Program Overview

Master of Dance Program

The Master of Dance is Malaysia's first fully coursework-based postgraduate dance programme. It provides a strong foundation in dance while exploring creative and academic approaches such as historical and cultural research, critical writing, movement analysis, and performing arts theory. The programme also includes teaching methods and creative production to deepen understanding of dance studies.

Program Structure

Students will complete 43 credits over a minimum of 3 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters. The programme includes eight core courses, covering advanced research, theory, and practice in dance. Students will also complete a research project in one of four tracks: research, performance, choreography, or pedagogy, guided by a supervisor from the Dance Department. In addition, they will choose two elective courses aligned with their selected track.

Course Structure

Semester 1

• Core Courses
  • RQA7001: Dance Research Methodology (4 credits)
  • RQA7005: Performing Arts Theory (4 credits)
  • RQA7011: Arts Management (3 credits)
  • RQA7013: Advanced Dance Technique 1 (4 credits)
• Elective Courses (Choose 1)
  • RQA7003: Dance Pedagogy 1 (4 credits)
  • RQA7004: Choreolab 1 (4 credits)
• Total Credits: 19

Semester 2

• Core Courses
  • RQA7006: Dance Performance Analysis (4 credits)
  • RQA7007: Dance Ethnography (4 credits)
  • RQA7015: Research Project (P) (4 credits)
• Elective Courses (Choose 1)
  • RQA7010: Choreolab 2 (3 credits)
  • RQA7012: Dance Pedagogy 2 (3 credits)
  • RQA7014: Advanced Dance Technique 2 (3 credits)
• Total Credits: 15

Special Semester

• Core Courses
  • RQA7008: Seminar in Dance Studies (4 credits)
  • RQA70015: Research Project (P) (5 credits)
• Total Credits: 9

Career Opportunities

• Researcher
• Lecturer
• Choreographer
• Professional Dancer
• Stage Manager / Dance Production Coordinator
• Event Organizer / Festival Coordinator

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

• Possessed a Bachelor Degree of Dance / Bachelor Degree of Performing Arts with a minimum CGPA of 3.00.
• OR
• Possessed a Bachelor's Degree with CGPA of 2.50 - 2.99 and meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
  • UM graduate
  • At least one (1) year working experience in a related field
  • Publication in a related field
  • A scholarship holder
  • A Government servant
  • Pass an interview by PTj
  • Pass a Special Assessment by PTj

Related Area

• Fields of Performing Arts, Dance, Dance Creation and Production, Dance Education, Dance Culture

Language Requirement

• MUET: B4.0
• IELTS: 6.0
• TOEFL iBT (Centre-based): 60
• TOEFL Essentials (Online): 8.5
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59
• B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 169

Intake Schedule

• Semester I of the academic year commences in September
• Semester II commences in February
• Application Deadline: May for Semester I intake and October for Semester II intake

Important Notes

• The list of courses offered each semester is subject to the availability of staff.
• Candidates are required to pass at least 'B' for each Core Course.
• Candidates are required to complete the coursework component (Part I) with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 prior to registering for the research component (Part II).
• Candidates are required to determine their research area and select a supervisor prior to embarking on the dissertation. The nomination of supervisor(s) shall be done by filling in the appropriate form at the Postgraduate Office.