Graduate Certificate
Foundation in Dance Movement Psychotherapy
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Why study Graduate Certificate Foundation in Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths
This programme offers an introduction to Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the UK, including theoretical concepts and the experience of using movement as a tool for self-reflection.
- This in-depth short course offers an introduction to Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) in the UK. You will be introduced to key theoretical concepts through creative lectures, case materials, and embodied exploration
- Throughout the programme, theory and practice will be brought together in an embodied and relational learning experience. You'll gain first-hand experience of creative and embodied processes, including group work
- You'll learn core DMP theory, including professional contexts, and hear examples of case material from a range of dance movement therapy practices in the UK, including practice-based examples with adults, adolescents, and children from a diverse range of organisations, approaches, and services
- You will partake in a unique experiential learning opportunity through participation in a DMP group facilitated by experienced therapists
- As part of your experiential learning, you will engage in an 'as if' experience of the therapeutic process. Your exploration will extend to social justice issues and the intersectionality of various factors such as class, race, culture, sexuality, physical and intellectual abilities, religion, and gender
- You will develop insights into oneself and others, emphasising the dynamic interplay between movement, communication, and group dynamics within a well-defined framework
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Marina Benini.
Length
1 year, part-time (25 weeks, Tuesdays, 6-8pm)
Department
What you'll study
Over the course of the academic year, you will develop your knowledge of DMP from key concepts to applications of practice.
In term 1, you will learn the foundations of DMP in creative and interactive ways; through lectures, case material, theoretical underpinnings, group discussions and embodied creative exploration though movement.
In term 2, you will participate in an experiential DMP group to support you to develop an understanding through an immersive and reflexive experiential learning process.
In term 3, you will examine how DMP is applied to practice in the various settings in which Dance Movement Psychotherapists work. You will learn about a number of specialist areas and how DMP adapts to fit the context whilst staying fundamentally within the psychodynamic frame with its guiding principles.
Compulsory modules
Over the academic year, you will study the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theory and practice of Dance Movement Psychotherapy | 30 credits |
| Applied Dance Movement Psychotherapy | 15 credits |
Teaching Style
This programme is taught through a mixture of taught sessions, lectures, workshops, and experiential learning. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
This course runs on campus as a weekly 2-hour evening class every Tuesday (6-8pm), over three terms of the academic year (25 weeks). It will include one 6-hour class on one Sunday in term one.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, including coursework, essays and projects.
All assessed work is accompanied by feedback to ensure your work is on the right track. It may come in a variety of forms ranging from written comments on a marked essay to oral and written feedback on projects.
Entry requirements
You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to:
- Developing knowledge and skills around exploring movement in embodied and reflexive ways
- Critical reflection of self and in relation to others
You are expected to have previously completed an undergraduate degree, sustaining academic study at level 6. However, we welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
Fees and funding
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home: £2350
- International: £4800
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your programme, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
Skills and careers
This foundation course provides a comprehensive understanding of the DMP profession, offering an enlightening introduction.
You may wish to continue to progress your learning with our MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy programme or use this programme as a CPD opportunity to explore the use of movement, creativity and play in your practice in another field.
Upon completion of this programme, participants will be awarded a Graduate Certificate carrying 45 credits at Level 6.
It is crucial to note that completion of this course does not confer a license to practice as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to:
- Critically assess theories and approaches in DMP
- Identify real-life applications of theory and practice in DMP
- Apply psychodynamic frameworks to understanding of self and others within groups
- Experiment with different ways of using dance and movement for critical self reflection
- Analyse how intersectional identities of class, race, culture, sexuality and gender influence the relation of self to others
