 222: Safe Dance Practices (15 points, compulsory core course)
• General Education course (15 points)

Year 3 (120 points)

• DANCE 314: Dance and Technology (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 320: Dance Vocabulary III (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 322: Professional Practices (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 316: He mana Motuhake o te-Moana-Nui-a-kiwa: Contemporary Indigenous Dance (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 302: Dance in Aotearoa/New Zealand (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 310: Contemporary Dance and Choreography 3 (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE 331: Dance Education Research (15 points, compulsory core course)
• DANCE XXX: Elective Course (15 points, elective taught courses)

Entry Requirements

My Highest Qualification is from New Zealand

• Meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
• Meet the rank score for this program.
• May need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
• Some programs have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio, or references.

Guaranteed Rank Score, Subject, and Other Requirements

• NCEA: 150
• CIE: 150
• IB: 26

Further Requirements

• Selection into the BDanceSt program will be based on a 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.

Tertiary Qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, you can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

Minimum Grade Requirements

• GPA: 2.2
• GPE: 2.2

Further Requirements

• Selection into the BDanceSt program will be based on a 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.

International Students

Secondary School Qualifications

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: minimum total score of 24
• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level: minimum of three A-Level subjects
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE): minimum of three A-level subjects

Minimum Grade, Subject, and Other Requirements

• IB: 26
• GCE A Level/CIE: CCC
• IELTS Academic: 6.0 (no bands less than 5.5)

Further Requirements

• Selection into the BDanceSt program will be based on a 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.

Fees

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$8,785.20
• International students: NZ$47,221

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025
• Semester Two 2026: 8 June 2026

Start Dates

• Semester One 2026: 2 March 2026
• Semester Two 2026: 20 July 2026

Career Opportunities

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 or 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

Further Study Options

• Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies
• Master of Dance Studies
• Master of Community Dance
• Master of Dance Movement Therapy
• Doctor of Philosophy