Dance Movement Therapy (MA) SRH University

Courses are held in English (100%).

Dance Movement Therapy is the evidence-based use of dance and movement in therapy for promoting the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual integration of individuals and systems of individuals. As an arts therapy approach it uses creative methods to engage clients and support their ability to express themselves, connect socially, and seek emotional well-being.

In both research and clinical practice, there is an increasing interest in dance movement therapy approaches as important additions to standard care. The professional context of dance movement therapists is not limited to traditional areas of practice such as psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, or special education. Dance Movement Therapy is also applied to neurology, oncology, cardiovascular medicine, etc. It is also increasingly applied to preventive care. Dance movement therapists work in the following fields:

• psychiatry
• psychosomatics and psychotherapy
• neurology
• geriatrics
• forensic contexts
• paediatrics
• intensive medicine centres (for example, neurology, oncology, pain) and sub-acute care facilities
• psychosocial institutions for children and families with special needs, disabilities, and early intervention
• institutions of prevention and education (e.g. schools, youth offers, kindergartens)

Beginning: 1 October

Mode of study: We believe sustainable learning is only possible if there is enough space for experimentation, games and critical thinking. That is why we have completely restructured the classical course of studies. Read more about our CORE Principle.

There are no application deadlines, so you can apply at any time until all of the places in the programme have been filled.

Applicants from EEA countries: 750 EUR per month + one-time registration fee of 750 EUR

Applicants from non-EEA countries without a permanent residence permit: 5,450 EUR per semester + one-time registration fee of 1,000 EUR

The applied Master's course of dance movement therapy at the SRH in Heidelberg was developed within the framework of the European alignment and recognition of university degrees (Bologna process) and accredited in 2012. It offers graduates of artistic or psychosocial study programmes a qualified education in dance movement therapy.
In contrast to other Master's courses in Germany, this programme is designed as a two-year full-time programme. It generally begins in the winter semester on 1 October. The programme details can be found in the official programme handbook. The programme contains 120 ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System), and students achieve a state-approved degree with worldwide access to doctoral programmes. The language of the programme is English.
The applied Master's degree in dance movement therapy contains the following modules:

Module 1: Introduction to therapy sciences
Module 2: Introduction to dance therapy
Module 3: Psychology & psychotherapy
Module 4: Dance and movement therapy procedures
Module 5: Clinical psychology (mental health)
Module 6: Neurology & quantitative research methods
Module 7: Dance and movement procedures II
Module 8: Clinical placement 
Module 9: Evidence-based clinical practice 
Module 10: Assessment & clinical practice with children and adolescents
Module 11: Arts therapies and specific applications
Module 12: Dance and movement therapy and interdisciplinary approaches
Module 13: Advanced placement (clinical or research)
Module 14: Professionalisation, law, and ethics
Module 15: Master's thesis 

The advantages of our high-quality programme include the following:

• We offer small study groups.
• Our competence model: The competencies that are required by employers and practice are the foundation of the curricular study structure.
• Five-week units are aligned to one practice-related subject.
• Transparent study organisation with evaluation and clearly defined, competence-oriented exam settings is specifically tailored to the respective content.
• Activating teaching methods, including case studies, seminars, group work, presentations, role play, etc., are implemented.
• Education partnership: Academic/professional, organisational, and personal support is offered by mentors.
• Specially equipped facilities, such as PC studios and practice rooms, allow medial support for music notation, therapy analysis, etc.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art musical equipment.
• An international study flair is achieved through student exchange with selected universities and clinics.
• There is an opportunity for an individual focus within the study programme.
• There is close collaboration between the educative music therapy outpatient centre and the study courses.
• Quality assurance is guaranteed through regular, confidential evaluation and open exchange between lecturers and students.
• Students gain insight into research projects within and beyond the School of Therapeutic Sciences.
• The programme features guest lecturers in the context of academic colloquia, teaching exchange, or research partnerships.

Between the first and second years of the degree, students complete an internship (sometimes called "practicum" or placement), typically from late July to the beginning of October. The clinical internship provides intense practical experience outside the classroom, supervised closely by external mentors (or supervisors). These mentors are academically educated dance movement therapists. The organisation is handled by the students in consultation with the faculty internship office. Every placement requires prior approval of the internship office. Students are strongly recommended to complete their internships in a country where they speak the language.

4,500 EUR

Applicants from EEA countries: 750 EUR per month + one-time registration fee of 750 EUR

Applicants from non-EEA countries without a permanent residence permit: 5,450 EUR per semester + one-time registration fee of 1,000 EUR

Students may purchase a discounted semester ticket or a discounted "Deutschlandticket" for public transport.

Approx. 950–1,000 EUR per month for personal expenses

• University degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a duration of at least six semesters in one of the following disciplines: dance/artistic studies, psychology, medicine, social work, or similar degrees. Individual exceptions are possible, but these require special approval.
• personal and artistic eligibility
• good English skills

English language proficiency IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / Duolingo Certificate 120 / PTE Academics 58 or a comparable test

We may also personally interview applicants in order to test their English skills. If applicants have studied completely in English in their previous studies, we may waive the required test.

There are no application deadlines, so you can apply at any time until all of the places in the programme have been filled.

There is a special scholarship available. The "Deutschlandstipendium" is a special scholarship programme supported by the German government and private companies. You can find other scholarships that are relevant to your application here.

Working as a non-EU citizen: In possession of a valid German residence permit for study purposes, you are allowed to work for up to 120 full days (full day = eight hours per day) or 240 half days (half day = four hours) during the calendar year. However, freelance work is not permitted. Internships that are mandatory for the successful completion of your studies at SRH do not count towards the above-named 120 full days.

Employment that is considered “student part-time work” ("studentische Nebentätigkeit", e.g. employment as a student worker at a university or in a university-related organisation or "Werkstudent" activities at companies that are related to your studies) can be done without any time restrictions.

On-campus housing is available. Please contact SRH Campus Apartments for information.

We offer individual career counselling services in our Career Development Centre. Here you will find courses on how to prepare for job applications and interviews, covering techniques such as body language and voice training, as well as continued education offerings such as our business skills certificate. In addition, you can access job listings on the university website.

International Cultural Club, workshops, free language courses, social and networking events