Master of Music Therapy (by coursework)
The Master of Music Therapy by Coursework (MMusThrp) provides a course for those that have completed appropriate tertiary qualifications in music, music education, or other approved Bachelors Degree. The course provides a thorough study of the theory, practice and research of music therapy.
A major component of the course is four clinical training placements in hospitals, schools, residential care and the community. The Master of Music Therapy also includes a minor thesis in which you carry out a small research study.
The Master of Music Therapy is 2 years full-time. Part-time study may be undertaken with the approval of the Course Coordinator. On satisfactory completion of the MMusThrp, graduates will be eligible for Registration as Music Therapists (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (Inc.).
Graduates are employed in hospitals, special schools, aged care facilities, community health programs and private practice. The Master of Music Therapy course is approved and endorsed by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates are eligible to apply for Registration with AMTA.
Master of Music Therapy (by Coursework) is available in two modes. On-campus mode is taught in the traditional model of face-to-face lectures and tutorials for students who live in the Melbourne area. Blended Learning mode (partially online, and partially intensive learning) is available to interstate students where access to an accredited music therapy training course is not available, and those in rural areas where approved Clinical Training arrangements can be made. The blended learning version of the course covers all subjects offered in the traditional class-mode.
On completion of the Master of Music Therapy, students should:
- Be able to understand and identify, use and evaluate concepts and principles of music therapy and the various theories that underpin the practice of music therapy;
- Have acquired the skills in musicianship and the advanced knowledge of music styles and idioms, including improvisation, which will enable them to direct creative music activities for clients within the music therapy context;
- Have acquired skills in the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of music therapy programs in a diverse range of clinical/special education settings;
- Understand relevant clinical conditions and the application of music as a treatment/special education modality;
- Be able to carry out independent research and analysis into music therapy and to think creatively about issues arising in their practice;
- Appreciate the ethical responsibilities of music therapists in health and special education facilities and to the individuals within those facilities;
- Be committed to enhancing the well being of clients.
Master of Music Therapy – Blended Learning Mode
The Blended Learning version of the course covers all subjects offered in the traditional on-campus mode: Theoretical subjects (i.e. Applications, Research and Thesis subjects) will be offered via online delivery; Music Therapy Skills subjects will be taught in intensive mode; Clinical Training will be carried out in the student’s home state where suitable supervision from a qualified Music Therapist is available, and tutorials will be incorporated into the intensive teaching weekends. The Blended Learning mode has been approved by the University of Melbourne, and the Education Committee of the Australian Music Therapy Association.
Requirements
Blending Learning students are required to meet all the eligibility criteria noted for entry into the MMusThrp (Coursework). Blended Learning students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs during intensive teaching periods in Melbourne. Part-time Blended Learning may be approved by course co-ordinator, on application.
Intensive Weekend Learning
Students enrolled in the Blended Learning mode will travel to Melbourne twice each semester (4 times each year). The schedule for each seminar is:
- Friday 9:00-5:00 Clinical training tutorials
- Saturday 9:00 – 5:00 Music Therapy Skills
- Sunday 9:00 – 5:00 Music Therapy Skills
Monday Additional tutorials as required, access to library and thesis supervision (2nd year)
Online Learning
The theoretical subjects (Applications A, B, & C) will be offered via online delivery, incorporating a range of strategies including video interviews with lecturers, presentations of case studies via blogs, online discussion forums of required readings and slide presentations of relevant information.
- For Research in Music Therapy, students will listen to the lecture with powerpoint slides for 1 hour, then work online with small groups.
- For Music Psychology Research, lectures in Melbourne will be podcast, and students enrolled through the on-line course will have access to those lectures.
- For Minor Thesis, students will listen to discussions about students’ projects, and have email correspondence with their supervisor about their study.
Clinical Training
Clinical Training will be carried out in the student’s home State if there is adequate supervision from a qualified music therapist available. Students undertake up to 2 days per week of supervised clinical training, with at least one-hour face-to-face supervision each week. If local supervision is not available, a full-time block placement in Victoria may be available. Please note that clinical training placements will involve some travel.
View the handbook entry for detailed subject information
