MSc Art Dramatherapy
This new MSc Dramatherapy is the first of its kind in Scotland and the only opportunity to engage in accredited training as a dramatherapist here . It offers a rewarding and creative approach to working with others and is an exciting development in the life of the profession in Scotland . This full-time course leads to eligibility to register with the Health and Care Processions
Council ( HCPC ) and use the protected title of ‘ dramatherapist ’.
The rich potential of creative , embodied expression , your desire to work with others in a meaningful way and the life changing potential of psychotherapy all come together in this pioneering programme . If you have at least one year ’ s experience of working alongside people , either within a mental or physical health setting , education , social services or the voluntary sector , this course will help you build on your interpersonal and creative skills and develop new competencies as a dramatherapist .
Dramatherapists employ the imaginative , symbolic and metaphoric processes inherent to drama and theatre in the live explorations of their clients . They work with others to access their creative capacities , and foster therapeutic relationships that are conducive to building self-understanding , growth and change . The process of playing , moving and enacting in the presence of another can have a positively profound effect on a person ’ s mental health and wellbeing .
A person ’ s internal world - their experiences and feelings - are given creative and symbolic expression in the external world through different dramatherapy processes and structures . Experiences can be explored and ‘ held ’ by the safe use of the art form and expressive processes , which may involve role play , stories , movement , masks , puppets / small objects and other materials and methods that engage a person ’ s imagination .
You could work with people of any age and from diverse backgrounds and settings , individually or in groups , supporting them in using dramatic forms to communicate and express themselves and engaging with a whole range of human experiences . The task is to support someone in making sense of their experiences and relationships , including those that cause them distress , by providing a safe , consistent and reliable environment . Utilising different dramatic forms within this therapeutic environment can support someone to develop insight and bring about change .
As a student on this course , you will be engaged in an experiential style of learning within your practice group , working alongside others in workshopbased , group processes , in addition to theoretical studies and practice-based learning .
Group sessions will include play , dramatic projection , role work , dramatic enactments , movement , symbol and metaphor , storytelling / myth and ritual , and their application to this psychotherapeutic approach .
Key learning takes place within the modality of dramatherapy , and a commitment to regular personal therapy throughout the programme . Practice placements , where you will be working with clients , will build on your experiential and theoretical learning and allow you to apply your developing skills . You will engage in regular clinical supervision with an external , registered supervisor , as well as managerial supervision within the practice placement setting .
Your learning will be enriched by the interdisciplinary structure of the course as you study alongside your peers from our MSc Art Psychotherapy and MSc Music Therapy , as well as other pathways within the Person-centred Practice Framework ( see pages 102-103 for more information ).
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Structure
You must complete the full MSc to be eligible to register with the HCPC and to work as a dramatherapist . Single module study is not available , but we do offer an introductory short course ( non-credited ) - see the CPD section of our website at : www . qmu . ac . uk / study-here / continuingprofessional-development-cpd-courses /
Teaching , learning and assessment
You will attend workshops / classes , work in groups and carry out independent learning . Assessment methods include assessed facilitation ( group and 1:1 ), devised therapeutic performances , essays and presentations . You will undertake practice placements in different settings over two years .
Teaching hours and attendance
Classes in Year One usually take place at QMU across two days per week and in Year Two , across one day . You will attend practice placements throughout the course . All students will be required to carry out independent learning .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
Graduates are eligible for registration with the HCPC as registered dramatherapists and are eligible for full membership of the British Association of Dramatherapists ( BADth ). Student membership is also possible while a student on the course . The course meets the requirements of the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Dramatherapists .