M.A. Dance Movement Therapy

Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)

Model: full-time

Language: English

ECTS: 120

Duration: 4 semesters/2 years

Location: Heidelberg

More and more clinical facilities and therapeutic centers are relying on creative therapeutic and artistic methods with a scientific basis. 

With the Dance and Movement Therapy degree course, you will experience the perfect mix of theory and practice. On the one hand, you will learn specific dance therapy techniques, psychological and medical expertise and scientific methods. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to deepen your theoretical knowledge in the experience-based teaching units and in an intensive work placement phase. 

Artistic practice, interdisciplinarity and diversity are anchored as cross-cutting topics in the curriculum. The course aims to develop your professional therapeutic attitude. This enables you to plan, observe, initiate, implement and reflect on therapeutic change processes. 

With your acquired knowledge of dance/movement therapy, a wide range of career paths will be open to you. More and more clinical facilities and therapeutic centers are relying on creative therapeutic and artistic methods with a scientific basis. You will be particularly in demand in psychosomatic and psychiatric clinics, retirement homes, hospices and rehabilitation centers. You can also develop your skills in the field of social work, e.g. in child and youth welfare facilities, in integrative kindergartens and schools, or in the field of prevention. Or you can combine dance education, artistic and dance/movement therapy methods in community dance projects. Your Master's degree also enables you to pursue a career in research up to and including a doctorate.

Please note, that for international student aspiring to undertake their internship or secure employment after graduation in Germany, a minimum German language proficiency of level B2, as defined by the Comon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is generally required.

Possible fields of activity:

• Psychosomatic and psychiatric clinics
• Forensic settings
• Therapeutic and social child and youth welfare facilities
• Project work in the field of Arts and Health / Community art
• Geriatrics, work with senior citizens and in the field of cultural geragogy
• Research and education
• Freelance work, possibly setting up your own practice
• The MA program is recognised by the Berufsverband der TanztherapeutInnen Deutschlands e.V. (BTD).

The degree programme is recognised by the German Professional Organisation For Dance Therapists (BTD). Evidence of additional achievements must be provided to be accepted into the BTD.

The Master's degree programme in Dance and Movement Therapy at SRH University provides you with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge. To begin with, you will learn the scientific foundations, psychology and initial techniques of dance and movement therapy. As you progress, you will deepen your knowledge of clinical psychology and neurology and gain practical experience through clinical placements. You will learn about evidence-based practices, specialised diagnostics and interdisciplinary approaches and carry out in-depth internships. The course is rounded off by the topics of professionalisation, ethics and law as well as the preparation of your Master's thesis.

1st semester

1. Scientific Foundations – 6 ECTS
2. Basics of Dance and Movement Therapy – 6 ECTS
3. Psychology and Psychotherapy – 12 ECTS
4. Dance and Movement Therapy Techniques 1 – 6 ECTS

2nd semester

1. Clinical Psychology (Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, Psychotherapy) – 12 ECTS
2. Neurology and Quantitative Research Methods – 6 ECTS
3. Dance and Movement Therapy Techniques 2 – 6 ECTS
4. Clinical Internship – 6 ECTS

3rd semester

1. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice – 6 ECTS
2. Diagnostics and Practical Field Children – 6 ECTS
3. Artistic Therapies and Specific Fields of Practice – 6 ECTS
4. Dance and Movement Therapy and Interdisciplinary Approaches – 6 ECTS
5. In-Depth Internship – 6 ECTS

4th semester

1. Professionalisation, Law and Ethics – 14 ECTS
2. Master's Thesis – 16 ECTS

Little experience in scientific work?

Take advantage of our pre-module to prepare yourself specifically for your Master's degree programme in therapeutic sciences and optimally refresh your knowledge of scientific work - especially if you have an international or diverse background.

The module "Introduction to Research in Therapeutic Sciences" teaches you the basic skills of scientific work in the context of therapeutic sciences. It offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with relevant research methods and processes before you start your studies - in a practical and well-founded manner.

Our SRH University has proven its qualification as a training institute for the Dance and Movement Therapy (M.A.) programme in accordance with the standards of the Berufsverband der TanztherapeutInnen Deutschlands e.V. (German Professional Association of Dance Therapists) and is therefore entitled to use the titleBTD Training Institute.

In addition to technical and methodological skills, social and personal skills are crucial today. SRH University 's innovative, successful and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning so that you can apply your knowledge directly in practice - for a clear competitive advantage.

To apply for the Master's degree programme in Dance and Movement Therapy, you will need to provide: 

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, humanities or arts. If you have not graduated yet, apply with existing transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Audiovisual documentation of your dance experience (dance video)
• Copy of your identity card or passport

English language requirements

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required