15 March till 15 April for the following winter semester
Bachelor's degree in music, education, psychology or medicine
in individual cases the examination board may also admit other subjects
In exceptional cases, admission can also be granted if the aptitude required for the degree programme was acquired in a profession instead of a university degree.
The recognition of competences and skills acquired in professional practice is carried out within the framework of a separate aptitude test. This aptitude test is intended to establish the equivalence of the vocational qualification with that of a completed vocationally qualifying degree programme. The formal prerequisite for the determination of aptitude is a proven intensive occupation with music therapy contents for approx. five years.
at least one year of qualified practical professional experience
a period of work shadowing at an institution with a clinical-therapeutic or psychosocial focus
This does not have to involve music therapy
For applicants without experience in the psychosocial field: at least 10 weeks with a total of at least 50 hours
For applicants with experience: at least 6 weeks with a total of at least 30 hours
Supervision is recommended
The start of the work shadowing in this institution must not be longer than 2 years ago
An artistic talent with regard to the music therapy orientation of the study programme
german language skills C1 according to CEFR
Please refer to the program's website for additional important information regarding admission requirements
Standard period of study: 6 semesters, 120 credit points
Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
On 24 January 2026, an information day will be held for the professional master's degree programme in music therapy. More information can be found here.
Your application – step by step
All of the steps listed below must be completed within the application period for the respective study programme. We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible within the application period so that you can clarify any questions that may arise with our StudyGuide in good time.
Register and verify your identity (if you have not already done so) on the UdK Berlin application portal: https://my.udk-berlin.de
Fee per application: EUR 30.00 (plus fees for international transfers)
Proof of payment: bank statement or transfer confirmation with value date
Universität der Künste Berlin IBAN: DE 72 1009 0000 8841 0150 46 BIC: BEVO DE BB XXX Payment reference: 35/01036, study programme, name, application number
Berliner Volksbank eG Budapester Straße 35 10787 Berlin Germany
For international transfers: Please ensure that you cover all transfer fees incurred (OUR – sender pays costs) when making the transfer.
During the application process, you will be asked to submit formal documents. Please prepare these as individual PDF files (max. 5 MB each).
Formal documents:
Curriculum vitae
University degree certificate
Transcript of records for the BA degree
Preliminary examination document (VPD) from uni-assist, if applicable (see FAQs)
Proof of German language proficiency at C1 level according to CEFR for international applicants (see FAQs)
Application also possible with German B2
Letter of motivation
Proof of qualified professional experience
Minimum one year, full-time
E.g. employment references, employer certificates
Proof of work experience in the field of psychology
The work experience must have been completed within the last two years.
Report/reflection on the work experience placement (1.5–3 pages)
If available: proof of supervision for the work experience placement
Without experience: at least 50 hours, spread over ten weeks
With experience: at least 30 hours, spread over six weeks
Proof of payment of application fees
Log in to the application portal (https://my.udk-berlin.de) and submit an application for admission to your desired study programme within the application period and upload the formal documents.
For applicants without a degree in music or music education: 1. Music theory examination, which demonstrates knowledge of general music theory and a good ear: • Determining instruments from examples played before. • Classification of played examples in certain musical epochs • Rhythmising of a given melody • Rewriting a monophonic example (melodic dictation) • Identifying triads and seventh chords in basic positions and inversions given in writing. • Identifying a passage from a classical work with a function or step designation
2. procedures for testing interpretative (instrumental/vocal) skills: • Audition on one major and one minor instrument: one melody or rhythm instrument and one harmony instrument are required (accompanists may be brought along). Two works of the candidate's own choice from different stylistic periods are to be performed, for the main subject both works with at least an intermediate level of difficulty: Piano e.g.: J. S. Bach two- and three-part inventions; sonatas by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven; Robert Schumann "Kinderszenen"; C. Debussy "Arabesques"; B. Bartók "Mikrokosmos IV"; Recorder e.g.: Sonatas by Loillet and Händel; Spielbuch für Sopran-Flöte H. 12 (Hänssler-V., Stuttgart); C. Lechner Kl. Tanz- und Spielstücke; Folk song improvisations (Bärenreiter 1104 u. 1257); Violin e.g.: Sonatas by Händel, Mozart or Sonatine by Schubert etc. The same applies to other instruments. Pieces from the field of light music are also possible.
For all applicants: 1. group procedure to determine the playful-communicative relationship ability; among other things, a self-selected song is to be performed, in which the candidates must accompany themselves instrumentally. 2. group procedure (improvisation) to determine the ability to use music as a means of personal expression and interpersonal communication. 3. individual interviews about previous professional experience as well as the work shadowing experience 4. individual interviews on professional motivation and personal development. Among other things, mental resilience, relationship skills, perceptive and reflective abilities are tested.
Fees
The Master's programme in Music Therapy is subject to fees. The fee is 407 EUR for monthly payment plus a one-time start fee of 1,850 EUR, i.e. for a study duration of 6 semesters 16,502 EUR for the entire study programme. In addition, the semester fee is due in each case.
Detailed information on fees and financing options can be found on the Music Therapy website. Information on the semester fee can be found here.