Master of Music in Dance

The qualification provides advanced training in various fields of dance study including techniques of research, data analysis and scholarly, practical and creative presentation appropriate to Dance. The degree will equip the learner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in a dance-related field or for further independent research toward the doctoral qualification in Dance.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Music in Dance, NQF Level 8.

1. Demonstrate mastery to depth of a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
2. Acquire proficiency in research methodology sufficient to proceed to a DMus. Qualifying Learners have mastered the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective professional practical and written communication.
3. Conduct independent research in a discipline (or inter-disciplinary field).
4. Communicate verbally, creatively, artistically and orally with professional audiences.
5. Apply in-depth theoretical and practical specialised disciplinary knowledge and research skills to discipline based problems.
6. Analyse and critique communications of an academic, practical, artistic, creative and popular nature.
7. Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
8. Understand the processes whereby knowledge in the Humanities is constructed.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Able to apply a range of advanced research methods and practical and creative procedures to dance research problems.
• able to conduct advanced literature searches to inform reviews of specialised literature.
• Able to prepare professional papers for peer review.
• Able to evaluate and intervention programme.
• Able to act as a dance consultant.
• Write research proposals.
• Choreograph and produce innovative and original dance pieces using a variety of dance styles and techniques, both physical and technological.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to an understanding of physical, creative and artistic problems.
• Have the ability to impart creative skills and knowledge to an audience and a learner.

Integrated Assessment

The integration of skills learnt in the MMus Degree in Dance is assessed by various means, depending on the area of specialisation of the learner. The means include ongoing assessment of coursework, a dissertation of prescribed length, production and/or performance.

The dissertation must demonstrate competence in the following areas, all of which are assessed in the examination of the dissertation:

• Precise research problem formulation.
• Familiarity with and integration of the specialised literature that informs the research question.
• Appropriate design and execution of the research.
• Use of proper methods of measurement and data analysis.
• Integration of findings.
• Ability to address the ethical problems that might attend the research.
• Appreciation of the methodological limitations of the study.
• Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

The dissertation is subject to external examination.

The production must

• Consist of a portfolio of dance pieces choreographed to international standards and employing the required technical, artistic and technological aids.
• Demonstrate the learners' ability to translate thought and theme into movement, as well as his or her knowledge of various dance styles and techniques.
• Be adequate in respect to staging and production.

The performance of the portfolio is done for an audience, which will include external examiners.

The performance will

• Be of substantial length.
• Demonstrate the learners' ability to perform to international standards in recognised works from the international repertoire.
• Include works in at least two different dance techniques and various styles.
• include solo, duo and ensemble performance.

The performance of the portfolio is done for an audience, which will consist of external examiners.

Coursework is assessed by way of tests and seminars and term papers.