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Brief Description
Applications are accepted throughout the academic year preceding commencement of programme. Interviews are normally scheduled in December, February, April and June. We recommend early application as places are filled first come first served. The deadline for applications is May 2nd 2025, but applications are considered after this date if places still remain.
The MA in Music Therapy is a two-year full-time programme of study which prepares graduates for professional practice as a music therapist. The course requires a high level of music skill at entry allowing students to make the transition to the use of these music skills in therapeutic work with a range of client groups in different contexts.
For more information on all aspects of the programme, including blended learning, please see https://www.irishworldacademy.ie/programmes/postgraduate/ma-music-therapy/
The MA in Music Therapy is a two-year full-time programme of study which prepares graduates for professional practice as a music therapist. The course requires a high level of music skill at entry allowing students to make the transition to the use of these music skills in therapeutic work with a range of client groups in different contexts. Music skills on piano, guitar and vocals are emphasized throughout the course and students are also encouraged to develop skills on their primary instrument. Students attend clinical placements throughout each semester of the course; these are usually offered at various sites in Ireland but sometimes can be offered abroad. Music therapy theory, research skills, sensitivity to cross-cultural issues and the use of the self in relating to others form the basis of studies to prepare students for work in the clinical practice context.
Objectives:
- To prepare students for professional practice as a music therapist
- To develop socially aware graduates who are able to make a contribution to the developing profession of music therapy in Ireland
- To contribute to the research base of the profession
Frequently Asked Questions:
Thank you for your interest in the MA Music Therapy. Please find below answers to frequently asked questions that have arisen over the years since the course commenced.
What is the closing date for applications?
Applications for the MA Music Therapy are accepted on an ongoing basis all year. Applications for September entry open on October 1st of the previous year. We recommend applying by December of the previous academic year but continue to take applications year round. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, normally from mid-October of the year prior to attendance. Places are filled as people apply, therefore you are encouraged to apply early. Shortlisting normally takes place in December, February and April with auditions/interviews normally held in January, March and May. We continue to accept applications until the programme starts in September but the course is often full by June of the year prior to commencement.
I have a very busy life, is there a way to do the course part-time?
The course is full-time for two years and 100% attendance is required. It is difficult to complete the course unless you are free to undertake it on a Monday to Friday basis. However, many students juggle part-time work with study. The programme is offered on a blended delivery basis, meaning that it is offered through a mix of in-person and online classes. In year 1, this involves up to days per week on campus followed by 2 days per week online every fortnight. In year 2, students do one day on campus and one day online one week, followed by two days of online classes the following week, again alternating on a fortnightly basis. While classes are usually only two days per week, there is study to be undertaken each week including preparation for placement, practicing every day, researching for, and writing assignments. Placement takes place one day per week during semesters 2, 3 and 4. It is important to note, when planning, that there are 2 semesters each academic year, each lasting for 13 weeks and the rest of the year is available for other life demands.
I do not have a primary degree in music or psychology, can I still apply?
Anyone can apply for the course however, if you do not have a degree in music or psychology you will need to demonstrate relevant degree level qualifications (and these would be reviewed on a case by case basis) as well as exceptional activity in music including performing publicly and/or community music activities such as group leadership in music. Life experience, critical thinking, empathy and self-awareness are important areas that are evaluated during application review process. We encourage you to be thorough with the original application. Have you highlighted relevant experience? Have you indicated why you want to do the course such as an interest in working with those who are vulnerable or marginalized? Have you included information about the instruments you play and your musical experience? Please note that you only compete for a place in the year your application is made so it is not possible to give equivalence to people based on past reference points of successful applications. We strongly welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experience and several students have graduated successfully from non-traditional educational backgrounds.
I have not received formal qualifications in music, can I still apply?
We recognise that not all suitable candidates for this programme have a formal background in music education. Most applicants have an undergraduate degree, and mostly in music, but we have accepted applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines including carpentry and electronic engineering. Applicants with significant life experience and excellent music skills are welcome to apply. The university operates a route called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | University of Limerick (ul.ie) which accounts for equivalent relevant life experience. Please note that to be an MA Music Therapy student you need to have a high level of skill and creativity on your instrument, experience of working with vulnerable people and have engaged in self-development processes. If you have an excellent music knowledge base including the ability to read and write music, play by ear as well as pick up new music quickly and are sought out by people in your community to play music, then you are well prepared for the musical requirements of the programme. We do require proficiency on a harmony instrument, normally guitar or piano, and ideally both, as these are used regularly in music therapy practice in Ireland.
How many days a week am I expected to be in class and placement?
Each semester lasts 12 weeks.
In semester one students attend classes 2 days per week (weeks 1 to 12).
