MA Dramatherapy
When can you start this course? |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
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.
About the 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 Professions Council (HPC) for registration as a Dramatherapist. HPC are the regulatory body.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
Modules
Stage 1
You'll take these modules
 Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice One (150 hours) What will I cover in this module?
You'll build up a core knowledge of human development, health and disability from social, psychological and physiological perspectives. It's essential that you understand the development of language, communication (verbal and non-verbal) and human relationships when you're carrying out clinical assessments of clients.
As well as considering the pathology and psychopathology of contemporary diagnostic groups used within the clinical environment, you will also be considering a wider range of factors that influence diagnosis, including cultural contexts. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Dramatherapy Clinical Placement One (300 hours) What will I cover in this module?
As a Dramatherapy student you will work in clinical setting under clinical supervision, giving you opportunity to integrate and apply your learning. This period of placement requires you to work a minimum of 1 day a week to acquire a minimum of 40 face to face client contact hours. On placement you will receive a minimum of 15 hours supervision provided by the placement.
The placement content will include initiating and facilitating Dramatherapy sessions, assessing their effectiveness, participating in case presentations, writing cogent reports and updating records as required, as well as implementing strategies for ending therapy sessions.
The university provides a reflective practice group that offers regular clinical supervision with a Dramatherapist. It will provide a forum for the discussion of issues arising in the clinical placement, and for the critical review of complex case material presented to the group by group members in turn. The emphasis will be on the process and function of Dramatherapy in the therapeutic relationship. The reflective practice group will be continuous throughout the second and third term. How many credits is it worth?
30 |
| Dramatherapy Group (150 hours) What will I cover in this module?
This module runs over two years and you'll pay for this module once during stage one.
An experiential group such as this, will enable you to develop empathy for clients, and a deeper understanding of group processes through your direct involvement in a closed group. This process serves to give you valuable feedback on your performance in the group setting and highlights potential areas for development.
Active and experiential learning encourages you to adopt responsibility for, participate in and reflect upon learning opportunities. However, it is important to respect that both your own and others' contributions during learning can be influenced by diverse social realities and learning priorities. You are encouraged to be aware of your own views, values and beliefs and respect and appreciate those of others. Whilst experience can be a useful learning resource, you have the right to decide what to share with others. You should not be pressurised to either share experience or conform to others views, values and beliefs. This module may potentially involve the sharing of personal material as part of your learning. You will be required to give your informed consent before engaging in the Dramatherapy experiential group and other forms of experiential learning. Experiential group work is seen as distinct from personal therapy.
In conjunction with the Dramatherapy Studio module, this module will give you opportunities to recognise the links between studio practice, theatre practitioners, ritual, metaphor, culture and Dramatherapy. This module will further develop the necessary skills for utilising self-expression, action and enactment in the therapeutic process. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Dramatherapy Practice Studio (150 hours) What will I cover in this module?
In this module you will be introduced to the application of theatre skills, drawn from a wide range of methods and approaches used within Dramatherapy practice. You'll begin to develop your emerging thinking about Dramatherapy practitioners and their unique approaches.
The module also aims to develop your drama and theatre skills to enable you to integrate the practical, creative, theoretical and therapeutic aspects of theatre.
The module will primarily work with application of notions of story which will include work with myth, fairytale and autobiography using applications such as role, masks and puppets. The module will particularly focus on role and characterisation in the context of story development. You will learn how to utilise a Dramatherapy and theatre model in a safe way for the development of therapeutic themes. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 2
You'll take these modules
| Arts Therapies Independent Scholarship (600 hours) What will I cover in this module?
