Performing Arts Medicine

The Performing Arts Medicine MSc at UCL is a unique programme providing specialised training to those interested or already involved in offering health services to this very special sector of instrumental musicians, singers, dancers, actors and other performing artists.

The MSc and diploma cover musculoskeletal injury, performance psychology, pain management, assessment and rehabilitation, disability, travelling and touring, dance and music performance science, management of the professional voice and research methodology. MSc students also engage in a research project and dissertation. The certificate is a limited curriculum version for non-clinicians or clinicians who wish to upgrade at a later time.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The MSc programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and the research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (eight core modules, 120 credits)

A Postgraduate Certificate (four core modules, 60 credits)

Core modules

• Clinical Assessment and Rehabilitation of the Performing Artists
• Clinical Management of the Professional Voice*
• Pain and Disability Management within the Performing Arts World
• Environmental & Lifestyle Issues for the Performing Artist*
• Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Performance Related Injury
• Performance Psychology*
• Research Methodology
• Science of Dance and Music Performance*

*PG Cert core module

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this degree.

Dissertation/research project

All MSc students undertake a research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 6,000–7,000 words, a presentation and a viva.

Teaching and learning

The delivery of the programme is through lectures, tutorials or workshops. Performing arts clinics and performance settings when possible are also included in the programme. Details about the lecturers and tutors can be found here. 
Assessment is through coursework, written examinations and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

A primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) or a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university in a relevant discipline (e.g. medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, nursing, sports science, biomedical sciences, athletic training) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A second-class Bachelor's degree (or the overseas equivalent) in psychology, speech therapy, or performance science is also acceptable for the PG Cert.