MA Dramatherapy

Introduction

Get professional training in dramatherapy on this accredited Masters degree. Gain experience on clinical placements and qualify to work in the arts therapies in the UK and overseas. Study at our world-class centre for music and dramatherapy in Cambridge and benefit from our international network of professional arts therapists. You’ll be supported by our team of practising and research-active dramatherapists. We’ll give you access to the latest and most effective dramatherapy approaches with both adults and children. Our MA Dramatherapy is accredited by the Health & Care Professions Council, so when you graduate you’ll be eligible to register with the HCPC – a legal requirement for your future career as a practising dramatherapist in the UK.

This full-time two-year Masters degree will introduce you to a range of approaches to dramatherapy through lectures, workshops, case discussions and theoretical studies. You’ll also undertake clinical placements in both years, under the supervision of qualified therapists. Your studies will focus on intercultural practice, attachment/mother-infant observation and understanding how past relationships manifest in current client difficulties. You’ll learn how these can be worked with through the dramatherapeutic relationship. You will also work closely with MA Music Therapy students in lectures and performance work. Our experiential teaching will focus on your own dramatic autobiographical process, dramatherapy theory and links between theory and practice. In bi-weekly regular experiential dramatherapy groups you will l reflect on your clinical experiences and the process of becoming a dramatherapist. Your clinical placements could be in community settings, schools, hospitals or hospices and will give you valuable experience of working in a multidisciplinary team and great preparation for employment. There are just 15 places available on our Masters in Dramatherapy, so you’ll learn as part of a small group and benefit from valuable placement opportunities. Places are filled in order of acceptance after which, if your application is successful, you will be offered a place on a waiting list.

How you'll be assessed

You will demonstrate your learning in a number of ways, including essays, live presentations and practical tasks such as improvisation and performance. You will also be asked to undertake some self-analysis and reflection in discussion with your personal tutor.

Careers

As a qualified dramatherapist you will be able to work in many different areas, such as the NHS, social services, education or community projects. You may also choose to work privately or on a freelance basis, with a client base from prisoners to children with learning difficulties. Successful completion of this Masters degree will allow you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. This is a legal requirement for practising dramatherapists in the UK. You will also benefit from our links with the British Association of Dramatherapists and other allied health professions and practitioners, such as psychotherapists, arts therapists and psychiatrists. You will gain Intermediate awards: PG Cert, PG Dip.

Students need a good 2.1 honours degree classification (or equivalent) in drama, performing arts or a related subject. Evidence of sustained engagement with drama in a variety of forms (theatre, movement, performance). Relevant motivation, maturity and ability to reflect on self in relation to others. Two references, DBS Enhanced Level check and Occupational Health clearance will be required. Minimum of 1-year full time (or equivalent) clinical/field work experience preferably with children, adults or older people working in a caring capacity including in teaching, social work, mental health and community drama in a professional or voluntary capacity.