Music Therapy - MA Programme content
Develop your music and therapeutic skills to become a music therapist who can work with a range of people across the lifespan.
Key information
EU fees per year
€7,995
Non-EU fees per year
€18,000
NFQ Level
NFQ Level 9 Major
Duration
Two years
Attendance
Full-time
Programme type
Taught
Start date
September
Award
Masters
Key information
- Complete full-time over two years
- Blended delivery – mix of online and on-campus
- Modules taught during autumn (12 weeks) and spring (12 weeks) semesters
Year 1
- Two days of classes per week, alternating between on-campus and online delivery.
- Autumn semester: Lectures two days per week.
- Spring semester: two days of classes and one day of placement per week.
- Two days (or equivalent) of independent study each week.
Year 2 (Schedule alternates weekly):
- Autumn semester: Two days of classes per week alternating between on-campus and online delivery and one day of placement per week.
- Spring semester: One day of classes per week alternating between on-campus and online delivery and two days of placement per week.
- Two days (or equivalent) of independent study per week.
- Submit research project at the end of the final semester
- Full-time students take 3 core modules and 1 elective module each semester in Year 1
- Graduates are eligible to join Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists as full members
- Placements are assigned and cannot be tailored to specific populations (e.g. autism, hospice)
- Placement locations are not guaranteed, but every effort is made to match students with therapists in their region. Students should expect at least one placement in Dublin throughout their training.
- International students may apply to complete Semester 1 or 4 in their home country, dependent on assessment of specific requirements
- See full list of Frequently Asked Questions
Programme content - Year 1
Core modules
- Clinical Orientation (MU5211) focuses on the development of practical music making skills related to music therapy practice, observational skills and assessment and treatment planning.
- Arts and Health Practice and Enquiry (MU6081) explores the role of the arts in health and well-being throughout history and the use of contemporary arts practices in healthcare contexts.
- Media and Music Technologies for Music Therapy (MD6281) outlines technologies and applications suitable for music therapy and teaches students how to use them effectively in a standard music therapy session.
Electives – choose 1
- Introduction to Somatics 1 (MD6061)
- Colloquium 1 (MD6111)
- Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 1 (AW6001)
- Independent Study 1 (MD6051)
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Core modules
- Music Therapy Practice 1 (MU5072) helps students develop music skills relevant to clinical engagement and facilitation in a range of therapeutic contexts.
- Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 1 (MU5062) enables students to develop skills in providing weekly regular clinical work alongside a qualified music therapy supervisor.
- Independent Study 2 (MD6052) enables students to pursue self-directed learning of an academic or performance-based project.
Electives – choose 1
- Colloquium 2 (MD6102)
- Introduction to Somatics 2 (MD6092)
- Thesis Writing (for Postgraduate International Students) (AW6012 – SEM 2)
- Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy (MD6062)
- Broadening through awareness, activism and the arts (BR6002)
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Programme content - Year 2
Core modules
- Music Therapy Project 1 (MU5043) enables students to develop music therapy research from idea to ethical clearance stage.
- Music Therapy Practice 2 (MU5033) focuses on psychodynamic and psychosocial approaches within music therapy practice.
- Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 2 (MU5023) develops competencies in planning and leading sessions with music therapy clients.
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Core modules
- Seminar in Clinical Music Therapy (MU5223) develops music therapy skills in individual and group therapy contexts and for reflective practice.
- Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 3 (MU5004) develops competencies in programme development within an existing service, and in planning and leading sessions with music therapy clients.
- Music Therapy Final Project (MU5532)
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.
Area(s) of interest
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