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Master of Music Therapy (MMT)

Master of Music Therapy (MMT)

A masters programme rooted in our unique approach

Master of Music Therapy (MMT)

Our Master of Music Therapy is a two-year, masters-level programme validated by Goldsmiths, University of London. It is rooted in the Nordoff Robbins approach, which emphasises practical, collaborative music making. The MMT is one of a handful of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved qualifications that allow graduates to apply to register as a music therapist. This is a legal requirement for working in the profession.

We have three training bases in London, Manchester, Newcastle. Our next intakes will be 2026 for London and 2027 for Manchester and Newcastle.

Find out more about the programme

The hands of a client play the drums during a music therapy session at NELFT Memory Clinic, one of our partner organisations.

Who is the MMT for?

We welcome people from a wide range of musical backgrounds onto the MMT programme and see musical diversity in our cohorts as a source of strength. You don’t need to be classically trained or able to read musical notation. Most important are some experience of working with people who might come to music therapy, a good ear, being musically imaginative and able to provide another person with a real sense of musical companionship, plus an ability to work academically at Masters level.

At one of partner organisations ReCoCo, someone happily plays the drum during a music therapy session.

Music, health and society

The MMT focuses on music therapy both as a practice (something you learn to do) and a discipline (something you learn to think critically about). It explores the complex connections between music, health and society. Students develop their awareness of what is happening in the moment during a musical interaction, and the deeper relevance of these interactions to people’s lives.

If we aren’t informed by a longing for social change within our music making, then what are we working for?

Oli, music therapist

Newly qualified music therapist development programme

The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) run a newly qualified music therapist development programme. This is a free two-year mentoring and CPD scheme for Newly Qualified Music Therapists. Group mentoring is offered throughout the scheme by an experienced Music Therapist, in addition to regular access to bespoke online CPD sessions.

You can find out more on the BAMT website. Click below to find out more.

Find out more

Graduates of the MMT programme sit together at the 2022 ceremony.

The Nordoff and Robbins Graduate Employment Scheme (GES)

Nordoff and Robbins GES, which offers new MMT graduates an opportunity to take a paid role, is currently not offering any new places.

How to apply for the MMT

Attend an open evening

We’d love to welcome you to an MMT Open Evening, where you can learn more about training with Nordoff and Robbins.

Read our guidance

Download our simple guide to applying for the MMT. We’re also very happy to answer any questions, either by phone or by email.

Start your application

To apply, you need to fill in an electronic form on our website. Once you begin the application, you have 30 days to complete it.