This is your chance to show your ability at conducting a major piece of independently researched work. Your Independent Scholarship consists of a body of work, critique and oral presentation. Body of work The body of work for Dramatherapy students is a practical assessment that uses the performance of an action oriented presentation, integrating your research findings. The form of the presentation can be from the viewpoint of an actor, storyteller, director, or may move between these. Your body of work might take the form of the production of a film, drama presentation, theatrical script, physical theatre, puppet show or story telling (to give a few examples). These will be supported by a 'work book' demonstrating the development of your ideas. The 'work book' and the performance constitute the definition of the body of work. You must be able to demonstrate the ability to apply notions of embodiment, story, role and improvisation in the development of a sustained piece of action-based performance work. Oral presentation You will present the reasoning behind your body of work to your Independent Scholarship supervisors. Following the 20 minute presentation, 10 minutes of questions will follow about your body of work, presentation and written critique. The presentation will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of your body of work and literature/issues you have addressed in your performance and ethical considerations. You will present and articulate your views and evidence your findings through the performance process and how it relates to clinical reasoning and fitness to practice. Written Critique You will submit a 5,000 word written critique. The critique will include a clearly articulated rationale for the chosen methodology employed and demonstrate a depth of critical reflection upon the end product. Your body of work, critique and its relationship to fitness to practice issues, will also require interrogation outlining what ethical issues in your body of work needed consideration in relation to the client group. You must demonstrate the ability to plan, implement and evaluate a sustained piece of independent research that demonstrates the ability to synthesise theory and practice. You must be able to reflect on your independent scholarship in relation to Dramatherapy practice and the experience you may have gained in your clinical placement. The critique will integrate your clinical reasoning, performance philosophy and Dramatherapy practice with relevant research and theatre methodology. You will make clear the relationship between your independent scholarship aims and performance and how this relates to theatre making within Dramatherapy practice. How many credits is it worth?
60 |
| Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice Two (150 hours) What will I cover in this module?
In this module you'll have the opportunity to evaluate and theorise your clinical practice. It's imperative that you're able to focus on questions of theory and practice related to your placements. Questions of technique, theory and methodology are necessary to your development of therapeutic skills.
Evidence based practice has become an extremely important aspect of delivering a quality service, and is central to planning and evaluation. This module gives you the skills needed to be able to decide the type of evidence that is appropriate for a given area. It also prepares you to scrutinise existing literature and to find an aspect of practice which would benefit from further attention.
You'll then look at integrating evidence based practice with various research methodologies. You build on the foundation of evidence you've established through a literature search, by preparing an outline research proposal. You will need to consider methods of data collection and evaluation, which reflect the structure and concerns of the issue you're researching. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Dramatherapy Clinical Placement Two (300 hours) What will I cover in this module?
This module provides the opportunity for you to continue working in clinical settings under clinical supervision and allows for an increased depth of understanding in relation to unconscious processes to be developed in relation to therapeutic practice. This period of placement will last for up to 2 days a week with a minimum of 60 face to face client contact hours. This can be both group and individual work.
The placement content will include initiating and facilitating Dramatherapy sessions, assessing their effectiveness, participating in case presentations, writing cogent reports and updating records as required, as well as implementing strategies for ending therapy sessions. These activities will enable you to integrate theory into practice while working as part of a clinical team. How many credits is it worth?
30 |
Modules and content may change from year to year so this list is just a guide. We will confirm the exact modules that are on offer before you start your course.
Your career
When you have successfully completed all elements of the programme and are registered as a Dramatherapist with the Health Professions Council (HPC), 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
James Mellstrom, one of our current students:
"This course is challenging, but personally illuminating and creatively energising."
Jim Cameron, one of our current students:
"As a mature student, I've found the course rejuvinating and energising."
Nicola Phibben, 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."
Beth Pinches, 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!"
Amy Woodfield, 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."
Rozeena Sujjad, 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."
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed continually throughout the course by written assignments, presentations, case studies, placement reports and practical assessments.
Anything else?
It is recommended that you join the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) as a student member.
You'll undertake health screening at the start of the course.
Interview process
You'll attend a selection day which involves an experiential group exercise using drama and theatre (this could lasts up to two hours). You'll also need to submit a short piece of reflective writing on the group process, followed by a formal interview lasting 30 minutes.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
Fees*
UK/EU students
- £510 per single module (you usually take 4 of these modules in total)
- £1,020 per Clinical Placement module (you usually take 2 of these modules in total)
- £1,140 for Independent Scholarship
International students
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2011 and August 2012. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs eg for exams, trips or special modules.
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.
Entry requirements
You'll need: A relevant undergraduate degree such as BA (Hons) Drama, BA (Hons) Theatre Arts, ...
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 £500 in order to secure your place.
Standard entry requirements
