Master of Creative Music Therapy (1650)
- Approved Abbreviation: MCrMusTh
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 1650
- AQF Level: 9
CRICOS code: 111859C
This program applies to students who commenced in 2023 or later.
Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession, in which music is used to support people of all ages and life stages within the domain areas of cognition, communication, movement, social engagement and emotional wellbeing. The Master of Creative Music Therapy program at Western takes an intentionally creative approach to training students to be career-ready music therapists. The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) competencies are taught and learning across a range of music therapy approaches is included. Students develop the knowledge and ability to creatively apply their existing music skills therapeutically for individuals and groups, through improvisational (creating improvised music), re-creative (creatively using repertoire/songs), compositional (creating songs/music) and receptive (creative listening) methods. Applicants who meet the admission criteria who are from diverse backgrounds and experiences are warmly encouraged to apply. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to register with the AMTA, which qualifies them to practice professionally in Australia as a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
- Director of Academic Program - Associate Professor Andrew Milne
Study Mode
Two years full-time, four years part-time.
Delivery of this program takes place as on-site lectorials, (a dynamic integration of lecture & tutorial) one day per week during semester time, with additional online synchronous and asynchronous learning activities delivered on the other days. In addition, students are required to complete music therapy placements, which are provided flexibly as weekly or block placement modes.
Program Advice
enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Click on the 'Enquire about this program' link and select 'Creative Industries' from the Area of Study pull-down menu.
Further information is available at the following link: Master of Creative Music Therapy
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penrith Campus | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Penrith Campus | Part Time | Internal | See above |
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc. (AMTA). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration with the AMTA which qualifies them to practice professionally in Australia as Registered Music Therapists (RMT).
Work Integrated Learning
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.
There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.
International students should also refer to the link below for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Admission
Admission 2023 and 2024
Admission to the Master of Creative Music Therapy program is determined by the application submission and audition/interview. Applicants who do not meet all criteria or need further advice should contact the Academic Program Advisor.
Application Submission
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher in music, creative arts, education, allied health, social science, health science or humanities.
And
Submit a 500-word statement explaining the reasons they are seeking entry to the program and why they want to become a music therapist.
And
Submit a brief curriculum vitae/resume (no more than 2 pages).
These documents should be uploaded in PDF format at the time of your application.
Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be considered for the audition/interview. Applicants will be contacted by the Academic Program Advisor if considered suitable to progress to this next stage of the process.
Audition/Interview
Applicants attending an audition/interview will need to demonstrate their music skills at audition/interview:
- at an advanced level on any instrument, and
- at a competent level on guitar, piano and voice.
Please note that the ‘advanced’ instrument may also be guitar, piano or voice.
The audition/interview may include a combination of video upload submissions and real-time music demonstrations as indicated on the ‘MCMT Applicant Info Page’ provided at the time of application.
During the audition/interview applicants may be asked to:
1. Describe their previous relevant training/experience, and interest in becoming a music therapist
2. Perform one piece on their primary instrument/voice at an advanced performance level
3. Play and sing a piece potentially suitable for use in music therapy utilising the guitar and voice simultaneously (as best able given their current level of training/experience)
4. Play and sing a piece potentially suitable for use in music therapy utilising the piano/keyboard and voice simultaneously (as best able given their current level of training/experience)
5. Explain their choice of pieces and why they are potentially suitable for use in music therapy
6. Create/improvise music using simple creative musical ideas or subjects/themes as requested by the panel during the audition/interview (as best able given their current level of training/experience)
For further information, contact the Program Advisor.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special requirements pre-requisites
To be eligible to enrol in a subject and attend a health-related placement in your program, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements and Special Legislative Requirements to be assessed in their first year of study against the following:
1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current (expiring 3 years from date of issue) check valid for their entire program. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student’s full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the NSW HealthShare Employment Screening and Review Subject
International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.
2. A NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter issued under the category of volunteer valid for their entire program.
3. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results containing expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire program.
4. NSW Undertaking/Declaration form
5. Completed any additional health forms required (such as NSW Health Code of Conduct, Health Student Undertaking/Declaration and Tuberculosis (TB) Assessment Tool)
6. Relevant Local Health District specific documentation as requested.
Contact your School for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub website
Admission 2025
Admission to the Master of Creative Music Therapy program is determined by the application submission and audition/interview. Applicants who do not meet all criteria or need further advice should contact the Academic Program Advisor.
Application Submission
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher in music, creative arts, education, allied health, counselling or psychology,
AND
Must submit a 3-page PDF document that includes: a 500-word personal statement explaining the reasons they are seeking entry to the program and why they want to become a music therapist; approximately 300-words providing information on their relevant music and other related experiences/training/qualifications (use dot points where needed); and three video links of performances*.
