Dance Movement Therapy (MA)

Dance Movement Therapy uses dance and embodied movement as a therapeutic, evidence-based approach to support the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual integration of individuals and groups. As a form of arts therapy, it employs creative, body-centered methods to help clients express themselves, strengthen social connections, and work toward emotional well-being.

Interest in dance movement therapy is growing in both clinical practice and research as an important complement to conventional care. While it has established roots in settings such as psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and special education, its applications have broadened to include neurology, oncology, cardiovascular medicine and preventive health. The approach is inherently interdisciplinary, often involving collaboration with other health and social care professionals.

Graduates and practitioners work across a wide range of environments, including psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy, neurology, geriatrics, forensic settings, paediatrics, and intensive care units (for example neurology, oncology, pain), as well as sub-acute care facilities. Dance movement therapy is also used in psychosocial services for children and families with special needs and in early intervention, and in prevention and education contexts such as schools, youth programs, and kindergartens.

Requirements (verify details with the university)

• Language of instruction: English
• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (MA)
• Academic field: Psychology
• For specific admission criteria, application steps, deadlines, and visa or language documentation requirements, consult the university’s admissions office or the program webpage.

Overview This applied, English‑language MA was developed under the Bologna framework and accredited in 2012. It is a two‑year, full‑time programme (120 ECTS) that usually starts on 1 October. Designed for graduates from artistic or psychosocial bachelor programmes, it leads to a state‑approved master’s degree and provides worldwide eligibility for doctoral study. The programme combines theory, clinical practice and research training to prepare graduates for professional work in dance/movement therapy and related mental‑health settings.

Core learning areas and key modules The curriculum is organised into 15 modules that move from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical and research competence. Core modules include:

• Introduction to therapy sciences and Introduction to dance therapy — grounding in the field’s history, theory and professional scope.
• Psychology & psychotherapy and Clinical psychology (mental health) — understanding mental‑health conditions and therapeutic approaches.
• Dance and movement therapy procedures I & II — practical training in movement‑based interventions and therapeutic methods.
• Neurology & quantitative research methods and Evidence‑based clinical practice — neurobiological foundations of movement, plus skills in research design, statistics and integrating evidence into treatment.
• Assessment & clinical practice with children and adolescents — assessment techniques and age‑appropriate intervention skills.
• Arts therapies and interdisciplinary approaches and Dance and movement therapy and interdisciplinary approaches — working collaboratively with other arts therapies and health professions.
• Clinical placement and Advanced placement (clinical or research) — supervised hands‑on experience in clinical settings and opportunity to specialise in either practice or research.
• Professionalisation, law, and ethics and Master’s thesis — preparation for professional practice, ethical/legal responsibilities, and completion of an independent research project.

Learning outcomes Graduates will be able to:

• Apply dance/movement therapy techniques across client groups and clinical settings.
• Conduct structured assessments and develop evidence‑based treatment plans, including work with children and adolescents.
• Integrate theoretical, neurological and psychosocial perspectives into clinical reasoning.
• Design and execute quantitative research and critically appraise evidence to inform practice.
• Meet professional, legal and ethical standards and pursue further doctoral or clinical training.

Teaching, facilities and student support Teaching uses activating, practice‑oriented methods (case studies, role play, seminars, presentations) organised in five‑week units with small student groups to ensure individual feedback. Students benefit from mentorship, specialist practice rooms and PC studios, access to musical equipment, and collaboration with an educative music‑therapy outpatient centre. There is an international study component through exchanges with partner universities and clinics, regular evaluation for quality assurance, and opportunities to engage with ongoing research and visiting lecturers. Full programme details and formal admission criteria are available in the official programme handbook.

Requirements (summary)

• Eligible applicants: graduates of artistic or psychosocial bachelor programmes.
• Programme language: English.
• Study mode/duration: full‑time, 2 years (120 ECTS), typically starting 1 October.
• Accreditation/status: accredited in 2012; state‑approved master’s degree with access to doctoral programmes.
• For precise admission documents, language level expectations and application deadlines, consult the official programme handbook or admissions office.

Graduates typically work as dance movement therapists in a wide range of clinical and community settings, including psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy, neurology, oncology, geriatrics, paediatrics, intensive and sub-acute care centres, forensic contexts, rehabilitation and psychosocial institutions, as well as prevention and educational settings (schools, kindergartens). Roles include clinical practitioner, rehabilitation therapist, programme developer in preventive health, and specialist in interdisciplinary treatment teams.

There is growing interest in integrating dance movement therapy into standard care, increasing demand in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools and community organisations. The programme’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and research also supports careers in clinical research and provides pathways to doctoral study and academic positions, as well as opportunities for private practice and consultancy in therapeutic and educational institutions.