MA Dramatherapy
Why choose this course?
- During this course you will develop the skills and knowledge you'll need to use dramatherapy with different client groups.
- You'll learn how to develop, assess and apply different theatrical models and approaches to different client group settings.
- Focusing on the use of theatre in the therapeutic process, you'll explore the role of improvisation and the need to adapt therapeutic interventions to individual client needs.
- You'll develop skills in assessing the impact of your own values and beliefs on your practice and the impact this may have on your clients and patients.
Fact file
Start date: September
Course length: This is a two year full time programme. During your first year you'll attend university from 9.00am-7.30pm on either a Monday or Tuesday and one other day for placement. During your second year you'll attend university for one day a week, again on a Monday or a Tuesday and then up to a further two days for placement.
Campus: Britannia Mill, Derby
Faculty: Education, Health and Science
This course is available to international students
About this course
This full time course is made up of three phases - PG Cert, PG Dip and MA. You will need to come in to the University one day each week, and spend up to two days each week in your clinical placement.
You will learn how to develop, appraise and apply different theatrical models and Dramatherapy approaches in your studio work, and explore how you can apply these therapeutically to different client groups.
In your clinical placements you will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a clinical setting. You will be supervised by a Dramatherapist from the University, who will help you to consider and reflect upon the work you do in your placement.
Throughout this course you will be encouraged to reflect and consider the impact and consequences of your interventions.
You will be required to undertake a total of 72 sessions of personal therapy, as stipulated by the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth), for the duration of the training. The cost of therapy will be covered by yourself, this is in addition to the standard course fees.
When you have successfully completed all elements of this course and the personal therapy sessions, you are eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a Dramatherapist. HCPC are the regulatory body.
What you will cover
You’ll study these modules:
- Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice 1 (20 credits)
- Dramatherapy Clinical Placement 1 (20 credits)
- Dramatherapy Group (20 credits)
- Dramatherapy Practice Studio (20 credits)
- Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice 2 (20 credits)
- Dramatherapy Clinical Placement 2 (20 credits)
- Arts Therapies Independent Scholarship (60 credits)
Entry requirements
You'll need:
A relevant undergraduate degree such as BA (Hons) Drama, BA (Hons) Theatre Arts, BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies. Or you might hold an undergraduate degree or training in other areas such as psychology, occupational therapy, social work, nursing and have current evidence of theatre experience.
You'll usually need one year's full time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in a clinical setting. This can be paid or voluntary and can include areas such as mental health, learning disabilities, older people, children who have experienced trauma, physical disabilities or working with asylum seekers. The more experience you have, the more prepared you'll be for the course.
You must demonstrate sufficient life experience and emotional maturity to cope with the demands of the course.
Please note that if you are offered a place on the course you will be required to pay a deposit of £250 in order to secure your place.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required at the point of accepting a place at the University. The Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this programme.
If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 7.0.
How to apply
UK/EU students
- Students should apply directly to the University.
International students
- Students should apply directly to the University.
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- £755 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)
International students
- Full time: £10,760 (in total)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed continually throughout the course by written assignments, presentations, case studies, placement reports and practical assessments.
Careers and employability
When you have successfully completed all elements of the programme and are registered as a Dramatherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you could be employed in areas such as schools, prisons, hospitals, day centres, hospices, private health organisations, therapeutic communities, or with further experience, you could work freelance.
What our students say
"This course is challenging, but personally illuminating and creatively energising."
James Mellstrom, one of our current students
"As a mature student, I've found the course rejuvinating and energising."
Jim Cameron, one of our current students
"I travel up from Bristol, and it's totally worth it. It's a great opportunity to find out more about yourself and others."
Nicola Phibben, one of our current students
"I managed to fit this course around a busy schedule of work and commitments outside. It was exhausting as it challenges everything you take for granted about yourself. It was worth every second!"
Beth Pinches, one of our current students
"As a mum of a young child, I have found the course accessible with my placements being in my local area and only needing to attend university one day a week."
Amy Woodfield, one of our current students
"Doing this course has opened up many doors for me. It has also given me more insight into myself and increased my self awareness."
Rozeena Sujjad, one of our current students
