Course summary
This new MSc Dramatherapy is the first of its kind in Scotland and the only opportunity to engage in accredited training as a Dramatherapist here. It offers a rewarding and creative approach to working with others and is an exciting development in the life of the profession in Scotland. This full-time course leads to eligibility to register with the Health and Care Processions Council (HCPC) and use the protected title of ‘Dramatherapist’. The rich potential of creative, embodied expression, your desire to work with others in a meaningful way and the life changing potential of psychotherapy all come together in this pioneering programme. If you have at least one year’s experience of working alongside people, either within a mental or physical health setting, education, social services or the voluntary sector, this course will help you build on your interpersonal and creative skills and develop new competencies as a Dramatherapist.
Modules
Year One Dramatherapy Practice and Clinical Resources (20 credits) Theory and Practice of Person-Centred Health and Wellbeing (20 credits) Leading Person-Centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits) Practice-based Learning (Placement) 1 (40 credits) Developmental and Relational Perspectives (20 credits) Year Two Practice-based Learning (Placement) 2 (40 credits) Arts Therapies in Context (20 credits) Dissertation (60 credits) NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2023) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.
Assessment method
You will attend workshops/classes, work in groups and carry out independent learning. Assessment methods include assessed facilitation (group and 1:1), devised therapeutic performances, essays and viva presentations. You will undertake practice placements in different settings over two years.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Association for Dramatherapists
- Health and Care Professions Council
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
Due to visa requirements for International students, they will not be able to study on the part time course.
Entry requirements
UK honours degree or equivalent in a related field. This will not necessarily be in the field of drama/theatre; applicants may also come from education, psychology, other allied health professions, social work or other backgrounds. Creative and drama-based skills and experience will be considered on admissions day (see below). Normally a minimum of one year’s experience (or part-time equivalent) of work in a caring / facilitating capacity or equivalent. Relevant work includes: nursing assistant, project worker, arts-based facilitator, care work in a community setting, drama teaching. Some experience of having been engaged in psychotherapy/counselling, or experiential workshops in creative therapies is desirable. International: You you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5. Criminal records check: A satisfactory criminal records check will be required. Admissions day/Interview: UK applicants are expected to attend an admissions day at QMU. These will usually be held in March and June (tbc) and the application deadlines will be set in advance of these days. The admissions day will involve creative group workshops and an individual interview. Interviews for international students will be conducted using an online platform.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9210 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9210 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9210 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9210 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9210 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9210 | Year 1 |
| International | £16725 | 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
2025 Postgraduate Arts Therapies
PLEASE NOTE: Fees are per year, our Art Therapy courses are two year courses.
Fees detailed exclude any dissertation or 'top-up' fees.
These are full-time fees for QMU's Art Therapy courses and applies for the following: MSc Art Psychotherapy, MSc Dramatherapy and MSc Music Therapy.
Provider information
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU