Top therapy degrees you can study at university

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This handy guide to therapy degrees includes a rundown of the top qualifications on offer for each one, useful reference websites and quotes from students, practitioners and professionals. So read on, you lucky lot, for a bite-sized round-up of all things therapy-related…

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an umbrella term that encompasses various treatment methods and approaches, some of which you’ve probably heard of, such as cognitive and/or behavioural therapy, mindfulness and relationship therapy.

For an A-Z list of types of therapy that fit into this category, check out the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's website, as there’s loads of other helpful resources on there too. 

COURSES: By overall ranking on the Complete University Guide, here are the top three unis offering courses in psychotherapy:

1. Edge Hill University
2. Manchester Metropolitan University
3. Goldsmith's University

WHAT THEY SAY:

Gail Evans, the Head of the Counselling Unit at Sheffield Hallam University, gives an insight into what tutors want to see in potential psychotherapists and counsellors:

"We look for evidence that you have learned from your life's experience - what you have learned about yourself, how you function internally and in relation to others, what you have come to understand about how other people function, and how these things might make you a better counsellor."

Occupational therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists help people to manage daily activities that may be difficult for them as a result of physical and mental disorders or illnesses. Universities and colleges that specialise in more vocational courses are likely to offer qualifications in occupational health or therapy, sometimes combined with other creative and/or physical therapies such as sports, dance or drama therapy. 

COURSES: By subject ranking, according to Complete University Guide, the top three full-time undergraduate courses for occupational therapy are:

1. University of East Anglia
2. University of Southampton
3. University of Liverpool

WHAT THEY SAY:

Bethan Dickson, an OT Student at Brunel University says:

"I think if you want a career that can be varied, but is based on the same principles, so that you can work with people from 6 months to 90 years of age, and you want to be flexible, and you want to be creative, it’s perfect for you."

Creative therapies (art, music, dance, drama etc)

Creative therapies are essentially a different approach to counselling and psychotherapy. Instead of talking, the therapist might encourage a patient to draw, paint, engage in drama activities, dance, sing… If you’re looking to combine your gift for understanding and helping people with your passion for creative arts this could be the path for you!

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy uses movement and exercise to rehabilitate people who’ve been affected physically by an injury, disability or illness. N.B. sports therapy is very similar, but with a specific focus on sporting injuries and issues. 

COURSES: By subject ranking according to Complete University Guide, below are the top three physiotherapy courses in the UK.

1. University of Birmingham
2. University of East Anglia
3. Robert Gordon University

WHAT THEY SAY:

Sammy Margo, a Media Physiotherapist and Private Practitioner, gives her own ringing endorsement on the CSP website:

"Physiotherapy is the best thing that ever happened to me. After 20 years I still love going to work and remain passionate about my amazing profession."

And Kirsten Lord, a Managing Director and Private Practitioner, says that "every day is different. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation that all facets of being a physiotherapist bring."

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapists can assist anyone from children to adults to the elderly with a range of – you guessed it – speech and language problems. 

WHAT THEY SAY:

The SLT Careers Guide recommends visiting your local speech and language therapy team to get a ‘flavour’ of what they do, and advises that speech and language therapy is a varied, exciting and rewarding career. For case studies, see Pages 6-7 of the guide. 

And finally…

Other types of therapy that may not require an academic qualification, but which you can still take courses for, include:

• Massage therapy
• Beauty therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Animal-assisted therapy (can involve dogs, cats, horses, or fish – yes, really),
• Horticultural therapy (gardening)
• Bibliotherapy (reading)

Fancy studying therapy at university? Browse courses right here on Whatuni!