Content and structure

The MAS in Clinical Music Therapy provides music therapists with an opportunity to hone their clinical and scientific skills in the creative environment of Zurich University of the Arts.

The MAS programme consists of six modules. They comprise a total of 1,800 hours’ study work and culminate in the Master of Advanced Studies in Clinical Music Therapy degree.

In these modules, students explore theoretical and practical topics related to music therapy, and write a thesis with an integrated project or research section.

  • Theory of music therapy MAS programme: Scientific work and methods of music therapy research, research specialization, therapy evaluation
  • Methodology MAS programme: Age- and disorder-specific intervention practice, body awareness and resonance, communication techniques, imaginative experience of sound, constellation work in music therapy
  • Self-awareness MAS programme: Music therapy teaching group
  • Supervision MAS programme: Small-group supervision, age- and disorder-specific intertherapy
  • Professional practice MAS programme: Professional practice, interdisciplinary discussion, documentation, assessment

→ This degree programme is taught exclusively in German.

Proof of performance

The following closing achievements must be made:

  • Professional practice deepening: practical report on independent music therapy activity
  • Master's module: scientific work on a music therapy issue with an integrated investigation part integrated part of the study; presentation and defence in front of a panel of panel of experts

Methodology/Didactics

The study group also serves as a learning, training and self-awareness group. The course is taught via lectures and case studies (audio/video) and self-awareness sequences. Participants also practise, discuss and consolidate the material in role plays, group work, colloquia, peer consulting groups and presentations, and reflect on what they have learnt in tutorials and feedback sessions.

The teaching method is designed around modern methods of adult education as well as independent, practice-based forms of learning. Participants are expected to demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility, motivation and initiative, and be willing and able to work and cooperate in teams. They receive regular support when they are writing their MAS thesis with integrated research or project section. Nevertheless, they are required to take considerable responsibility for their own learning and be highly organized.