Alumni
Claire Kelly
MA Music Therapy, graduated 2019
"I chose Roehampton because of its strong reputation for postgraduate training in Music Therapy, and it is the only centre in the South West of England offering the choice of training part-time or full-time. I first attended the 20-week Foundation Course in Music Therapy at Roehampton and wanted to continue my studies there for many reasons, including the psychodynamic orientation of the training. This places the emphasis on the dynamic movement between unconscious and conscious feelings and thoughts, explored through musical and other processes in the relationship between client and therapist. I very much enjoyed the Clinical Improvisation module, where we extended our skills as improvising musicians and explored how we might work therapeutically with clients, through role-play with our peers. This experience was invaluable when we went on our two clinical placements. I was fortunate to be employed as a music therapist at a children’s hospice soon after graduating, working with children with life-limiting conditions and their families. I also work in the community with adults with learning disabilities and children affected by serious illnesses. I would recommend spending some time with the types of clients that you might work with as a music therapist to gain some understanding of how the non-verbal medium of music might be helpful to them. I would highly recommend studying Music Therapy at Roehampton, which I found to be a life-changing experience, exhilarating and challenging in equal measure."
Evie Wavell,
MA Music Therapy, graduated 2020
"My two clinical placements were a highlight as they were in very new environments and I was really challenged by some of the clients I worked with. One placement allowed me to realise that I enjoy working with vulnerable teenagers with social and emotional mental health difficulties, which was not something I had considered before. I was pleased to get a job as a Music Therapist not long after I graduated, and I now work for a charity in North London who work with vulnerable children in their schools. For anyone considering studying at Roehampton I would say apply! The interview process itself can teach you a lot about the programme and what might be expected of you, which I think is really valuable. My degree was definitely one of the most interesting experiences of my life and I encourage anyone who is thinking of training as a Music Therapist to consider coming to Roehampton. You will learn a lot about yourself and others around you, and be able to use your musical skills in an innovative way."
Steve Hall,
MSc Attachment Studies graduate
"I can’t speak more highly of the course – it was brilliant from start to finish. The standard of teaching was very high, and we often had experts from a range of different fields give guest lecturers, allowing us to further expand our application of theory to practice. I now work as a social worker for a child protection and welfare charity. I’m constantly using the approaches and methods taught on the programme in my work with young people and families."