Masters (Coursework)
Launching in 2022, the Master of Dance is the first program in Australia dedicated to dance as an interdisciplinary practice enmeshed with local and global crosscurrents of movement cultures, dance health and education, and choreographic thinking.
This two-year program focuses on dance as an embodied experience augmented and informed by a rich field of knowledges, including contemporary aesthetics, dance science, cultural theory, and everyday politics.
The Master of Dance will provide a vehicle for students to engage in practice-based research, dance theory and creative technologies equipping them with the skills and know-how to advance their capabilities for working in today's professional environment. The program promotes understandings of the social, political and cultural issues around embodiment, community and the environment. Taking place within this expanding field, it empowers diverse ways of knowing, making, learning and participating in dance as a generative force contributing to culture and society at large.
The program offers pathways for dancers into specialised careers through its emphasis upon applied practice including through working in situ and through placements. It prepares students for careers, including in dance and community practice, dance health and well-being, cultural leadership, choreography and performance.
Six core subjects and an extended research project develop multiple vocational routes through the dance and performance field. Interdisciplinary, environmentally responsive, digitally enabled, somatic informed dance meets the world through research-creation processes of making, writing and performing.
Opportunities for industry placement and input from leading professionals in the dance field ensure relevance and aim to generate opportunities for employability.
The Master of Dance is a graduate degree consisting of 7 compulsory subjects, normally taking two years of full-time study. It is taught in English and is located at Level 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Students with an existing Honours qualification in a Dance or related discipline may be able eligible for 100 points credit for the year 1 subjects and enter the Master of Dance at year 2. Admission is based on previous academic achievement or professional experience in dance or related performing arts.
YEAR 1
Dancing Grounds
Inter-Disciplinary Dance Methods
Choreography as Research
Dance Writing, Archives & Documentation
YEAR 2
Critical Dance Pedagogy
Dance Science & Somatics
Research Project {Capstone}
The course focuses on the rigorous preparation of graduate students to work across all areas of the dance profession. Students will graduate with skills suitable for pursuing careers in choreography, inter-disciplinary practice, community engagement, health, arts advocacy, education and research.
There are three components to the application process. Applicants must complete components 1 and 2 by the application closing date.
If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may like to contact our Faculty's Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development before proceeding. They can assist you with your application and provide you with additional information about your study options.