Program Overview

MA Music Therapy

Introduction

Qualify to work as a music therapist in the UK and overseas on this accredited Masters degree in music therapy. Study in a centre of world-leading research and gain experience on clinical placements.

Course Options

• 24 months full-time
• September start
• Cambridge location

Key Facts

• Study options: 24 months full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Cambridge
• Entry: UCAS code: N/A
• Fees:
  • £11,100 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Student Experience

• 100% overall satisfaction: our course received the highest possible score for student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2022 (fewer than 20 respondents)
• Clinical placements and experiential development
• Music therapy practical and clinical skills
• Music therapy and dramatherapy multidisciplinary theoretical studies

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 1
• Music Therapy Practical and Clinical Skills
• Music Therapy and Dramatherapy Multidisciplinary Theoretical Studies
• Into ARU
• Health and Care Professions Council Standards 1

Year 2

• Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 2
• MA Therapies Major Project
• Health and Care Professions Council Standards 2

Entry Requirements

• Usually a good/ 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in Music or equivalent (another degree but with a high standard of musicianship)
• A high standard of sensitive, flexible, and communicative musicianship demonstrated by a minimum of grade 8 or equivalent) on at least one instrument (including voice)
• A sustained period (one year or equivalent) of relevant experience with adults and/or children who have additional needs, preferably undertaken following completion of undergraduate studies
• Appropriate motivational and emotional maturity
• Ability to reflect on self in relation to others
• An understanding and knowledge of the music therapy field
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 (Academic level with no individual score being lower than 6.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26): £11,100 (full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees for international students (2025/26): £17,500 (full-time, per year)
• Additional costs:
  • Personal therapy sessions: £2,000-£3,500
  • External supervision during placements: £700-£1,500
  • Travelling to placements: £500-£2,500
  • Student membership of the British Association for Music Therapy: £55

Facilities and Showcase

• Specialist facilities and support
• Hands-on learning
• Take a closer look at our Creative Showcase

Accreditation

• Health & Care Professions Council

Lecturers

• Claire Molyneux
• Stavroulla Demetriou
• Alexandra Georgaki
• Helen Odell-Miller
• Jorg Fachner
• Amelia Oldfield
• Jodie Bloska
• Clemens Maidhof
• Alex Street
• Jonathan W Pool
• Ming Hung Hsu

Careers

• Eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Work in the NHS, hospices, social services, education, and the voluntary sector
• Private or freelance work with clients including adults and children with learning difficulties, mental health needs, or with communities such as refugees or the homeless
• Opportunities for research and employment through ARU’s links with the British Association for Music Therapy and our International Research Consortium
• Possibility to continue academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Music Therapy or PhD Dramatherapy
• Alumni Scholarship available, saving £400 on fees.