MA Music Therapy at University of Derby

Programme overview

If you would like to register and go into practice as a music therapist, this vocational master's course is the ideal route to success. Music Therapy can have a significant impact on quality of life for people with learning difficulties, disabilities, dementia and mental health issues. It can also play an important role in palliative care, adoption scenarios, forensic work and in a broad range of other interventions which promote inclusivity and wellbeing.

What you will study

Postgraduate Certificate core modules: Music and Musicianship in Practice, Musical Therapy Clinical Placement 1, Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice One. Postgraduate Diploma core modules: Music Therapy Experiential Group 1, Music Therapy Clinical Placement 2, Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice Two, Music Therapy Experiential Group 2. MA core modules: Arts Therapies Independent Scholarship.

Career pathways

Music therapy is a rapidly evolving discipline and profession. Music making and shared musical experiences are increasingly recognised as valid ways of helping people to address social, emotional or physical difficulties.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for the programme are expected to have an undergraduate qualification in a relevant subject, or have significant relevant experience.; They will also need to demonstrate sufficient experience of working in a setting which addresses the needs of individuals with, for example, emotional or mental distress, specific learning needs or developmental difficulties.; Additionally, they will need to demonstrate appropriate musical ability and skills in musicianship, together with the emotional robustness and intellectual capacity to cope with the demands of the programme.; All prospective candidates who meet the basic entry criteria will be expected to provide a recorded portfolio of musical performance, leading to an online interview.; If your first language is not English, you'll need to ensure that you have reached the required standards for English Language as recommended by the Health Professions Council. This is set at IELTS of at least 7.0 with 6.5 in each skills area or equivalent.; Interview Information; Admissions information

Domestic applicants: GBP 14,490 for the whole programme (2026/27) Source

International applicants: GBP 20,520 for the whole programme (2026/27) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 2 years

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