Why QMU ? The programme staff team are all active researchers and practising music therapists , as well as music therapy educators . The programme sits uniquely within an Arts Therapies Pathway as part of the Person-centred Practice Framework . Travel expenses to practice placement are covered for all Scottish-domiciled learners .
Practice education
Practice-based learning is ongoing throughout the programme . In Year One , practice education is usually with a music therapist , one day per week from October to March . In Year Two , you attend practice education two days per week throughout both semesters and work in a more autonomous way . You can be in various settings in Scotland , including within education , healthcare and the third sector . Practice-based learning can also be arranged further afield if students choose to commute ; the course has excellent partnerships with practice education providers across the UK , Ireland and Gibraltar . Practice placements are organised by the Professional Practice Tutor at QMU .
Careers
On graduation , you are eligible for registration with the HCPC , and will be qualified to work as a music therapist throughout the health , education and community sectors . Most graduates have found employment within care homes , schools , the NHS and charities . Many others have become successful freelance practitioners . There is a strong alumni community and graduates contribute to the programme in various ways .
Entry requirements
The MSc Music Therapy at QMU is academically , musically and personally demanding . Therefore , it is necessary that you are able to demonstrate your readiness for the course as well as meet the entry requirements .
Applicants usually have an honours degree . However , a comparable professional qualification , or extensive experience in a related field will be considered .
This is alongside evidence of a high standard of practical musicianship , a fundamental ability to listen openly and fluency in a diverse range of musics . You should be able to demonstrate a high degree of skill and flexibility on at least one instrument . You do not need to be able to read Western musical notation . We are committed to enabling and widening access for musicians from diverse backgrounds .
You will also have a minimum of one year ’ s experience of relevant work experience with persons in the community , education or health settings . Some experience of personal music therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy , or experiential workshops in creative therapies is desirable .
International : You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 , and with no individual component score less than 6.5 .
Interview : Interviews are usually held between January and June . Your personal statement should include the reasons you feel drawn to the profession of music therapy at this stage in your life and why the particular approach taught at Queen Margaret University appeals to you . Please include an outline of any texts you have read in preparation for this course . We would also like to hear about your own relationship with music and how this has shaped your decision to apply . In addition , please detail any relevant experience within caring professions , which does not need to be music related , and highlight particular qualities you feel you would bring to the
139 programme . Some applicants will be asked to attend interviews and audition . This will usually include group improvisation with other applicants and an individual audition in which the applicant will : play prepared pieces , improvise on a given theme and sing a short song of their own choice . The interview will assess each applicant ’ s personal suitability for the profession , ability to reflect and readiness for the demands that the course entails . For applicants who are unable to travel to QMU , or when social restrictions apply , auditions and interviews are held online .
Criminal Records Check : A satisfactory criminal records check will be required .
Other information Exit awards : MSc ( 240 credits )
Delivery : At QMU , online and in practice-based learning settings
Duration : Full-time : 2 years Start date : September 2022 Single module study : Not available .
Application deadline : 1 May . This course is highly competitive with limited places . We advise applicants to apply early to be considered . See pages 171-172 for more information on how to apply .
Class sizes : There are ( maximum ) 25 places for each cohort .
Fees : See pages 178-183
More information : Dr Philippa Derrington ( pderrington @ qmu . ac . uk ), Programme Leader , the Music Therapy team ( musictherapy @ qmu . ac . uk ) or Admissions ( admissions @ qmu . ac . uk ).