Master of Music Therapy

Summary

Use your passion for music to help improve people's lives. Join the only programme in New Zealand that trains graduates to become professional music therapists.

A career in music therapy

Learn how to use music to support the development and wellbeing of people with complex emotional, intellectual, physical, or social needs.

You'll get a comprehensive grounding in music therapy. Study the theory and put it into practice in a clinical or social community setting. Then take what you've learned from your practical experience and apply that to your research project.

When you study at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), you'll learn from dedicated staff with many years' experience as music therapists.

If you have a mature and compassionate attitude, curiosity, a knack for critical thinking, and a passion for practical, creative music-making, then this programme is for you.

Professional registration

The programme was developed in association with Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ). You'll be encouraged to join this organisation during your training, so you can start building links with other professionals and the supporting community. Once you've completed your degree, you'll be able to apply for accreditation as a Registered Music Therapist through the Music Therapy Registration Board of MThNZ.

Community placement

You'll learn from valuable community placements in settings such as special schools, inclusive mainstream schools, pediatric units of hospitals, and adolescent mental health services. You might also be hosted in elder care facilities, hospices, and community units for adults with neurological disorders and mental health challenges.

These valuable placements are also a chance to build the professional networks that will help advance your career.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

PhD

If you want to pursue an academic or research career, you can complete a PhD. You'll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.

A PhD at Victoria University of Wellington will cost between $6,800 and $8,200 each year, depending on your subject.

The Faculty of Graduate Research will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study. Contact NZSM at music@vuw.ac.nz about available supervision before you apply.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. Our core values are developing flexible musicianship, nurturing diverse ways of being, professional growth, and sustainable practice.

You'll work closely with staff, getting the benefit of their experience, expertise, and enthusiasm. You'll have opportunities to attend seminars, social functions, and the School of Music's many events. You'll also get to meet and work with music therapy students and graduates at different levels through shared lunches and presentations three times a year.

Māori and Pasifika support staff are available for advice, including on research ethics relating to the Treaty of Waitangi.

When you're doing your Part 2 research, you'll also get a workspace. The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.

Partnerships

The programme's partnerships with others within the New Zealand music therapy community will provide opportunities for clinical placements and collaborations. These include:

• Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre
• Music Therapy New Zealand
• Wellington Early Intervention Trust
• Therapy Professionals Ltd (Christchurch)
• Mary Potter Hospice
• Te Omanga Hospice
• Kimi Ora School
• Celebration Choir, University of Auckland
• Chamber Music New Zealand
• IHC New Zealand
• Community Music Junction
• Arts Access Aotearoa
• Southern Music Therapy

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact...