Drama therapists use group work, role play and movement to help people with their feelings and emotions. As a drama therapist, you could help clients use their creativity to increase their self confidence, use voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets or masks, support clients to express what they feel and act out situations in a safe environment, encourage clients to work as a group and to form one to one relationships and much more.

You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification in dramatherapy, accredited by the British Association of Dramatherapists.

To apply for the postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a subject like drama, creative therapies or psychology. You might also be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, like occupational therapy, nursing or social work.

Professional training is at Masters postgraduate level at one of the following institutions approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC):

• Anglia Ruskin University

• Queen Margaret University

• Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, University of London

• University of Derby

• University of Roehampton

To get a place on a course, you'll usually need a degree in drama, performing arts or a psychological health-related subject. Some institutions may also accept degrees in education, social work or allied health professions.

In addition to your qualifications, you'll typically need at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) clinical/field work experience in a relevant setting. This can include working within teaching or social work or in areas of mental health, physical disabilities, learning disabilities or care work in the community. You should also be able to show some evidence of ongoing engagement with drama in different forms.

In some instances, you may be able to get onto a course through non-standard entry if you don't have a degree but do have at least two years of this type of experience. Check directly with course providers.

Taken from prospects 2024

You might be able to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, however availability is quite limited. You’ll need to apply for an apprenticeship position directly with a healthcare provider and they will advertise opportunities on the Find an apprenticeship and NHS Jobs website.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply. This is dependent on the company and area, you will also usually need to go through an interview process when applying for a degree apprenticeship in drama therapy. 

You'll need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting the course.

Apprenticeship Finders

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

Interview Help 

https://www.jobinterviewquestions.com/recreational-therapist/drama-therapist