MA Dramatherapy

The Master of Arts in Dramatherapy is the first postgraduate program in Dramatherapy in Greece. The therapeutic effects of the use of drama as a method of psychotherapy, are widely recognized and are underpinned by a theoretical framework, in order to work therapeutically in a creative and alternative way to traditional treatment methods. Dramatherapy is applicable in many contexts and addresses most groups of patients, in individual or group settings. The dynamics of theatre, storytelling and acting, promote mental health and personal growth, as they use simulations of the lives of clients, who verbally and non-verbally externalize their sensitive inner matters.

What You Will Learn

With this program you will understand the therapeutic processes of the use of drama in psychotherapy and you will learn to formulate in-depth therapeutic plans, devising therapeutic performances and experiential workshops. You will discover the beneficial role of improvisation and you will learn to adapt therapeutic interventions in the individual or group environment. Research and independent study focus on the personal interests of the trainees and, alongside the practical training, self-evaluation skills in practice are developed to continually improve and involve, for the benefit of the patients. Specifically, the trainees practice:

planning and coordinating dramatherapy sessions for different groups of patients,
choosing appropriate interventions,
on professionalism and ethical issues,
the use of cognitive, emotional and therapeutic skills in relation to the needs of the patients,
the use of supervision for the development of practice.

Why Choose This Course

The title is awarded by the University of Derby – TOP 32 UK university (Guardian 2023) in Health Professions studies.
It is the only postgraduate program in Dramatherapy in Greece, combining scientific knowledge with practical training.
The learning experience is promoted through innovative teaching and learning methods that enhance the personal and professional development of learners, while cultivating the concept and need for lifelong learning and development.
The teaching staff consists of experienced dramatherapists and arts professionals.
Learning is active and experiential , through experiential workshops, role plays & performances, participation in College activities and simulated sessions with visiting professionals.
The experiential classes are held in the modern Dramatherapy Studio of the College.
Clinical Placement takes place in a number of settings and the trainees have the opportunity to contribute substantially to actions of social contribution to sensitive social groups.

Modules

Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice Ι
Dramatherapy Practice (Studio)
Dramatherapy Clinical Placement I
Dramatherapy Experiential Group
Arts Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice ΙΙ
Dramatherapy Clinical Placement II
Arts Therapies Independent Scholarship: Body of Work

Entry Requirements

A relevant undergraduate degree such as BA (Hons) Drama, BA (Hons) Theatre Arts, BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing. Or, you might hold an undergraduate degree or training in other areas such as psychology, occupational therapy, social work, nursing and have current evidence of theatre experience.
You’ll usually need one year’s full time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in a health and social care environment. This can be paid or voluntary and can include areas such as mental health, learning disabilities, older people, children who have experienced trauma, physical disabilities or working with asylum seekers.
If your first language is not English, you’ll need to ensure that you have reached the required standards for English Language as recommended by the Health Professions Council. This is set at IELTS 7.0.
You will also be required to submit two (2) recommendation letters and take the Academic Interview with the Programme Leader.

Program Outline

Mediterranean College - MA Dramatherapy

Degree Overview:

It is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students will experience innovative and active learning, including clinical placement in diverse health and social care settings.

Program Objectives:

Develop a deep understanding of the therapeutic processes of Dramatherapy and how it is used in psychotherapy.
Learn to independently formulate therapeutic plans, design therapeutic performances, and develop engaging workshops based on dramatherapy techniques.
Discover the benefits of improvisation and adapt various therapeutic interventions for individual and group settings.
Conduct independent research and studies that align with individual interests while also developing self-evaluation skills for continuous practice improvement.
Hone professional practice with a focus on professionalism, ethical issues, and effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Outline:

The MA Dramatherapy program is a two-year intensive course consisting of three phases that build upon each other to equip learners with the necessary competencies for professional dramatherapy practice.

Phase One (60 credits):

Lays a solid foundation by building upon learners' existing experiences with vulnerable populations, while equipping them with the skills to understand therapeutic contexts, implement intervention models, and use cognitive skills in practice.
Includes the first clinical placement, offering valuable hands-on experience.

Phase Two (120 credits):

Expands upon the learnings of phase one by allowing learners to manage caseloads, conduct comprehensive assessments, and deliver dramatherapy interventions over an extended period within individual/group settings.
Integrates a second clinical placement with increased complexity, fostering familiarity with the application of dramatherapy across diverse healthcare environments.

Phase Three (180 credits):

Focuses on consolidating and applying all acquired skills while further refining reflective capabilities in line with professional dramatherapy standards.
Enables learners to independently undertake and complete a thesis that critically investigates specific aspects of dramatherapy practice, showcasing mastery of analytical, research, and critical skills.
Culminates in the graduation and eligibility for application registration as a dramatherapist with the Health Care Professions’ Council.

Assessment:

The MA Dramatherapy program utilizes diverse assessment methods to effectively evaluate and ensure learners' comprehensive development, including:

Essays/written assessments: Evaluate knowledge acquisition and understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application.
Performance assessments: Assess skill development and competency in implementing dramatherapy techniques.
Critical reflective writing: Assess ability to critically analyze, reflect, and synthesize relevant information within the scope of dramatherapy practice.
Case study analyses: Gauge critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities within real-world dramatherapy scenarios.
Practical skills demonstration: Evaluate proficiency in the application of dramatherapy techniques across diverse scenarios and situations.
Clinical placement performance reviews: Gauge competence within professional settings through feedback from qualified supervisors and dramatherapists.

Teaching:

Teaching Approach:

Emphasizes innovative methods to actively engage learners in their academic pursuits and foster personal and professional development.
Cultivates a lifelong learning perspective within learners and instills the critical importance of continuous learning throughout their professional journey.

Faculty:

Composed of dedicated and experienced dramatherapists and arts experts, providing students with unparalleled access to profound professional knowledge and practical insights.

Unique Teaching Practices:

Extensive focus on experiential learning: Learners are immersed in practical application through engaging workshops, role-playing exercises, interactive performances, and participation in various College-organized activities.
Simulated practice sessions facilitated by visiting and guest speakers: Offer valuable real-world scenarios within a supportive learning environment.
Modern Dramatherapy Studio access: Provides a state-of-the-art facility, specifically designed to support and enhance practical learning through hands-on engagement and immersive practice.
Clinical Placement settings: Offer diverse learning experiences in various clinical settings, ensuring exposure to a wide range of populations and practice environments.

Careers:

Graduates of the MA Dramatherapy program are equipped to pursue rewarding and diverse career paths within numerous professional settings such as:

Hospitals
Mental health clinics
Schools & educational institutions
Community-based centers
Private practice
Dramatherapist
Arts Therapist
Drama Teacher (specialised in therapeutic approaches)
Community Arts Worker
Project coordinator for creative health & social programs

Other:

Collaboration with the University of Derby (UK) - A Top 32 UK university in Health Professions (Guardian 2023) - ensuring graduates receive internationally recognized qualifications with high employability value.
Program approval by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) allows graduates to register professionally upon fulfilling required criteria, promoting credibility and career advancements.
Uniquely designed program combining practical training, clinical placement, and academic rigor with an emphasis on immersive experiential learning and self-evaluation skills development for continuous improvement throughout their careers.