University of Limerick - Music Therapy

Course Overview/Contact:

Application Deadline:  30th March 2017 

Audition dates for EU students are likely to be in April and May (to be confirmed)

The MA in Music Therapy is a two-year full-time programme of study which prepares graduates for professional practice as a music therapist. The course requires a high level of music skill at entry allowing students to make the transition to the use of these music skills in therapeutic work with a range of client groups in different contexts. Students attend clinical placements throughout each semester of the course; these are usually offered at various sites in Ireland but sometimes can be offered abroad. Music therapy theory, research skills, sensitivity to cross-cultural issues and the use of the self in relating to others form the basis of studies to prepare students for work in the clinical practice context.

Objectives:

• To prepare students for professional practice as a music therapist
• To develop socially aware graduates who are able to make a contribution to the developing profession of music therapy in Ireland
• To contribute to the research base of the profession

For academic queries on this programme contact:

Course Director:  Hilary Moss
The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance
Tel : 353-61-213122
Email: Hilary.Moss@ul.ie
Email: musictherapy@ul.ie
Web:  - http://www.irishworldacademy.ie/postraduate-programmes/ma-music-therapy/faq/

Graduate Profile:

Graduates of the MA in Music Therapy have attained successful careers in the health and education services in Ireland and abroad. Graduates work in special schools, nursing homes, hospice services, residential services for adults with intellectual disability and adults who have acquired brain injury.

Programme Content:

Semester 1	Semester 2
MU5061 Arts in Health MU5211 Clinical Orientation MU6051 Arts-Informed Research MD6031 Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research Options: students can choose one option from the list below MD6101 Interdisciplinary Improvisation MD6061 Introduction to Somatics 1 MD6111 Colloquium 1	MU5072 Music Therapy Practice 1 MU5062 Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 1 MD6051 Independent Study 1 Options: students can choose one option from the list below MD6102 Colloquium 2 MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2 MD6052 Independent Study 2
Semester 3	Semester 4
MU5043 Music Therapy Project 1 MU5033 Music Therapy Practice 2 MU5023 Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 2	MU5223 Seminar in Clinical Music Therapy MU5004 Music Therapy Fieldwork Practice 3 MU5532 Music Therapy Final Project

 

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Entry Requirements:

A high level of music skills in performance. A degree qualification (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or equivalent in any of the following; music, psychology, health sciences, medicine, education or related discipline. Experience of working with people who have additional needs. A willingness to engage with the personal development opportunities in the course through attending the self-funded psychotherapy component. An interview/audition will be offered to short-listed candidates who will be required to perform pieces on their first instrument and sing at least one song accompanying themselves on piano and guitar.  It is not possible to enter the course without successfully completing the audition process.

Garda clearance is also required for this programme.

What to Include with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
• English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language)
• A copy of your birth certificate/passport
• 2 letters of references
• A Supporting Statement (maximum 1 x A4 page) outlining (1) why you wish to undertake the MA in Music Therapy (2) Relevant work or voluntary experience you believe is relevant to your application (3) Musical experience and (4) any other information you feel supports your application.
• A short recording (max 5 minutes) of yourself with 2 musical excerpts (1) playing their primary instrument; then (2) singing accompanied by either piano  or guitar.  Recordings can be sent by .mp4 or .mov or via a youtube or vimeo link.

Applicants from Ireland and the UK are expected to attend for audition in person. Applicants from other countries will be expected to audition via telephone/Skype interview. Accompanists are not provided for the audition. Should an accompanist be required then it is up the candidate to arrange and fund this themselves. 

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.