Becoming a Dramatherapist

Post Graduate Courses

There are currently five full-time post-graduate training courses in Dramatherapy in the UK that lead to a qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), accredited by the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth), and recognised by the Department of Health as an Allied Health Profressional. There are links below to each of these.

Only successful completion of courses which have HCPC 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 HCPC is needed. Student membership is available whilst training. Associate membership is available for those without training, and International membership is available for those who trained and/or live outside the UK.

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. 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.

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 and Care Profession Council's Website at http://www.hcpc-uk.org/ and follow the links to Arts Therapies proficiencies.

Curriculum Guidance

Courses