Dance Studies - Our Degrees

The University of Otago is the only academic institution in New Zealand at which students can study dance as a major focus within both Arts and Science degrees, and which offers a specialised Master of Dance Studies (MDanceSt).

Undergraduate Study

Dance Studies can be studied in depth as a component of a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) or a number of other degrees. While there is currently no Dance Studies Major, students may graduate with a Minor in Dance Studies. Naturally, we enjoy close links with the Performing Arts department, and Dance Studies is a core component of the Bachelor of Performing Arts Studies Major. Our courses are also frequented by students from a range of other disciplines, such as Gender Studies, Education, Maori Studies, Anthropology and Sciences.

Postgraduate Study

For more in-depth research after a first degree, we offer a Master of Dance Studies degree. The MDanceSt involves a full one-year course which encompasses both coursework and individual research. The core of the degree is the Masters research report, a supervised thesis. The degree can be taken full-time or part-time.

It is also possible to write a doctoral thesis (PhD) on a topic within the field of Dance Studies. It normally takes around 3 years of full-time study to complete a thesis, or a maximum of 8 years for a part-time student.

 

University of Otago The School of Physical Education - Te Kura Akoraka Whakakori