Creative Arts and Music Therapy

Creative Arts and Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne provides music, drama and dance movement training for graduates committed to helping others. With clinical pathways to wellbeing and therapeutic practices, graduates will be equipped to provide high-level care in a growth industry.

At the University of Melbourne, we are committed to providing world-class education in creative arts therapy. Our music therapy course was the first offered in Australia, commencing in 1978, so we draw on a long and rich history in the field to equip you with the skills and expertise to forge a successful career in  creative arts therapy. Our drama and dance movement therapy programs are the first Masters level courses ever offered in Australia in those modalities.

We provide a thorough course of study for those wishing to practice as creative arts therapists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, special schools, mental health programs and private practice. Undergraduate students from other areas of the University can also learn about creative arts therapy through breadth studies in Music Psychology, Music and Health and Music and Spirituality

Graduate study in Music Therapy

Taken at the graduate level, our Master of Music Therapy program coursework is approved and validated by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA), leading to registration upon completion.

Students learn traditional and contemporary theoretical approaches to practices of music therapy with children and adults, as well as fundamental skills in music therapy research. You will develop voice and guitar skills, as well as learn how to use improvisation, songs, recordings and performances with individuals and groups.

Graduate Study in Creative Arts Therapy

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy is a unique program offering students a specialisation in either drama or dance movement therapy. Students undertake supervised creative arts therapies industry placements in various contexts including community, health and education. Graduates of this program are eligible for professional registration with appropriate professional associations including DTAA (Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia) and Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy has been developed specifically for arts educators, community arts workers, health workers and therapists who are interested in training to practice as a drama or dance movement therapist. It provides students with studies in theory, methods, research and professional practice across health, educational and community contexts. The teaching method incorporates experiential, theoretical and practice-based learning approaches.

This course has been developed in collaboration with the Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit Advisory Board and professional associations.

Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research

We have a thriving group of graduate researchers who are supported by the Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit (CAMTRU). The researchers contribute to teaching within our courses, in addition to our internationally renowned staff.

Creative Arts Therapy and Music Research Unit (CAMTRU)

Creative Arts and Music Therapy courses

Visit the University of Melbourne course site to find out more on undergraduate and graduate courses

I always knew and felt the power that music has, but I had no idea how effective it could be in helping those in need. From birth right through to palliative care, music therapists are able to assist in emotional, developmental, communication and rehabilitative needs during any stage of life. I find that astounding. I feel very lucky to have found an area of study and future work in which I will be able to help people in times of need and play music along the way.

Andrew Bucknall
Master of Music Therapy

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