In semesters 2 and 3 students attend classes 2 days per week and complete placement one day per week.
In semester 4 students attend classes one day per week and placement 2 days per week.
Classes take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (this can be subject to change but is expected at the time of writing). Placement will take place on Monday, Thursday or Friday. Every effort is made to offer placements within your geographical area but this cannot be guaranteed and some travel may be required with at least one placement in Dublin over the course of the programme.
I do not have the funds to do the course, is there a scholarship for which I can apply?
There are currently no specific music therapy scholarships. You are advised to examine the scholarships page on the Irish World Academy web page and to investigate scholarships available to people in your country or county if you are in Ireland (most local students have success with VEC scholarships but please note there is no information available about this through the Irish World Academy and requests for this information will not be replied to; you must contact your local County office).
I would like to specialise in work with a particular population (such as hospice patients or children with autism) during the course, how do I organise that?
You cannot specialise in any particular work population or context during the course. The course has the responsibility to provide music therapy education to the standard of entry level to the profession. Specialist qualifications can be gained later either through professional experience or through further study. You are assigned placements each semester and you must do the placements you are assigned.
I would like to live at home while I am doing the course and not move to Limerick. Is it possible to guarantee that I have my placements in this location?
Many of our students commute to the University of Limerick for classes. While we cannot guarantee placement locations we make every attempt to ensure that placements are as convenient as possible. However students must be prepared to travel to placements. We match students with expert music therapists working in the field so we cannot always guarantee location. We encourage international applicants to this programme, with options to complete semester 1 and semester 4 in your home country.
What type of things can I do to do well at the audition/interview/assessment?
On receipt of the application, candidates are short-listed according to relevant experience and qualifications and if you are not short-listed for audition you will be advised soon after the closing date. All auditions/interview/assessments take place online comprising three sections.
Audition – you must prepare two pieces/songs to the best standard on your first instrument. You must also prepare two songs to sing and accompany yourself, one on guitar and one on piano as basic requirements of a music therapy trainee. Songs can be rock/folk/pop/religious song or any other type of song. You will also be asked to improvise a short piece of music. Successful applicants usually show musical abilities at a high level including demonstrating musical flexibility and engagement. Please note, no accompanist is provided for the audition. If you wish to bring an accompanist you can do so but you will need to cover any costs this incurs.
Interview – you will be interviewed on your previous relevant experience to this field of work. Can you provide examples of your experience of working with people who have additional needs? How did this work have an effect on you? Did you change any of your ideas about people with disabilities/diagnoses by the work you did? Applicants who do well here show that they care about the well-being of others and have had work or volunteer experience with those who have additional needs in the community.
Psychological assessment – we will also assess your capacity for future therapy work. You will be asked about your own life experience and background. Your maturity and ability to consider situations from a range of perspectives will be evaluated and your ability to self-care.
Do I really have to bring a song accompanied on both piano and guitar? I only play piano/guitar.
Yes. We are aware that many applicants may not play both instruments to a high standard, but basic proficiency in both instruments is required and deemed essential to music therapy practice. You will need to play one harmonic instrument extremely fluently and demonstrate basic understanding of one more. Successful candidates must also demonstrate the ability to accompany oneself while singing. This is because these are key skills in music therapy work with clients.
What are the personal development requirements of the programme?
Students are required to attend a minimum of 30 psychotherapy sessions or a combination of 30 psychotherapy/creative arts therapy sessions over the duration of the programme. These costs are borne by the student. This is to develop the student’s understanding of the therapeutic process as well as to develop self-awareness and insight which is crucial to effective therapeutic practice.
I definitely know I want to be a music therapist but I don’t really know what it is or how music therapists work
Some of the ways you can find out more:
Read about music therapy at Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, American Music Therapy Association | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and British Association for Music Therapy :: Home (bamt.org)
Check with the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists whether there are any seminars or open days coming up – www.iacat.ie
Check on the Irish World Academy Events page for any music therapy seminars and make sure you are on the email list for any future seminars – triona.mccaffrey@ul.ie or hilary.moss@ul.ie
Find out where the music therapy conferences are in your region.
Visit or meet music therapists working in your area.
Does this qualification allow me to work in other countries?
Most countries have their own regulations which are required to practice as a music therapist. The qualification provided through the University of Limerick allows graduates to join the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists as full members. Graduates have gone on to successfully register with the Health Professions Council in the UK; which is the only way a music therapist can be employed in the UK including Northern Ireland. Other graduates have been successful attaining recognition in Canada, USA and Australia for the purposes of being eligible to practice there.
Can you tell me the timetable for the course so I can organise my part-time work commitments for next year?
