Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

MA Dramatherapy

Apply now Come to an Open Evening

Introduction

Get professional training in dramatherapy on this accredited Masters degree. Gain experience on clinical placements and qualify to work in the arts therapies in the UK and overseas.

MA Dramatherapy student placement spotlight

Madelaine is a graduate of our MA Dramatherapy. During the course, she attended a placement under the mentorship of Rebecca at London Disability Network and now works as a registered Dramatherapist.

Read an interview with Madelaine and Rebecca

Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.

Study at our world-class centre for music and dramatherapy in Cambridge and benefit from our international network of professional arts therapists.

You’ll be supported by our team of practising and research-active dramatherapists. We’ll give you access to the latest and most effective dramatherapy approaches with both adults and children.

Our MA Dramatherapy is accredited by the Health & Care Professions Council, so when you graduate you’ll be eligible to register with the HCPC – a legal requirement for your future career as a practising dramatherapist in the UK.

ARU has been ranked in the top 20% of universities in the world for Good Health and Wellbeing in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Entry requirements

Loading...

Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.

Fees and paying for university

Facilities and showcase

Specialist facilities

At ARU you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:

  • the Jerome Booth Music Therapy Centre, where we provide clinical arts-based therapies
  • two dedicated drama studios, including a highly flexible black-box performance space
  • the Mumford Theatre for workshops, rehearsals and putting on shows, as well as seeing professional touring companies and musicians.

Hands-on learning

There’s nothing like first-hand experience. Here at ARU, you’ll take part in clinical placements under the supervision of qualified therapists. Placements vary, and you could find yourself working in community settings, schools, hospitals or hospices. It’s great preparation for your future career.

Take a closer look

Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.

Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.

Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

Health & Care Professions Council

Our MA Dramatherapy is accredited by the Health & Care Professions Council, allowing you to register with the HCPC when you graduate and work as a professional drama therapist.

Careers

As a qualified dramatherapist you will be able to work in many different areas, such as the NHS, social services, education or community projects. You may also choose to work privately or on a freelance basis, with a client base from prisoners to children with learning difficulties.

Successful completion of this Masters degree will allow you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. This is a legal requirement for practising dramatherapists in the UK.

You will also benefit from our links with the British Association of Dramatherapists and other allied health professions and practitioners, such as psychotherapists, arts therapists and psychiatrists.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Dramatherapy or PhD Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Apply now for MA Dramatherapy

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

The Queen's Anniversary Prize for our music therapy research

Our world-leading music therapy work, in particular our focus on the wellbeing of people living with dementia, earned The Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2021. These prizes are the highest national honour in higher and further education. They recognise outstanding work that shows the highest levels of quality and innovation and delivers significant public benefit.

Find out more about the Queen's Anniversary prize

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our Cambridge

Benefits of postgraduate study

Improve your employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate study at ARU