Music Therapy University of South Wales

Do you want to become a music therapist? The part-time MA Music Therapy course provides students with a unique opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) qualified music therapist.

This highly experiential course, with a psychodynamic underpinning to its theoretical basis, provides students with training comprising of theoretical, clinical and musical experiences. It also investigates attachment theory, ensuring you develop your own therapeutic persona throughout the three years of the course.

Clinical placements are at the heart of your music therapy training. Additionally, you will explore group psychodynamic processes and relate them to clinical practice, as well as working alongside trainee Art Psychotherapists to boost your learning experience.

Entry requirements

The demands of the Music Therapy course and the Music Therapy profession require you to demonstrate a suitable level of life experience and maturity.

An undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study, an equivalent professional qualification, or extensive experience in a related field, plus evidence of substantial experience of musical practice, including exposure to and experience of a variety of styles of music is required. Applicants must be able to perform on their main instrument or voice to a standard equivalent to Grade 8. One reference* uploaded with the application.

An ability to use music symbolically and expressively and to improvise, relate, and communicate through the art form should be present with individuals and groups. Significant practical experience (voluntary or paid) in a relevant setting, or with clients or service users, to demonstrate that you are able to work with a range of client groups.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child & Adult Workforce and Child and Adult Barring Lists and subscription to the DBS Update Service. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)

If your first language is not English then we require IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component.

*The reference must be on letter headed paper or the referee can send it directly from a professional/work email address to [email protected]

The interview will consist of a group audition, followed by an individual interview at which you will be expected to perform on your main instrument and second instrument. No accompanist is provided, so you will need to arrange your own if you require one. There will be an opportunity to improvise during the interview with a staff team member.