Classes are normally held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays though this can be subject to change. Please be assured that faculty will advise you of the timetable as soon as this is finalised in the University system at the beginning of each semester. Full attendance is expected of all classes. Occasionally unexpected seminars or guest lectures are scheduled outside of the regular class times but these will be advised to students well in advance. Please see previous sections detailing the current blended learning plan
I have further questions, what should I do?
Any additional questions about the programme should be directed to Dr Tríona McCaffrey triona.mccaffrey@ul.ie
For academic queries on this programme please see the link below to the Irish World Academy website:
Email: Triona.Mccaffrey@ul.ie
Web: - MA Music Therapy – Irish World Academy
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
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Options: students can choose one option from the list below
BROADENING THROUGH AWARENESS, ACTIVISM AND THE ARTS (POSTGRADUATE)
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| Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
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Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.
For more information on all aspects of the programme, including blended learning, please see https://www.irishworldacademy.ie/programmes/postgraduate/ma-music-therapy/
A high level of music skills in performance. A degree qualification (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or equivalent in any of the following; music, psychology, health sciences, medicine, education or related discipline. Ability to play guitar and piano, and sing competently. Ability to improvise on primary instrument. Relevant Work Experience (paid or voluntary) of working with vulnerable populations in health or social care settings. A willingness to engage with the personal development opportunities in the course through attending the self-funded psychotherapy component. An online interview/audition will be offered to short-listed candidates who will be required to perform pieces on their first instrument and sing at least one song accompanying themselves on piano and guitar. It is not possible to enter the course without successfully completing the audition process.
Garda clearance is also required for this programme.
Please note you must upload the documents below with your application as supporting information in order to have your application considered.
WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- A copy of your CV
- 2 reference letters
- A Supporting Statement (maximum 1 x A4 page) outlining (1) why you wish to undertake the MA in Music Therapy (2) Relevant work or voluntary experience you believe is relevant to your application (3) Musical experience and (4) any other information you feel supports your application.
- A short audio-visual recording (max 6 minutes) of yourself with 3 musical excerpts (1) playing your primary instrument (this can be voice) ,(2) singing a song accompanied by either piano or guitar and, (3) sing one verse and one chorus of the well-known song ‘Let it Be’ by the Beatles accompanying yourself on guitar or piano, then extemporize/improvise this song for 2 minutes before returning to the original composed melody for one final verse and chorus. During this extemporization/improvisation you may decide to alter this songs’ melody, rhythm, tempo, lyrics, tonality or play in a different musical style (reggae, jazz, country etc.), be as creative as you wish. Recordings should be saved to an online sharing platform (such as YouTube or Vimeo), with the links to these included in a separate document entitled 'Music Links' OR included at the end of the Supporting Statement.
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice.
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
If called to interview applicants will be required to play both piano and guitar. Also note that accompanists are not provided for the audition. Should an accompanist be required then it is up to the candidate to arrange and fund this themselves.
EU - €7,600 per annum* Non- EU - € 17,400 per annum*
*Please note year two fees are subject to change
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
Graduates of the MA in Music Therapy have attained successful careers in the health and education services in Ireland and abroad. Graduates work in special schools, nursing homes, hospice services, residential services for adults with intellectual disability and adults who have acquired brain injury.
Maeve Rigney graduated from the MA in Music Therapy course in 2008. She initially worked in the Northern Ireland before moving to London in 2010. Since then, Maeve has worked with the paediatric population in various clinical and educational settings. Maeve is currently the Senior Music Therapist and Therapies Manager at Haven House Children’s Hospice in North East London. Working within a holistic model of care, Maeve supports children, young people and their families who are affected by life limiting and life threatening conditions. Maeve is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Association of Music Therapists (BAMT). Maeve has completed further training in humanistic and psychodynamic counselling at Goldsmiths University and has presented papers and posters at both music therapy and paediatric palliative care conferences.
Grainne O’Hagan graduated from the MA Music Therapy in 2012. She established Soundhaven Music Therapy in the Monaghan/Cavan area and currently provides Music Therapy in Special Needs Schools, ASD groups, Nursing Homes and with private clients. She works closely with families in the community, the HSE and Tusla. She recently joined the extended MA Music Therapy team as a placement supervisor.
Clara Monahan graduated from the MA Music Therapy course in 2008. She worked full time for two years with the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust (now ‘Everyday Harmony’). During her time there she worked with children and young adults with a range of disabilities in education and health settings. Following this Clara recorded and released her debut album of original material called, ‘A Portfolio’ and toured with her band nationwide. She set up a private practice in the Dublin region in 2011 and has been providing music therapy services across a range of settings both in disability and older adult services. Clara has released a collaborative album with songwriter/musician Don Baker called ‘Baker Rose’ and continues to tour Ireland and Europe.Currently Clara is working with St. Michael’s House, St. John of God’s and in Tallaght Hospital in Older Adult acute services along with some private work with children with ASD.
