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The MSc Music Therapy at Queen Margaret University prepares musicians to become qualified music therapists using psychodynamic, developmental, and person-centred approaches. It suits those who want registered therapeutic careers in health, education, or community practice.
Curriculum Structure:
In Year One, students complete Practice-based Learning 1 with weekly placement, study Developmental and Relational Perspectives, and build therapeutic musical skills through Therapeutic Practice and Resources. They also strengthen professional grounding through person-centred theory modules.
In Year Two, Practice-based Learning 2 increases placement responsibility, Arts Therapies in Context deepens critical understanding of practice settings, and the dissertation allows focused research in music therapy.
Focus areas: “Therapeutic improvisation; psychodynamic and developmental theory; person-centred practice; supervised clinical placement; arts-therapy research.”
Learning outcomes: “Ability to integrate music with psychological theory, conduct clinical practice, and produce independent research.”
Professional alignment: Leads to eligibility for HCPC registration; aligned with BAMT guidance.
Reputation: QMU is recognised for strong arts-therapy training and solid graduate employability.
Students develop professional art therapy skills through extensive clinical placements and experiential studio work using QMU's specialist art therapy facilities. They complete over 500 hours of supervised clinical practice alongside their academic studies. The programme's experiential components include:
Clinical Placements: Extensive supervised practice in mental health and community settings
Art Therapy Studios: Access to dedicated studios with specialist art materials
Experiential Learning: Personal engagement with art-making processes
Professional Supervision: Regular clinical supervision from qualified art therapists
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration: Preparation for statutory registration as an art therapist
Graduates of the MSc Music Therapy at Queen Margaret University are equipped with advanced therapeutic and musical skills to support emotional and psychological wellbeing across diverse populations. Typical job roles include Registered Music Therapist, Community Music Therapist, NHS Practitioner, and Freelance Music Therapy Consultant.
Key points:
The university provides extensive employability support including supervised practice placements, personal therapy, clinical supervision, and career guidance with a focus on preparation for professional registration.
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the British Association for Music Therapy, essential for professional practice.
Employment sectors include NHS, education, charities, community organizations, and freelance practice, with salary scales corresponding to clinical healthcare roles.
Strong university-industry partnerships ensure varied placement opportunities in healthcare, social services, and education, fostering rich practical experience.
Graduates demonstrate excellent readiness for professional music therapy roles with high employment rates nationally.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral research or further professional qualifications in music therapy or related creative arts therapies to deepen clinical expertise and advance their careers.
Applicants usually hold an honours degree or a comparable professional qualification. Valuing music in your own life and showing an interest in what music can offer in relationship with others, is important.India- They will consider applications from students holding a good Bachelors degree from a recognised university.USA- Students holding a good Bachelors degree from a recognised university IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5.UK applicants are expected to attend an interview at QMU or online and will be required to submit their art portfolio electronically. Interviews will take place normally between December and May.Music Therapist (in NHSeducationor private practice) Pediatric Music Therapist Mental Health Music Therapist Neurorehabilitation Music Therapist Palliative Care Music Therapist Learning Disabilities Music Therapist Forensic Music Therapist (in secure settings) Community Music Facilitator School Music Therapist Social Services Music Therapist
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Queen Margaret University
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