In the UK professional music therapy qualifications are required at postgraduate level.
Music therapy is an inspiring and rewarding career. A high level of musicianship is required and an approved postgraduate MA training in music therapy must then be undertaken. Entry level clinicians must have completed a 3 year musical training leading to a Diploma or Masters from a college of music, or Degree from a University followed by a postgraduate qualification in Music Therapy. Very occasionally students who hold qualifications in subjects other than music, e.g. education or psychology, may be accepted if they have achieved a high standard of musicianship. Assessment of personality and suitability for the work also form part of an interview.
The Institutions listed below offer courses with qualifications recognised by the Association of Professional Music Therapists and regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC):
Anglia Ruskin University
Music Department Office,
Anglia Ruskin University,
Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Education,
Division of Music and Performing Arts,
East Road,
Cambridge
CB1 1PT,
UK,
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1223 363271 ext 2045,
Email: music@anglia.ac.uk
Nordoff Robbins Edinburgh
MSc in Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins), Edinburgh
James Robertson,
Programme Co-ordinator,
MSc Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins),
Queen Margaret University Edinburgh,
Queen margaret University Drive,
Musselburgh,
East Lothian
EH21 6UU,
Scotland,
Tel. + 44 (0)131 474 0000,
Fax + 44 (0)131 474 0001,
E-mail jrobertson@qmuc.ac.uk
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
MA in Music Therapy (GSMD/City)
The Registrar,
Guildhall School of Music and Drama,
Barbican,
London
EC2Y 8DT,
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7628 2571
Nordoff-Robbins
c/o Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy,
2 Lissenden Gardens,
London
NW5 1PQ,
UK,
Telephone: + 44 (020) 7267 4496,
Email: matraining@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Roehampton University
MA in Music Therapy - Roehampton University London
School of Human and Life Sciences,
Roehampton University,
Whitelands College,
Holybourne Avenue,
London,
SW15 4JD,
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 8392 3709/3423,
Email: music-therapy@roehampton.ac.uk
University of the West of England
MA Music Therapy - University of the West of England
Continuing Professional Development and Conference Unit,
Faculty of Health and Social Care,
University of the West of England,
Health Training and Research Centre,
Frenchay Campus,
Bristol
BS16 1QY
Telephone: + 44 (0) 117 32 81158
Email: HSC.CPD@uwe.ac.uk.
Also visit the website of the British Association of Music Therapists (www.bamt.org)