BAMT is pleased to announce the publication of new Curriculum Guidance for the Pre-Registration Education and Training of Music Therapists, finalised as part of a project commissioned by NHS England in collaboration with BAAT and BADth.
As a professional advisor to the HCPC, BAMT has supported the Teaching and Education Committee (TEC) to establish this curriculum guidance for current and future programmes to ensure Music Therapy graduates are prepared for HCPC registration.
This new guidance will help ensure that training programmes align with the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency, Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and Education and Training. It also serves as a reference tool for:
- Academic institutions and educators
- Placement providers
- Music Therapy students and supervisors
- Practising Therapists
- Current and prospective employers
Key areas covered
The document is intended to guide HCPC and other statutory bodies involved in programme validation and quality assurance. Key areas include:
- Required core curriculum content for Music Therapy training
- Delivery conditions covering staffing, facilities, equipment, safety, ethics, and inclusion
- Emphasis on balanced practical, musical, and academic staff expertise
- Encouragement for inclusive teaching staff profiles
- Essential components such as musicianship development, understanding of foundational principles, and awareness of cultural, social, and political contexts
- Placement preparation standards to ensure safe, inclusive, and effective learning experiences
DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDANCE DOCUMENT HERE. (note this link does not open a new page or window - the PDF document will immediately appear in your downloads)
The guidance has been developed collaboratively by BAMT’s Training and Education Committee (below) and approved by the BAMT Board of Trustees.
Luke Annesley - University of the West of England
Elizabeth Coombes - University of South Wales
Philippa Derrington - Queen Margaret University
Alison Hornblower - Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy Centre
Rachel Swanick - University of Derby
Claire Molyneux - Anglia Ruskin University
Hilary Moss - University of Limerick (advisor)
Ann Sloboda - Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Catherine Warner (Chair) - University of the West of England
Tessa Watson - University of Roehampton
Clare Maddocks, Director of Education and Research, said:
“The development of this curriculum is an important milestone for supporting training in our profession. Not only does it provide a valuable resource for current and future courses, but on a professional level it brings us alongside other modalities. This gives us further opportunities to advocate and address the need to tackle the funding, placement and resource inequities that still exist for programmes and Trainees.
I’d like to personally thank all of those involved, while it has been a lengthy process it is one that has included great collaboration and sharing between educators and professional bodies. My hope is that the curriculum will help to ensure well-rounded, inclusive and valuable learning opportunities for all Trainees.”