Dramatherapy MA
University of Derby
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2)

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Different course options
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

Britannia Mill

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

2 years

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Britannia Mill

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Subjects

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Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy
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Exam type

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Location

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Domestic
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EU
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Course info

Course descriptionStudy a Masters course approved by the Health and Care Professions CouncilGraduate successfully and you’ll be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered arts therapist (dramatherapist), as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements. This is a legal requirement for those wishing to work as a dramatherapist in the UKEnhance your knowledge of theatre in the therapeutic process, and explore the role of improvisation and the need to ...Read more

Course description

  • Study a Masters course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
  • Graduate successfully and you’ll be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered arts therapist (dramatherapist), as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements. This is a legal requirement for those wishing to work as a dramatherapist in the UK
  • Enhance your knowledge of theatre in the therapeutic process, and explore the role of improvisation and the need to adapt therapeutic interventions to individual and group needs
  • You’ll conduct a major piece of independently researched work in an area of personal interest
  • Further your understanding of psychological processes and have the opportunity to develop your own therapeutic approach.

How you will learn

Real world learning is incorporated into the programme with the inclusion of two clinical placement modules where you will be invited to develop your dramatherapy practice with both individuals and groups. Currently, the programme regularly hosts international guest lecturers.

How you're assessed

The emphasis of this programme is for you to produce original assessed work that is well-researched, current and largely reflective.

Assessments have been designed to be flexible and innovative, drawing upon the dramatic art-form as well as more traditional academic styles of assessment. Currently, students are assessed throughout the programme by submitting coursework (100%) including written reflections, case studies and presentations, a theatre review, literature reviews and practical facilitations. Our present final assessment requires you to conduct a piece of arts-based research in a methodology of your choosing. You'll be assessed by your creation of a theatrical performance, written critique (body of work) and through a viva voce discussion.

Careers

When you have successfully completed all elements of the course you are eligible to apply to be registered as a Dramatherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements. You could be employed in areas such as schools, prisons, hospitals, day centres, hospices, private health organisations, therapeutic communities. With further experience, you could work freelance.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
30/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
95th

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A relevant undergraduate degree such as BA (Hons) Drama, BA (Hons) Theatre Arts, BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing. Or you might hold an undergraduate degree or training in other areas such as psychology, occupational therapy, social work, nursing and have current evidence of theatre experience. You'll usually need one year's full time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in a health and social care environment. This can be paid or voluntary and can include areas such as mental health, learning disabilities, older people, children who have experienced trauma, physical disabilities or working with asylum seekers. The more experience you have, the more prepared you'll be for the course. You must demonstrate sufficient life experience and emotional maturity to cope with the demands of the course as the training and personal therapy processes can be emotionally challenging.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£6,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£13,500 for the full course

£7,450 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£14,900 for the full course

£7,450 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

£14,900 for the full course

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Derby
Mackworth Road Derby DE22 3BL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Peartree  1.4 miles away

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