Training

Dramatherapy Training in the United Kingdom

Introduction

There are currently four post-graduate training courses in Dramatherapy in the UK that lead to a qualification approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC), accredited by the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth), and recognised by the Department of Health. See table.

Only successful completion of courses which have HPC approval and BADth accreditation can lead to full membership of the British Association of Dramatherapists. To become a full BADth member, proof of registration with the HPC is needed. Student membership is available whilst training.

The courses are based in Derby, Exeter, London and Roehampton. All enquiries about training should be made to the training institutions.

The registration training is set at MA level.

Entry criteria

The entry criteria to any of the courses would normally include a Bachelor's degree in drama or a psychological health related subject or appropriate professional qualification/ degree, equivalent of one years full time experience working, paid or voluntarily, with people with specific needs, for example mental ill health, learning disabilities, experience of practical drama work and good interpersonal skills. Level 7 English proficiency is required for English second language students. If you have any queries about whether you can meet these criteria please contact the individual courses. The criteria will also be explored at interview.

www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/jobdescriptions/Dramatherapist.aspx contains information for people between 14 and 19 who are interested in preparing to train.

Examples of acceptable work experience might include: nursing assistant, support worker, graduate mental health worker, theatre or drama work with people with specific needs, experience in graduate professions such as nursing, social work, teaching, occupational therapy. Please check with the individual courses.

Derby, Exeter, Roehampton and Sesame also offer a 1-year MA upgrade for those with a PGdip in Dramatherapy.

Sesame, Roehampton and Manchester offer short courses for prospective students. Please contact them for details.

Content

Each course has its own unique identity, but there are basic components common to all courses.

• Experience and competence in a broad range of drama and theatre skills, approaches and techniques including performance work.
• Understanding and awareness of relevant psychological, psychotherapeutic and anthropological principles and practices.
• Participation in an ongoing, experiential Dramatherapy training group.
• Knowledge of related therapies such as art, music, dance/movement and play.
• Supervised Dramatherapy practice.
• Continuous assessment of experiential, practical and written work.
• Personal therapy parallel with training
• Research skills and evidence based practice

For the details of the level of proficiencies Dramatherapists are trained to achieve go the Health Profession Council's Website at http://www.hpc-uk.org/ and follow the links to Arts Therapies proficiencies.

Funding

A lot of people enquire about funding for the training. Often students are funded by their employers, especially those employed within the NHS and Social Services. Some teachers have been funded by their LEAs. Some students have applied for funding for course fees from the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB). Otherwise individuals fund themselves.

Potential students could contact:

FUNDERFINDER – Student services charities and trust funds database.

Tel: 0207 514 6230 – www.funderfinder.org.uk

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS ADVISORY SERVICE (EGAS)

Tel: 0207 254 6251 – email: egas.enquiry@fuia.org.uk