| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This two-year program in Music Therapy combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical placements, preparing students for a career as a registered music therapist. Through experiential learning, students develop clinical skills, explore theoretical frameworks, and engage in research, equipping them to work in diverse settings, including healthcare, education, and the voluntary sector.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Year 1
Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 1
- You will undertake at least two clinical placements.
- An on-campus supervision group will support you as you develop your skills using critical reflection, experiential techniques, and analytic writing about your process and casework.
- Alongside your work placements, you’ll explore the theoretical framework for the clinical knowledge and understanding of music therapy.
- You’ll also examine your role and identity as a trainee music therapist.
- You’ll learn clinical improvisation skills in small groups, focusing on your main instrument, keyboard, voice, and single-line instrument as well as taking workshops on group techniques.
- Our training is framed by psychodynamic, developmental, and neuroscience approaches to music therapy, but you will also learn about other models. You’ll have the opportunity to integrate what you’ve learned with your existing skills to develop your own effective approaches to clinical practice.
Music Therapy Practical and Clinical Skills
- You'll develop your practical and clinical skills in music therapy.
Music Therapy and Dramatherapy Multidisciplinary Theoretical Studies
- You'll explore the theoretical foundations of music therapy and dramatherapy, and how these disciplines can be integrated in practice.
Year 2
Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 2
- You’ll take on more advanced clinical work, learning how to practise as a music therapist without discrimination.
- Under placement supervisors, you’ll work independently and show an advanced level of evaluative clinical knowledge and skills.
- Your work placements will either be in two different clinical areas or one six-month placement in the same setting.
- You’ll show you understand fully the assessment and referral processes relating to casework and be able to work in a multidisciplinary team in community-based and other settings.
- You’ll explore ethical considerations and issues of cultural diversity and practice, using evaluation methods as preparation for your own research.
MA Therapies Major Project
- The MA Therapies Major Project will involve some clinical or theoretical evaluation and research.
- You’ll receive a basic introduction to research methodology and be supported by specialists in clinical and theoretical aspects of psychological therapies. You’ll also have access to research resources both nationally and internationally.
Assessment:
- Case presentations
- Demonstrating improvisation skills
- Written work including essays and a major project
- Clinical portfolios
Teaching:
- Our teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Clinical placements
- Individual supervision
- Our faculty members are experts in music therapy, and they are passionate about teaching and supporting their students.
- We have a unique approach to teaching music therapy that combines theory and practice. This approach allows our students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful music therapists.
Careers:
- Upon completing the program, you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
- As a qualified music therapist, you’ll be able to work in the NHS, hospices, social services, education, and the voluntary sector.
- You can also work privately or as a freelance with clients including adults and children with learning difficulties, mental health needs, or with communities such as refugees or the homeless.
- ARU’s links with the British Association for Music Therapy and our International Research Consortium will help you make contacts and gain employment and research opportunities.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)
£10,600 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)
£16,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.
Additional costs
Approximate additional costs over two years Personal therapy sessions: Budget £2,000-£3,500 External supervision during placements: Budget £700-£1,500 Travelling to placements: Budget £500-£2,500 Student membership of the British Association for Music Therapy: £55