*Performances must include:
1) Any piece on their main instrument, demonstrating their skills at an advanced level (please note that the ‘advanced’ instrument may also be guitar, piano or voice);
2) Any song utilising the guitar and voice simultaneously (as best able given their current level of training/experience);
3) Any song utilising the piano and voice simultaneously (as best able given their current level of training/experience).
Please note that ‘advanced level’ refers to the ability to confidently perform advanced pieces fluently, at a high level of proficiency and complexity, demonstrating an advanced level of mastery on this instrument.
Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be considered for the audition/interview. Applicants will be contacted by the Academic Program Advisor if considered suitable to progress to this next stage of the process.
Audition/Interview
Applicants who are invited to attend an audition/interview should be prepared to further elaborate on the information provided within their 3-page PDF provided within their application, and be prepared to demonstrate their music skills by performing the same or similar pieces provided as video links within their application. In addition, applicants may be asked to demonstrate competent musicianship skills through basic aural technical exercises.
Please thoroughly read the ‘Master of Creative Music Therapy Applicant Information Page’ provided at the time of application for further detailed information.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special requirements pre-requisites
To be eligible to enrol in a subject and attend a health-related placement in your program, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements AND Special Legislative Requirements to be assessed in their first year of study against the following:
1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current (expiring 3 years from date of issue) check valid for their entire program. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student’s full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the NSW HealthShare Employment Screening and Review Subject
International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.
2. A NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter issued under the category of volunteer valid for their entire program.
3. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results containing expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire program.
4. NSW Undertaking/Declaration form
5. Completed any additional health forms required (such as NSW Health Code of Conduct, Health Student Undertaking/Declaration and Tuberculosis (TB) Assessment Tool)
6. Relevant Local Health District specific documentation as requested.
Contact your School for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub website
Special Requirements - NSW Health Legislative Pre-requisites
Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements
To enrol in this program, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements. To attend a health-related placement in this program, Special Legislative Requirements will be assessed from the first year of study.
Western Program Requirements
Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your program.
Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements
To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your program, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
Please ensure that you
- Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one
- Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history
- Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements
- Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.
International students have additional requirements: the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.
School Requirements
Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as
- If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
- If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
- NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire program.
- Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire program - approved program providers can be found at the Government Training website
- http://training.gov.au
- Other non-health related requirements
Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page (NSW students only)
Program Structure
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points including the subjects listed below.
Recommended Sequence
The Music Therapy Skills & Practice subjects (A, B, C & D) are offered on a rotating two-year cycle and students enrol depending on which subjects are being offered in the current year. Intending applicants should check with the Program Advisor prior to commencement if they have any queries regarding the cycle of subject offerings.
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| PERF 6001 | Music Therapy Foundations & Approaches | 10 |
| Select one of the following (these subjects are offered every second year): | 20 | |
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice A | ||
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice C | ||
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Spring session | ||
| PERF 6002 | Music Therapy Theory & Practice 1 | 10 |
| Select one of the following (these subjects are offered every second year): | 20 | |
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice B | ||
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice D | ||
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| PERF 7008 | Music Therapy Theory & Practice 2 | 10 |
| Select one of the following (these subjects are offered every second year): | 20 | |
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice A | ||
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice C | ||
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Spring session | ||
| PERF 7004 | Music Therapy Professional Practice & Research | 10 |
| Select one of the following (these subjects are offered every second year): | 20 | |
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice B | ||
| Music Therapy Skills & Practice D | ||
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Total Credit Points | 120 | |
Equivalent Subjects
The subject listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed in this subject in 2022 or earlier.
PERF 7003 Music Therapy Method, replaced by PERF 6001 Music Therapy Foundations & Approaches
PERF 7007 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 1, replaced by PERF 6002 Music Therapy Theory & Practice 1
PERF 7009 Music Therapy Skills & Practice A, replaced by PERF 6003 Music Therapy Skills & Practice A
PERF 7010 Music Therapy Skills & Practice B, replaced by PERF 6004 Music Therapy Skills & Practice B
PERF 7011 Music Therapy Skills & Practice C, replaced by PERF 6005 Music Therapy Skills & Practice C
PERF 7012 Music Therapy Skills & Practice D, replaced by PERF 6006 Music Therapy Skills & Practice D
The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in Autumn 2020 or earlier.
PERF 7001 (101443) - Creative Music Therapy Practicum 1, replaced by PERF 7010 Music Therapy Skills & Practice B
PERF 7002 (101444) - Creative Music Therapy Practicum 2, replaced by PERF 7012 Music Therapy Skills & Practice D
PERF 7005 (101445) - Music Therapy Skills 1, replaced by PERF 7009 Music Therapy Skills & Practice A
PERF 7006 (101446) - Music Therapy Skills 2, replaced by PERF 7011 Music Therapy Skills & Practice C