Master of Arts - Dance Movement Psychotherapy

University of Roehampton

This programme is designed for people who have prior dance experience and professional or volunteering experience with people in need, and would like to practise as a dance movement psychotherapist. 

Dance movement psychotherapy is a relational process in which a client and therapist engage in an empathetic creative process using body movement and dance to assist the integration of emotional, cognitive, physical, social and spiritual aspects of self. The University of Roehampton believes that focusing on the creative potential of individuals in a relationship creates a sound ethical basis for psychotherapeutic work. 

Students will be taught by leading experts who will equip them with the skills, experience, and confidence to work as a dance movement psychotherapist. All graduating students are eligible to apply for registration with the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy (ADMP UK). Graduates often create their own positions; facilitating dance movement psychotherapy sessions within settings including: social services; special needs; schools; psychiatry; probationary and rehabilitation units; forensic psychiatry. 

The University of Roehampton's uniquely interdisciplinary MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy integrates theoretical, experiential and clinical learning, preparing students to practice as dance movement psychotherapists. Practice-based research cascades into teaching emphasising the social, biological and psychological construction of the moving body and meaning-making. The programme offers opportunities for students to explore and expand movement preferences, ways of interacting with others, belief systems, prejudices and values. Emphasis is placed on development of the students' own style as a dance movement psychotherapist. Students also have the opportunity to perform and exhibit their ongoing work in a yearly Arts Therapies exhibition. 

The MA in DMP benefits from tutors’ practice-based research, which feeds directly in teaching. 

The programme ethos emphasises a critical consideration of different descriptions and explanations of bodies, human systems and therapeutic practices in different places and times. In the context of an individual student's experiences, beliefs, values and different 'cultures', our teaching actively promotes a participatory ethic, self-reflexive practices and the ability for critical reflection on: creative processes, intersubjectivity and the construction of social and power differentials, in learning and in psychotherapy.