Music Therapy

If you would like to register and go into practice as a music therapist, this inspirational new masters course is the ideal route to success.

• Achieve your ambitions on the only course of its kind in the Midlands and North of England
• Choose an innovative masters degree which places music and musicianship at the heart of your learning and focuses on an integrative approach to practice
• Integrate theory with practical experience: you’ll spend a significant amount of your time on placement
• Learn from our experienced and enthusiastic tutors who continue to practise professionally as music therapists
• Broaden your perspectives through inter-professional learning with other arts therapists
• Benefit from our flexible and convenient study modes so that you can balance your learning with your other commitments
• Join a department with a longstanding reputation for high-quality training in therapeutic arts

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will engage in practical/experiential group learning, lectures, seminars and personal tutorials. Practical application is integrated with the theory you need to understand and develop your practice.

Music practice and performance, musicality and improvisation will be central to your learning and development throughout the programme. The theoretical content of the course will largely be delivered face to face, with some use of blended learning where appropriate.

How you'll be assessed

The assessment methods are all based on your coursework. This includes a variety of written essays, both academic and reflective; case studies, either written or presented; and live and recorded performance.

Who you'll meet

You will learn from a variety of tutors who are in practice, ensuring that the course content is current and relevant to the real world.

Applicants for the programme must hold a first degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject, or have significant relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.

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 attend a selection day to assess their suitability for the programme and their preparedness for the intensive nature of the training.

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

Please note that this course operates a pooled admissions approach and has a final application deadline of 17 May 2024. We may look to open another pool for our September 2024 intake, however this cannot be guaranteed.

Your portfolio 

Following application submission, applicants will be asked to submit an online portfolio. Applicants who are invited to submit a portfolio will have two weeks to do so and will receive guidance information related to the completion of the portfolio.

The portfolio element of your application must be submitted and passed in order for you to be shortlisted for interview.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory virtual interview. Non-attendance may result in your application being withdrawn.

2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional costs and optional extras

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

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.

Our new MA reflects the growing profile and status of the profession, enabling you to register and practise as a music therapist. It paves the way to rewarding careers in a wide range of health, social care and community settings. It could also give you a firm foundation if you would like to work on a self-employed or freelance basis.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Resources for practical workshops, clinical supervision, some travel to placements can also be refunded
• DBS check 
• Health screening costs

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Travel to and from placements, some placement related expenses are reimbursed if students spend more than £5 per day in travel to and from placement 
• Minimum of 72 sessions of personal therapy approx. £3000
• Students with a specialist instrument not available in the University will need to bring their own instrument if they wish to use it

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Any additional academic books that students feel they need
• Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
• Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding 
• Professional HCPC membership required to practice. More details can be found www.hcpc-uk.org
• British Association for Music Therapy - optional but advised

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.

Other courses you might like

• Art Therapy MA
• Dramatherapy MA
• Dance Movement Psychotherapy MA
• Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing BA (Hons)