Overview
Welcome to the Dramatherapy Master of Arts (MA) Programme, an innovative programme designed to prepare the next generation of dramatherapists for the complexities and diversities of contemporary health contexts. Rooted in a groundbreaking ethnographical arts-based approach, this programme is committed to promoting cultural responsibility, inclusivity, and representation in the educational domain. Our mission is to foster a critical understanding of dramatherapy theory and practice, underlining our dedication to diversity and aspiring to provide an enriching educational experience for all participants. This lays a solid foundation for your prospective career in Dramatherapy, equipped with the advanced skills, knowledge, and confidence required to address a wide spectrum of health needs across physical, mental health, and community sectors.
Unique Programme Features
- Ethnographical Approach: Highlights our commitment to cultural sensitivity and diversity.
- Partnership with CNWL NHS Foundation Trust: Ensures valuable work placement experiences.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration (pending accreditation by the HCPC): Once accredited, graduates will be eligible for registration with the HCPC, a key step in your professional journey.
- Healthcare Experience: Offers practical experience in health contexts, aligning with strategic healthcare goals.
Our Aims
The Dramatherapy MA Programme is dedicated to producing graduates who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also innovative and culturally sensitive. We aim to equip you with the competencies necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of dramatherapy and the diverse communities you will serve. By fostering a critical exploration of dramatherapy practices and theories, we prepare you to navigate and address the multifaceted health needs encountered in professional settings.
Your Future
This programme is your gateway to a fulfilling career in dramatherapy, providing you with the qualifications approved (pending) by the HCPC and in line with the strategic objectives of NHS England and local NHS Trusts. Our emphasis on work placement experience, in partnership with leading health care providers, ensures that you are well prepared to enter the workforce with a strong, practical foundation and a deep understanding of the importance of integrating health care services with the third sector.
Take the Next Step
We invite you to explore further information about the Dramatherapy MA Programme and take the first step towards a rewarding career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The Dramatherapy Master of Arts (MA) Programme, beginning each September, is a two-year, full-time course integrating academic learning with practical experience through two key clinical placements (one in each year). This programme is designed to cultivate both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in real-world settings, ensuring a well-rounded education in dramatherapy.
Students engage with a diverse curriculum that spans the therapeutic relationship, psychodynamic theory, health, arts and humanities, and anthropological perspectives. This multifaceted approach guarantees a deep understanding of dramatherapy theory, research, and practice. Central to the programme is a commitment to cultural sensitivity, addressing the varied social and healthcare needs across different populations, emphasising personalisation in therapy to cater to individual and community needs.
Led by experts, the course teaches evidence-based, innovative approaches, including arts-based collaboration and co-production, focusing on delivering safe and effective care. Graduates leave with a profound ability to provide personalised, culturally aware dramatherapy, prepared for dynamic careers that contribute significantly to the health and well-being of diverse communities. This programme promises a transformative educational experience, equipping students to impact the field of dramatherapy positively.
Compulsory
- Arts and Human Development
This module will enable you to be able to critique and analyse a range of theories about how you understand human development, arts and the lifespan. In addition, you will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of culturally sensitive, artistic practice and its relationship with the socioeconomic and cultural environment. It will also help to prepare you for working within a range of community contexts using arts to respond to social and health care needs of the participants and this may vary according to the socio-economic context, age, disability, gender, sex, race and religion.
- Anthropology and Aesthetics
This module will enable you to develop an in-depth applied knowledge of social constructivism, aesthetics and anthropology, when applied to core aesthetic formal concepts and their historical use within different cultures. This forms the philosophical premise of the approaches being taught within the MA programme and therefore underpins cultural inquiry, theory and practice.
- Arts in Health
You will learn to critically appraise and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of social, community and cultural therapeutic use of arts. You will also be able to critically apply knowledge of how arts can be used to support learning and social cognition. Further to this you will be able to appraise and evaluate theories about the role of drama, theatre, and performance in the development of self and agency within a social or community context.
