Graduate Courses

The Dance Studies Department’s graduate courses offer advanced study in dance theory, practice, and research. Designed for professionals and scholars, these courses explore areas such as choreography, performance analysis, dance ethnography, movement studies, and the role of dance in society.

Students engage in critical inquiry, independent research, and creative projects that deepen their understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural practice. The program equips graduates with the academic and practical tools needed for leadership roles in performance, education, and the preservation of dance heritage.

Course Code Title
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Programme, Dance Ethnology

Aims
This course aims to question what constitutes the field of Ethnology; cultural constructions about structured movement and ethno-aesthetics. This programme is grounded in Ethnochoreological and anthropological comparative methods to derive classifications from local and regional styles, historical narratives and intercultural influences.
Finally, the programme seeks to equip students with research knowledge and skills in dance application and to help them gain insight into theories that underlie dance studies globally. It targets the growing demands for personnel in the current evolving Creative Industry.


Objectives
At the successful completion of the programme, a student should be able to:
a. Demonstrate understanding of the historical, socio-cultural and political contexts of the various Ghanaian, African and world dance forms.
b. Conduct ethnographic dance research.
c. Analyse and evaluate dance as a tool for representing a people.
d. Explain and appreciate dance as a complex cultural phenomenon.
e. Apply these knowledge and skills to their future education, research and careers.

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Programme in Choreography/ Performance

Aims
The programme seeks to equip Choreography and Performance students with cutting-edge performance approaches, current technology in the industry and research knowledge to help them gain insights into practical dance creation, performance and production as well as skills in dance application. It targets the growing demands for personnel in the current evolving Creative Industry.


Objectives
At the successful completion of the programme, a student should be able to:
a. Acquire knowledge and skills on current approaches in Choreography and Dance Performance to strengthen their ‘professional’ practice.
b. Demonstrate the ability to use current technology in their choreographic and performance practices.
c. Apply their knowledge and skills that are relevant to contemporary issues in their various societies.
d. Demonstrate their ability to effectively transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to other students, dancers, teachers and practitioners.
e. Acquire skills in conducting field research that will inform their choreographic works
f. Develop analytical, evaluative and critical skills related to investigating dance as a stage art.

Master of Philosophy (MFA/MPhil) Programme, Dance in Education

Aims

This programme offers a creative and collaborative learning environment that provides students with a unified physical, intuitive, and intellectual dimensions of their development. The programme seeks to equip students with research knowledge and skills in theory and practice of dance.

 

Objectives

At the successful completion of the programme, a student should be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate skills of transmitting dance as an educational material.
  2. Analyse, evaluate and exhibit critical skills related to investigating dance as a pedagogical tool. 
  3. Research historical and cultural contexts of the various Ghanaian, African and World dance forms.
  4. Apply these knowledge and skills to their future education, research and careers in contributing their expertise to society.