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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Music Therapy Suitable For?
The Music Therapy programme at SRH University Heidelberg is aimed at individuals who wish to use music as a central resource to accompany and support people with physical or psychological challenges. The offer is especially directed at young adults interested in health, social or therapy sciences as well as music, who are seeking a scientifically based and practice-oriented qualification in a therapeutic context. The degree course is suitable for school leavers with an artistic orientation as well as professionals from the social or educational sector who want to obtain a university degree and specialise in the field of music therapy.
What Admission Requirements Apply for the Music Therapy Degree?
For the application, you need one of the following qualifications:
- general university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
- alternatively: at least a two-year completed vocational training as well as at least three years of professional experience and passing an aptitude test
- for international applicants: proof of a recognised university entrance qualification and sufficient German language skills (DSH or TestDaF examination)
Additionally required are:
- successful participation in the university’s selection procedure
- proof of a three-week pre-internship in a clinical or psychosocial setting
- a CV in table format with a recent photo as well as a copy of the identity card (or National Identity Card for international applicants)
You should enjoy making music, have basic skills in playing at least one instrument (piano, guitar or percussion) or with your voice, and be open to improvisation. Resilience, empathy and communication skills are important, as the degree programme regularly includes practical placements and self-experience elements. You should have an interest in psychological, medical and social topics and working with people of all age groups, as well as a willingness for continuous personal reflection and teamwork.
What content do you learn in the Bachelor of Music Therapy?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Music Therapy at SRH University, you acquire scientifically sound knowledge about the therapeutic effects of music. You engage with theories from music therapy, psychology, medicine, neuroscience, musicology, and sociology. You develop key skills in music therapeutic methods – these include humanistic, depth-psychological, systemic and behavioural therapeutic approaches. Active methods such as improvisation on instruments, singing, band and community projects are taught as well as receptive procedures like music-based relaxation techniques or creating personalised musical concerts. Furthermore, you train your conversational therapy skills and develop musical basic knowledge on piano or guitar, percussion and with the voice. One focus lies on practice-oriented elements: you complete two integrated internships, participate in practical projects and reflect on your therapeutic actions in group self-experience and supervision.
How is the music therapy degree structured?
The degree lasts 7 semesters and comprises 210 ECTS credits. In the full-time on-campus study, you are closely linked with therapeutic practice from the beginning. The first two semesters provide fundamentals in scientific work, song accompaniment, percussion, psychology and music therapeutic settings for individuals and groups. From the third semester onwards, the first clinical project phase (internship) follows, which is directly embedded in the study programme. In the further course, advanced modules address application fields such as neurology, psychiatry, psychosomatics, geriatrics, work with children and people with disabilities. A further internship in the sixth semester deepens your professional qualification. The seventh semester is devoted to professionalisation, an elective area and your bachelor thesis. Small study groups and the CORE principle (Competence-Oriented Research and Education) promote individual, practice-related and self-responsible learning combined with continuous self-reflection.
In which professions do graduates of music therapy work?
Graduates of the B.A. Music Therapy can be employed in a variety of fields. Typical areas of work are psychiatric, psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic clinics, neurological specialist clinics, geriatric institutions, facilities for people with disabilities as well as oncology departments and palliative care centres. Other possible places of employment include music schools, special schools, kindergartens, institutions for vocational rehabilitation and psychosocial counselling centres. Furthermore, it is possible to start your own music therapy practice. With the bachelor’s degree, you can qualify for advanced master programmes – for example in music therapy, dance and movement therapy, social work or neurorehabilitation.
Where does the degree take place and how is campus life organised?
The degree takes place at the SRH University campus in Heidelberg. The modern university campus in the Wieblingen district offers specialised practice rooms for music therapy, an extensive library and access to creative projects such as MIDI-GO2 or the integration project “Bridges”. You are supervised by experienced professors and academic staff from the therapy sciences. Heidelberg, as a traditional university town, offers a diverse student infrastructure and opportunities for exchange, networking and interdisciplinary cooperation within the SRH university group.
How high are the tuition fees and what financial aids are available?
The tuition fees are 550 euros per month for students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, the Western Balkans and Ukraine. In addition, there is a one-time enrolment fee of 750 euros. For students outside the EU/EEA, the fee is 3,000 euros per semester plus 1,000 euros enrolment fees. No additional examination fees apply. The university supports you with financing through advice on BAföG, education loans, KfW student loans and various scholarship programmes that consider both merit-based and social criteria.
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