- Clinical Placement A
The aims of clinical placement (A) are to demonstrate an in-depth applied knowledge of the use of the arts form within a therapeutic relationship, being able to reflect on self and other experience, utilise the concepts of co-production, cocreating and collaboration, and be guided by research, putting theory into practice. Further to this you will be able to demonstrate an advanced and in-depth understanding of the placement context, and the role of dramatherapy for working within cultures and diverse communities.
- Applied Research Design and Methods
You will learn how to demonstrate and critically appraise an in-depth knowledge of evidence that informs knowledge about dramatherapy process, technique or model of practice, being able to systematically evaluate and synthesise qualitative and/ or quantitative research methodologies and their relationship to evidence-based practice.
The module is delivered in Year 1, Term 3 and Year 2, Terms 1, 2 and 3.
- Dramatherapy Theory and Practice I
You will learn how to demonstrate expert competence in the use of drama, theatre, and performance methods and techniques, and verbal skills to facilitate a therapeutic process informed by evidence and theory. You will also be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of factors that influence therapeutic change and how drama, theatre, and performance methods and techniques can be used to facilitate therapeutic outcomes.
The module is delivered in Year 1, Term 3 and Year 2, Terms 1.
Compulsory
- Clinical Placement B
This module will enable you to demonstrate an in-depth applied knowledge of the therapeutic use of dramatherapy for the assessment, recovery and treatment of health issues and to enable wellbeing. You will be able to demonstrate a reflective and critical capacity to work within the aims of the placement organisation and place close and detailed attention to the therapeutic relationship and how this relates to drama, theatre, and performance processes.
- Dramatherapy Theory and Practice II
The main aims of this module are to be able to know how evidence-based practice relates to dramatherapy and the required skills to be able to treat people in a range of different contexts. This will mean knowing and applying skills underpinned by a cogent theoretical framework and within different time frames, for example brief dramatherapy interventions and providing focused interventions. Being able to critically analyse core principles of a dramatherapy change process and how this relates to outcomes and benefits for participants is also an integral aim of this module.
- Inter-professional Dramatherapy (QI)
The main aims of this module are to develop the skills and knowledge to be able to work safely and effectively with other professionals and within the remit of a dramatherapist role. This module should reflect your teamwork skills and the contributions that you can make to quality improvement as team support as a dramatherapist. Further to this, communicating and articulating what dramatherapy is and how it works that can be accessible to a range of audiences is a key learning aim.
This course can be studied 2 Years full-time, starting in September.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
The Dramatherapy Master of Arts (MA) Programme holds the prestigious approval of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (pending), ensuring you receive education and training that meets the highest standards in health care. A key component of this programme is gaining hands-on experience in health contexts, notably within the National Health Service (NHS) and the third sector, facilitated by our strategic partnership with the CNWL NHS Foundation Trust. This relationship places work placement experiences at the heart of your learning journey.
Throughout the course, you will engage in two clinical placements, seamlessly integrated with academic teaching. This approach not only enriches your understanding of dramatherapy but also ensures you apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Instruction from leading practitioners in evidence-based practices, incorporating arts-based innovative approaches to collaboration and co-design, guarantees that your learning is both safe and effective.
These placements are instrumental in developing a profound understanding of the complexities of mental health, equipping you with transferable skills vital for a versatile career path. Whether you aim to work within public and private sectors, health and social care, education, prisons, the arts, or other therapeutic communities, this programme prepares you for a diverse range of professional environments, ensuring you are well-equipped to make a significant impact wherever you choose to apply your skills.
UK entry requirements
2024/5 entry
- 2:2 or above in a Drama or Theatre Studies degree, or a discipline related to the programme such as psychology, occupational therapy, social work, education or nursing
- A personal statement that demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to relevant issues and practices within dramatherapy
- One year's full-time (or equivalent) relevant work experience, which may be voluntary work
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/5 entry
UK
£12,650 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£25,000 full-time
£1,385 placement year
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
The Dramatherapy MA Programme employs diverse teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, experiential learning, and arts-based experiences, designed to deepen students' understanding of dramatherapy in varied clinical and social contexts. Lecturers introduce concepts for students to explore through arts therapies, encouraging individual and collaborative learning.
