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Drama and Movement Therapy at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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Course summary

The MA Drama and Movement Therapy course at Central offers a particular pedagogic approach to learning the craft of dramatherapy and is a unique combination of drama and movement within an intensive experiential training. Studying on the course, you will:

  • Receive HCPC approved vocational training in the Sesame Approach to dramatherapy
  • Use a critical framework of Jungian psychology combined with contemporary theories in intersubjectivity and developmental psychology
  • Obtain apprenticeship model placements within NHS institutions, voluntary and education sectors with supervision
The Sesame Approach is informed by Jungian psychology and draws together Laban movement, play theory and Billy Lindkvist’s work with movement with touch and sound. Storytelling and image-based practice reflect a mythopoetic approach to the psyche. The combination of movement-based studio practice, collaborative facilitations, seminars and a shared research unit with other MA students creates a learning environment that encourages personal exploration, collaboration and critical reflection. Particularly in the first year, you will experience immersive practice in the subject areas of Laban movement, myth, movement with touch and sound, and drama. This is allied with studies in developmental and analytical psychology – specifically combining emergent knowledge of intersubjectivity and the work of Jung. The group process is central to your learning experience and supported by a weekly session across the first year that explores interpersonal dynamics and draws from group analytic theory. Placements are at the heart of the training and begin in the second term with the hallmark apprenticeship model. This offers well-supported early clinical practice with a specialist and qualified supervisor working alongside you as you begin to practise. All apprenticeship placements are arranged by Central and will normally include working with adults with mental health problems, elderly clients with dementia, people with learning disabilities, children with challenging behaviour and people on the autistic spectrum. The apprenticeship model is applied to placements in the spring and summer terms of the first year. In the second year, the Sustained Independent Project unit combines further placement practice working with different client groups, alongside individual and group supervision. You will also cultivate your professional identity during the second year through preparation for professional practice sessions in advance of the final assessment of a viva and the submission of a 12,000-word portfolio. The performing research unit also takes place in the second year and is an opportunity to research a particular area of practice. Upon receiving the master’s award, you are eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for membership as an Arts Therapist (Drama).

Modules

This course is taught across two years. Year One In year one, term one, you study two units. Unit One (Drama and Movement Therapy Practice) includes weekly sessions in the subjects of drama, myth, Laban, movement with touch and sound, and preparation for clinical practice. These strands combine to offer an experiential introduction to the discipline and a means for you to engage with your own process as a foundation for learning. Unit Two (Therapy and Psychology) is seminar-based with two strands: Analytical Psychology introduces you to the core concepts of Jung’s psychology and Developmental Psychology looks at emerging developmental theory and refers to, amongst others, Winnicott and Stern. Both strands offer a theoretical framework within which to examine and critique the practice of dramatherapy and the Sesame Approach. In terms two and three, the Facilitation Practice unit includes individual and pair work in the subject strands of Myth, Laban, Drama and Movement with Touch and Sound. You will research and lead sessions both individually and collaboratively. This unit offers a substantial opportunity to develop skills in planning, practice and peer feedback. The Performing Research unit is a shared postgraduate unit, which introduces fundamentals in research, including reference to methodologies that are performative and practice-based. The Practices One and Practices Two units frame two apprenticeship placements in the spring and summer term of the first year. These are supported by on-site specialist supervision as well as weekly sessions in preparation for clinical practice and group supervision at Central. Year Two Year two begins with the Sustained Independent Practice (SIP) unit, and you will undertake placement work to accumulate the required 100 sessions of client contact. Central supports you in finding placements during the second year and you are assigned an individual supervisor. You are at Central every Monday in term time in the second year for sessions in supervision, professional practice, and tutorials. In addition, Performing Research is a shared postgraduate unit, which introduces fundamentals in research, including reference to methodologies that are performative and practice-based. This begins in the spring term of the second year. The final piece of written work is a portfolio, which includes a 7,000-word critical essay, a 4,000-word report on clinical practice and a plan for future professional development. The final assessment is a viva voce. All clinical supervision costs are included in the course fees. You are required to be in individual therapy for the duration of the course, for which a Jungian analyst is strongly recommended. You are also required to join a dramatherapy group and complete at least 30 sessions. Please note that some of the dramatherapy groups may continue to run during the holiday periods. The cost of therapy is NOT included in the course fees.

Assessment method

This is by a range of methods which include written assignments, assessment of clinical practice and ongoing group work. There is ongoing tutor, peer and self-assessment. Assessment on placement is a key indicator of progress and standards of proficiency.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Health and Care Professions Council

How to apply

International applicants

https://www.cssd.ac.uk/international-students/information-international-applicants

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally possess an arts education or psychology degree. If applicants do not have a 1st degree (or equivalent), but have at least 2 years’ professional experience working with the arts in a community, educational or care setting, they will be considered for non-standard entry. An offer will normally only be made after interview.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £11550 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11550 Year 1
Scotland £11550 Year 1
Wales £11550 Year 1
Channel Islands £11550 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £11550 Year 1
EU £22050 Year 1
International £22050 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please note that the EU fee may not be applicable to students originating from an EU country who have settled/pre-settled status. Other criteria apply. See the gov.uk website for further details. Students who are applying for an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) to one they already possess, will be charged full fees, unless they are exempt. Please see the Office for Students' website for details.

Sponsorship information

https://www.cssd.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-bursaries-awards

Drama and Movement Therapy at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - UCAS