This is a one-year full time postgraduate training course leading to a diploma in music therapy. It aims to equip students with the relevant clinical, professional and musical skills to practice music therapy in a variety of settings, reflecting the increasing emphasis on care in the community. Students must be a minimum age of 24 years, and a high level of musicianship is required. Maturity of personality and suitability for the work will be considered, as well as the ability to communicate musically. Where piano is not the first instrument a certain level of keyboard skill is needed to meet the demands of the course.
Teaching takes place over three terms, and is primarily based within a psychodynamic framework.
Skills of observation and analysis are taught, and an introduction is given to work with various client groups. Practical aspects of the work are explored, including clinical improvistaion. Clinical placements take place one day per week throughout the course, under the supervision of qualified music therapists. A limited number of placements are available with Welsh-speaking therapists. An experiential group runs throughout the course, assisting students reflect on their experience during the year.