Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Music Therapy
Wellington, New Zealand
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
A career in music therapy
Learn how to use music to support the development and well-being of people with complex emotional, intellectual, physical, or social needs.
You'll get a comprehensive grounding in music therapy. Study the theory and put it into practice in a clinical or social community setting. Then take what you've learned from your practical experience and apply that to your research project.
When you study at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), you'll learn from dedicated staff with many years' experience as music therapists.
If you have a mature and compassionate attitude, curiosity, a knack for critical thinking, and a passion for practical, creative music-making, then this programme is for you.
Available qualifications
- Master of Music Therapy by coursework and research
- Master of Music Therapy by research
Most students do the Master of Music Therapy by coursework and research, which is in two parts. In Part 1, you'll do coursework, and in Part 2, you'll do casework and research.
If you're already a music therapist with an appropriate postgraduate qualification, you can go straight to Part 2—the Master of Music Therapy by research.
You can apply for McKenzie Music Therapy Scholarships through the University's scholarships database. These scholarships are for students moving into the research component of their Master's and for candidates doing a PhD in Music Therapy.
If you're about to start your Master's research full time, you can also apply for the Wellington Master's by thesis Scholarship.
You'll find other scholarships listed on the NZSM website.
You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
What you'll study
In Trimester One you'll do courses covering the principles and methods used in music therapy. In Trimester Two you'll do courses on the exploration of music from cultures other than your own, and learn how this applies to your practice, along with courses on approaches to music therapy research and a workplace practicum.
For Part 2, you'll do a range of music therapy casework, followed by a supervised practice-based research project linking to what you observe and experience on your placement. For the Master of Music Therapy by research, your study may be practice-based or more theoretical, depending on your interests and research questions. Both options are full-year courses.
You might join past graduates and work as a registered music therapist in special schools and autistic units, early intervention centres, hospices, rest homes, and community mental health services.
Music therapy is still a new profession in New Zealand, but it is growing. Although not many full-time positions are available, you should be able to work full-time by creating a portfolio of contracts with different services and centres.
How you'll study
Learn through practical musical and placement study, theory and research. You and your tutors will work closely together in small groups to problem-solve, reflect on theory and practice, and consider questions that can lead to practice-based research.
Duration and workload
The Master of Music Therapy by coursework and research can be completed in two years of full-time study. The Master of Music Therapy by research can be completed in one year full time
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. You can estimate your study workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.
Where you'll study
You'll do Part 1 in Wellington. You may be able to do Part 2 in Auckland or Christchurch if suitable professional supervision is available.
