Program Overview

---

Music Therapy MA

Overview

The Music Therapy MA is a postgraduate course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a music therapist. The course is aligned with the standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and provides students with the opportunity to register and practice as a music therapist in the UK.

Course Description

The Music Therapy MA is a two-year full-time course that focuses on the use of music in therapeutic settings. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of music therapy, including its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and research methods.

Study Options

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: Not available

Tuition Fees

• UK fee: £13,500 for the full course (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 for the full course (2024/25)

Start Date

• September

Location

• Kedleston Road and Britannia Mill, Derby Campus

Course Modules

Postgraduate Certificate

• Music and Musicianship in Practice (20 credits)
• Music Therapy Clinical Placement 1 (20 credits)
• Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice 1 (20 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma

• Music Therapy Experiential Group 1 (10 credits)
• Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Music Therapy Clinical Placement 2 (20 credits)
• Music Therapy Experiential Group 2 (10 credits)

MA

• Arts Therapies Independent Scholarship: A Body of Work (60 credits)

Assessment Methods

• Coursework, including written essays, case studies, and live and recorded performances

Entry Requirements

• First degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject
• Significant relevant experience or equivalent qualifications
• Sufficient experience of working in a setting that addresses the needs of individuals with emotional or mental distress, specific learning needs, or developmental difficulties
• Appropriate musical ability and skills in musicianship
• Emotional robustness and intellectual capacity to cope with the demands of the program

Admissions Information

• Pooled admissions approach
• Application deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025
• Interview information: Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory virtual interview

Funding and Scholarships

• Alumni discount for Derby graduates
• International student scholarships
• Funding your studies: Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans, and support you may be entitled to

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Travel to and from placements
• Minimum of 72 sessions of personal therapy (approx. £3000)
• Students with a specialist instrument not available in the University will need to bring their own instrument if they wish to use it
• Professional HCPC membership required to practice
• British Association for Music Therapy - optional but advised

Careers

• Music therapy is a rapidly evolving discipline and profession
• The MA Music Therapy provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to register and practice as a music therapist in the UK
• Career opportunities in a wide range of health, social care, and community settings
• Self-employed or freelance work also possible

Research Areas

• Music therapy in health, social care, and community settings
• Theoretical foundations of music therapy
• Practical applications of music therapy
• Research methods in music therapy

Teaching and Learning

• Practical/experiential group learning
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Personal tutorials
• Music practice and performance, musicality, and improvisation

Facilities

• Bespoke music studio with a wide range of instruments
• Adobe Creative Suite installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street
• Individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for home use
• LinkedIn Learning subscription for professional and skills development

Support

• Expert clinical supervision from a dedicated placement supervisor
• Personal therapy for the full duration of the course
• Support from experienced and enthusiastic tutors who continue to practice professionally as music therapists

Alumni

• Strong reputation for excellence in therapeutic arts
• Hundreds of students prepared for careers in education, health, and community arts
• Comprehensive range of postgraduate courses in therapeutic arts, including Art Therapy, Dramatherapy, and Dance Movement Psychotherapy

International Students

• International student scholarships available
• Funding your studies: Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans, and support you may be entitled to
• English language requirements: IELTS of at least 7.0 with 6.5 in each skills area or equivalent

Other Courses

• Art Therapy MA
• Dramatherapy MA
• Dance Movement Psychotherapy MA
• Creative Expressive Arts, Health, and Wellbeing BA (Hons)