Linda Coyle graduated from the MA in Music Therapy course in 2006. Drawing on her background as a speech and language therapist, she has built a private practice based in West Cork. A particular specialism is voice, in which she offers a range of services, from voice care for professional voice users, voice therapy to address voice problems, and vocal psychotherapy which uses the voice and sound to address mental health needs. She also provides medico legal assessments in the areas of music therapy and speech and language therapy. Further information is available from http://speechtherapycork.ie/
Lorraine Ní Bhriain graduated from the MA in Music Therapy course in 2009. She works in Northern Ireland as part of a creative art therapy team in an organisation that provides counseling and creative arts therapy to children, young people and adults who are at risk of suicide, self harm, eating disorders, bereaved by suicide, who have suffered abuse and those who have trauma related difficulties. Lorraine also works with adults with acquired brain injury in a day centre in Belfast which provides services and support to survivors of brain injury in order to rebuild their lives. Along with this work, she provides group music therapy sessions in residential homes to older adults, many of whom have Dementia. Lorraine is a registered music therapist with the Health Professions Council in the UK and a member of the British Association of Music Therapists (BAMT).
Tommy Hayes graduated from the MA in Music Therapy in 2002. He initially worked in adolescent care and he is now in private practice working with adolescents, children and adults with Autism, cerebral palsy, and in the mental health services. Prior to becoming a music therapist he was a professional percussionist for 28 years mostly performing traditional Irish music.
Tracey Jones graduated from the MA in Music Therapy in 2000. The best thing about the course was the opportunity to experience a variety of music therapy placements including, older adults, intellectual disability, hospital setting, psychiatric services & adults with drug addiction. She has worked full time since graduating as a music therapist in Cheeverstown House, Dublin, which is a service for adults and children with intellectual disability. Tracey works with individuals across the life span: early services, school age, and adults presenting with a variety of difficulties.
Fabian Joyce, MA Music Therapy graduate and practicing Music Therapist, “The skills acquired over the course of the training are invaluable tools for the journey through life, whether you intend to practice as a music therapist after. I would strongly recommend this programme.”
James Burns, MA Music Therapy
The MA Music Therapy at the University of Limerick equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic practices and the necessary skills to provide sensitive, appropriate, and effective music therapy intervention. The course offers a balance between the areas of clinical practice, empirical research, and scientific theory which shapes students into becoming well-rounded music therapy practitioners.
The programme is taught by leading experts in the field of music therapy with broad teaching and practice experiences. Regular guest lecturers from Ireland and abroad offer unique learning opportunities and expose students to wide variety of perspectives. Clinical placements were an integral part of the programme and provided fantastic opportunities to develop your skills. I learnt from highly experienced and inspiring professionals and was exposed to variety of settings and numerous populations.
Research modules covered arts-based research methodology and finely honed my academic writing and research skills. It was through this incredibly stimulating and rewarding two-year programme that I uncovered my passion for research. The music therapy department at UL boasts unparalleled resources for music therapy research and produces high-quality internationally recognised research in this field.
Since graduating in 2022, I have continued my studies at UL, perusing a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Hilary Moss. My research aims to explore the effectiveness of music therapy intervention on language and communication in children with acquired communication impairments. I have also set up my own business, Encore Music Therapy, offering professional music therapy services to people of all ages and abilities.
Sami AlQatari, Graduate MA Music Therapy, Class of 2021
Since graduating from the MA Music Therapy program at the University of Limerick, my professional journey has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling. In my first-year post-graduation, I had the privilege of freelancing music therapy services with Headway Ireland, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This experience allowed me to apply the therapeutic techniques and methodologies I learned during my studies to real-world clinical scenarios, witnessing firsthand the profound impact music therapy can have on cognitive, emotional, and physical rehabilitation needs. Working with individuals with ABI not only honed my skills but also deepened my commitment to the transformative power of music therapy.
After a year in Ireland, I returned to Saudi Arabia, driven by a vision to pioneer music therapy in a region where it was virtually unheard of. My journey led me to ACCEL International Special Needs School, where I established the first-ever music therapy program in the region. This groundbreaking initiative has been met with enthusiasm and support, both from the school administration and the families of the children we serve. The program has provided a unique platform to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of music therapy for children with various special needs, enhancing their communication, social interaction, and emotional expression.
These experiences have underscored the importance and versatility of music therapy in diverse settings and populations. The MA in Music Therapy program at the University of Limerick equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a tangible difference in the lives of those I work with. For anyone considering a career in this field, I can wholeheartedly recommend this program. It offers not only comprehensive academic and clinical training but also the inspiration to innovate and advocate for the advancement of music therapy globally