How to become a music therapist

There are currently seven music therapy training courses in the UK.

Entry requirements

The post-graduate music therapy training courses all require a high level of musicianship and students are normally accepted only if they have a three year musical training leading to a diploma or graduation from a college of music or a degree from a university. 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 musical performance. In addition to this, the interview will assess your personality and suitability for the work. The Health Professions Council requires that postgraduate students should be at least 23 years old.

The courses

Guildhall School of Music and Drama: Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy (validated by the University of York)

Nordoff-Robbins: Master of Music Therapy (MMT)/Postgraduate Diploma in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (City University, London)

Roehampton University: MA/Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy

University of the West of England: MSc in Music Therapy

Anglia Ruskin University: MA in Music Therapy

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama: Post-Graduate Diploma/MA in Music Therapy

Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh: MSc in Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins)