Training as a music therapist is a significant financial investment. Not only do trainees have to pay tuition fees and cover their living costs during the training, they also must fund travel to placement and personal therapy. Although music therapy is an Allied Health Profession, music therapy trainees are not currently eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund available to nursing, midwifery and other healthcare students. Additionally, music therapy trainees have often invested significant time and money in their musical training prior to applying to music therapy.
MTC’s contribution enables the MA Music Therapy course at Anglia Ruskin University to offer an entry bursary to first year trainees which is directed towards those encountering financial hardship or other barriers to training. Bursary applicants are asked to outline their future plans and aspirations on completion of the training course which means we can support those who will contribute meaningfully to their future communities as well as the music therapy profession.
The MA Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University is taught alongside the MA Dramatherapy. We welcome international students to the training and value the diverse communities and musical traditions represented by our trainees. Being able to offer financial support in the form of an entry bursary for music therapy increases access to training. This breadth enriches the teaching and learning community.
Music therapists work with diverse communities across the lifespan. MTC’s contribution enables access to training for individuals with unique and varied experiences. This in turn is leading to greater diversity within the music therapy workforce meaning the music therapy profession is in a better position to serve the needs of the whole UK population.