Applications for 2025
are now closed.
Thank you for your interest!
About
Degree:
Field of study:
Programme type:
Language of study:
Period of study:
Academic system:
Total Credits:
Style of Instruction
Faculty collaboration:
Career path:
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Music Therapy
International Programme
English
Two-year(4-semester), Full-time enrollment
Semester system (Fall & Spring semesters)
52 Credits
Hybrid (Online zoom + Onsite Intensive in Bangkok)
Graduate School
Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
Faculty of Psychology
Faculty of Medicine
Music therapy professionals in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, NGOs, welfare/developmental centers, private practices, etc.
About
Located in the heart of Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University is Thailand’s first and remains one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious universities. Founded in 1917 by King Vajiravudh in honour of his father, King Chulalongkorn, the university promotes higher education in the arts, humanities and sciences. At present, the university consists of 38 faculties and colleges, with an enrolment of around 37,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Having recently celebrated its centennial, the university remains committed to training students to play their part in the global community.
Ever since its establishment, Chulalongkorn University has continuously strived to be a world-class national university, generating knowledge and facilitating for the creative and sustainable transformation of Thai society.
The application of music as a therapeutic tool for health and well-being is deeply rooted in the indigenous traditions across continents, where its harmonious tones and rhythms have long been employed for healing and spiritual purposes. In contemporary times, this ancient practice has evolved into an evidence-based therapeutic discipline. Music therapy, as it is now known, is an interdisciplinary field that harnesses the intrinsic qualities of music to foster improvement in various aspects of health and quality of life, including physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Internationally, the efficacy of music therapy has been substantiated through extensive research, revealing its profound therapeutic benefits across a spectrum of health conditions and disabilities.
For individuals grappling with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, music therapy has emerged as an innovative way to enhance communication and social interaction. In the realm of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and brain injuries, music therapy has shown notable success in improving cognitive function, memory recall, and emotional stability. Music therapy has proven beneficial for those dealing with mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety, offering a calming and soothing experience. Its effectiveness also extends to medical conditions, aiding in symptom relief and enhancing quality of life for patients with cancer, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Today, music therapy is recognized not just as an adjunct to traditional health practices but as a vital component of multidisciplinary and complementary care. Music therapy aligns current theoretical knowledge with ongoing research and practical application, offering a well-rounded and effective method for enhancing health and well-being through music.
The Master of Arts in Music Therapy at Chulalongkorn University is an innovative hybrid programme, combining online learning with on-campus classes. For optimal clinical practice, the programme integrates the well-respected American and European music therapy approaches, both of which allow students to develop the abilities and skills necessary to work with a variety of clinical populations and goals. Being the first international programme in music therapy offered by an Asian university, the programme aims to establish music therapy as a profession that will develop and flourish in the region. Combining art and science, this interdisciplinary programme is a collaboration between Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Psychology and the Graduate School.
Music therapy, an evolving field,
offers a variety of career options. Here are some
potential career paths for a music therapist:
clinical music therapist, private practice,
general education & special education music therapist, researcher, community music therapist,
palliative care music therapist, and
corporate wellness music therapist.
Clinical Music Therapist: Working in healthcare settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities to help patients with various conditions using music-based interventions.
Private Practice: Establishing a private practice to provide music therapy services to individuals and groups, catering to a range of needs from developmental disorders to stress relief.
General Education Music Therapist
Working in general educational settings to enhance learning and emotional well-being for all students. General Education Music Therapists use music-based interventions to support academic, social, and emotional goals, fostering creativity, collaboration, and personal growth in inclusive classroom environments.
Special Education Music Therapist: Working in schools or educational settings to support children with special needs, including those with autism, learning disabilities, and emotional challenges.
Researcher/Academic: Conducting research in the field of music therapy and teaching at universities or colleges, contributing to the advancement of the discipline.
Community Music Therapist: Working within communities to address social issues, improve quality of life, and foster community engagement through music.
Palliative Care Music Therapist: Providing comfort and support to patients in hospice or palliative care settings through therapeutic music interventions.
Corporate Wellness Music Therapist: Implementing music therapy programs in corporate settings to enhance employee well-being and reduce workplace stress.
In addition, since music therapy is a newly developing field in Asian countries, graduates have the unique opportunity to be pioneers in this area, developing and shaping new roles and creating job opportunities. The Master of Arts in Music Therapy Programme at Chulalongkorn University, through its collaboration with the Alumni Club and the local and international professional association in music therapy, aims to promote music therapy and create job opportunities in the region. This collaboration will focus on organizing networking events and professional development workshops, initiating community outreach programs to showcase the benefits of music therapy, and engaging in advocacy to influence health and education policies. Additionally, there will be efforts to conduct collaborative research, establish mentorship programs for new graduates, and organize job fairs to connect students with potential employers.
February 1st ~ April 17, 2026
Applications for 2025
are now closed.
Thank you for your interest!