MSc Music Therapy

at Queen Margaret University

Modules

The MSc Music Therapy Programme sits together with Art Psychotherapy, Dramatherapy and Play Therapy as an arts therapies pathway within the Person-Centred Practice Framework at QMU. The programme contains the modules listed below.

Year One
 

• Practice-based Learning 1 (40 credits)

• Developmental and Relational Perspectives (20 credits)

• Therapeutic Practice and Resources (20 credits)

• Theory and Practice of Person-centred Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

• Leading Person-centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

Year Two
 

• Practice-based Learning 2 (40 credits)

• Arts Therapies in Context (20 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

• The MSc Music Therapy at QMU is academically, musically and personally demanding. Therefore, it is necessary that you are able to demonstrate your readiness for the course as well as meet the entry requirements.
• Applicants usually have an honours degree. However, a comparable professional qualification, or extensive experience in a related field will be considered.
• This is alongside evidence of a high standard of practical musicianship, a fundamental ability to listen openly and fluency in a diverse range of musics. You should be able to demonstrate a high degree of skill and flexibility on at least one instrument. You do not need to be able to read Western musical notation. We are committed to enabling and widening access for musicians from diverse backgrounds.
• You will also have a minimum of one year’s experience of relevant work experience with persons in the community, education or health settings. Some experience of personal music therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy, or experiential workshops in creative therapies is desirable.
• International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0, and with no individual component score less than 6.5.
• Interview: Interviews are usually held between January and June. Your personal statement should include the reasons you feel drawn to the profession of music therapy at this stage in your life and why the particular approach taught at Queen Margaret University appeals to you. Please include an outline of any texts you have read in preparation for this programme. We would also like to hear about your own relationship with music and how this has shaped your decision to apply. In addition, please detail any relevant experience within caring professions, which does not need to be music related, and highlight particular qualities you feel you would bring to the programme. Some applicants will be asked to attend interviews and audition. This will usually include group improvisation with other applicants and an individual audition in which the applicant will: play prepared pieces, improvise on a given theme and sing a short song of their own choice. The interview will assess each applicant’s personal suitability for the profession, ability to reflect and readiness for the demands that the course entails. For applicants who are unable to travel to QMU, or when social restrictions apply, auditions and interviews are held online.
• Criminal Records Check: A satisfactory criminal records check will be required.

Scotland/UK/ROI    
Year 1: £6,700 Year 2 £6,700**

International
Year 1: £14,300 Year 2: £14,300**

On graduation, you are eligible for registration with the HCPC, and will be qualified to work as a music therapist throughout the health, education and community sectors. Most graduates have found employment within care homes, schools, the NHS and charities. Many others have become successful freelance practitioners. There is a strong alumni community and graduates contribute to the programme in various ways.