MA Music Therapy

at Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

24 months full-time
Year 1

During this Masters in Music Therapy you’ll undertake at least two clinical placements.
In Year 1, your first five-month placement will take place in one clinical area. 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 both music therapy and dramatherapy. You’ll also examine your role in securing and improving health and well-being for patients/clients.

You’ll learn clinical improvisation skills in small groups, focusing first on your main 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.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

You'll be assessed through a range of methods, including case presentations, demonstrating improvisation skills, written work including essays and a major project, and clinical portfolios.

Core modules

• Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 1
• Music Therapy Practical and Clinical Skills
• Music Therapy and Dramatherapy Multidisciplinary Theoretical Studies
   

Year 2
In your second year studying MA Music Therapy you’ll take on more advanced clinical work, learning how to practise as a music therapist or dramatherapist 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.

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.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

You'll be assessed through a range of methods, including case presentations, demonstrating improvisation skills, written work including essays and a major project, and clinical portfolios.

Core modules

• Clinical Placements and Experiential Development 2
• MA Therapies Major Project

Standard entry requirements

Main

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 and flexible musicianship demonstrated by a minimum grade 8 or equivalent in one instrument, and preferably one other instrument; further assessed at interview. Some keyboard or other accompanying instrument skills are also required.

A sustained period (one year or equivalent) of relevant clinical experience with adults and 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. It is strongly recommended that applicants do not attend for interview until they are approaching this score, as this may adversely affect their ability to participate fully in the interview procedures. 

References

Two satisfactory references are required. These should be: relevant clinical experience – paid employment or voluntary and/or academic if recent graduate and/or other professional.

Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Tuition fees for international students (2022/23)
£15,000

International students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
You can pay your tuition fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.

Careers

When you graduate, you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. Registration is a legal requirement for practising music therapists in the UK and valued increasingly in other countries.

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.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Music Therapy or PhD Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.