Seminars and workshops facilitate hands-on practice and discussion, enhancing knowledge of evidence-informed dramatherapy. Students engage in presentations and utilise ICT, fostering critical awareness and practical application of theory. Assignments, group presentations, and dissertation research further students' ability to integrate clinical advances and conduct independent investigation.
Key competencies developed include:
- Critical Dramatherapy Sensibility: Analysing dramatherapy models and focusing on specialism and clinical application.
- Theoretical Appreciation: Understanding foundational theories within dramatherapy, psychotherapy, and socio-cultural contexts.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Recognizing dramatherapy's benefits and contributions to mental health.
- Cultural Humility: Engaging respectfully with diverse client backgrounds.
- Research Skills: Conducting research that reflects students' cultural contexts and community needs.
These elements equip students with the skills necessary for impactful careers in dramatherapy, fostering both theoretical depth and practical expertise.
Interview and Workshop
Applicants who are short-listed will be invited to take part in a live individual interview and a group workshop with the academic department.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a 650-word personal statement prior to the interview detailing their interest in dramatherapy, their motivation for studying this field, and how they anticipate it will influence their development as dramatherapists.
Face-to-Face Interview
The interview provides an opportunity for direct engagement between applicants and interviewers. Interviewers will discuss information provided in the applicant's personal statement and application form, any relevant interpersonal work experience on the part of the applicant, the applicant's personal and professional aspirations in dramatherapy, and identify learning needs and support requirements. The interview will also give applicants an opportunity to find out more about the dramatherapy programme at Brunel, including its structure, objectives, and potential impact on the applicant's career.
The Workshop Component
A group based Dramatherapy workshop will give applicants the chance to actively engage with the core principles of Dramatherapy practice, including warm-up exercises, exploring cultural myths, reflective opportunities, and closure exercises. Participants are given the chance to demonstrate their understanding of Dramatherapy's fundamental principles, their practical and relational competencies, and their ability to collaborate within a group setting.
For international applicants, the programme ensures equitable access to this preliminary stage through provisions such as virtual participation options, culturally sensitive content, and flexible scheduling.
Assessment and feedback
Formative Assessment Strategy
The programme uses a range of formative (interim) assessment methods leading to summative (final) assessments to help you to assimilate and understand complex learning material. We will often use formative assessments at the end of learning sessions, and these enrich the learning experience through assessing for learning rather than only an assessment of learning. Formative assessments will focus on five areas of learner experience: reliability, validity, feasibility, acceptance, and impact. Reliability will focus on dramatherapy theory and practice required for using the arts as well as practice and knowledge about the professional environment and competencies. Examples of formative assessments include case study analysis, clinical simulation, practice observations and feedback, peer assessments, surveys of practice. The placement uses an ongoing placement digital portfolio which can utilise images and writing for the purposes of supporting formative assessments involving the placement supervisor and tutor and contributes towards the final placement digital portfolio for your summative assessment for each year. The expectation is that the placement digital portfolio reflects assimilation of critical thinking with an advanced applied knowledge of clinical practice in dramatherapy.
Summative Assessment Strategy
The summative assessments progress from formative assessments and are based on many of the same principles that enable you to learn and assimilate knowledge. Throughout the programme we have positioned summative assessments to reflect the required depth of learning consolidation required for effective application of practice and theory. Further to this the summative assessment strategy will ensure that you are ‘work force ready’ enabling professional competency, increasing employability and offering an accessible and inclusive approach to learning. We use summative assessments to develop your skills and abilities and to assess levels of competence. The nine modules for the award combine different modes of assessment which are positioned carefully throughout the course to support your learning.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
