Master of Creative Music Therapy (CRICOS course code 111859C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Western Sydney University over 2 years. This program is designed for international students seeking to combine creative arts with therapeutic practice in a clinical setting. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00917K), it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment. You'll develop advanced skills in music therapy assessment, intervention, and evaluation, with a strong emphasis on practical experience through a 40-week work component. The course is delivered at the Penrith campus in Kingswood, NSW, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive learning environment. Whether you aim to work in healthcare, community services, or private practice, this qualification opens doors to careers in Australia and globally. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource; always verify details with the provider.
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Master of Creative Music Therapy (CRICOS course code 111859C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Western Sydney University over 2 years. This program blends musical creativity with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, preparing graduates to work as registered music therapists in diverse settings. The course sits within the field of Creative Arts (10) and specifically under Other Creative Arts (1099), encompassing a broad range of artistic and therapeutic skills. As a coursework master's degree, it emphasizes structured learning alongside supervised clinical practice. Western Sydney University is a public government institution with CRICOS registration 00917K, ensuring that international students receive quality education under the ESOS Act protections. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, reflecting the most current information available. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing a registered course like this one guarantees your enrolment is recognized for student visa purposes.
As a Master of Creative Music Therapy student, you will study the intersection of music and health, learning how to use music as a therapeutic tool for individuals and groups. The curriculum typically covers music therapy theory, clinical improvisation, client assessment, program planning, and ethical practice. While specific units are set by the provider, graduates at this AQF Level 9 are expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their discipline, including critical analysis, research integration, and professional judgment. You'll engage with contemporary research in music therapy and explore how cultural and social factors influence therapeutic outcomes. The field of education (109999 Creative Arts, n.e.c.) indicates a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements of psychology, neuroscience, and community development. Practical components are central, with supervised placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, or mental health services. This combination of theory and practice ensures you are job-ready upon graduation.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This full-time program is conducted in English, with all instruction and assessment delivered in the language. It is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. The standard study load is designed for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), requiring a full-time commitment. While the mode of delivery is not specified on CRICOS, it is typically on-campus with possible online components for theory. Students should confirm with Western Sydney University whether the course is available in blended or flexible learning formats. The 104-week duration includes scheduled breaks, during which students can work unlimited hours under visa conditions. Always check the provider's website for the most current academic calendar and class times.
The indicative tuition fee for Master of Creative Music Therapy is A$53,052 for the full program (as per CRICOS register April 2026). Non-tuition fees, including materials and administrative costs, are estimated at A$600, bringing the total to approximately A$53,652. Please note these are indicative figures — fees are set by Western Sydney University and subject to annual review. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory and varies by provider; living expenses in Sydney are estimated at A$30,000–A$35,000 per year (including rent, food, and transport); and the Student visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always confirm the latest fees on the provider's website before applying. For context, Australia has over 26,000 courses listed on CRICOS, and fees vary widely by institution and discipline.
Admission to this master's program typically requires an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent English language test). Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as music, health sciences, or psychology. Previous experience in music or therapy may be required — check with Western Sydney University for specific prerequisites. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course; however, if you need additional preparation, contact the provider for advice. HeadStart Academy does not assess qualifications or guarantee admission; we recommend contacting the institution's admissions team for personalized guidance. All entry requirements are set by the provider and subject to change.
This course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component: 40 weeks of supervised practice at 16 hours per week, totalling approximately 640 hours. This clinical placement is a core part of the program, providing real-world experience in music therapy settings. You may be placed in hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, community health centres, or private practice. Placements are typically unpaid and aligned with your academic learning objectives. The work component is designed to develop your professional competencies under the guidance of qualified music therapists. Under the Student visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks — however, placement hours are part of your course and do not count towards work limits. This practical training enhances your employability and is a key feature of the course.
Master of Creative Music Therapy is delivered at Western Sydney University's Penrith campus located in Kingswood, NSW. Kingswood is a suburb in the western region of Sydney, approximately 50 km west of the city centre. The campus is accessible via public transport, including trains from Kingswood Station. Western Sydney is a culturally diverse area with a large student population, offering relatively lower living costs compared to inner Sydney. The region has numerous CRICOS-registered providers; for example, over 50 institutions operate in greater Sydney. Living costs in western Sydney are estimated at A$25,000–A$30,000 per year for international students, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging A$400–A$500 per week. Groceries and transport add approximately A$150–A$200 per week. The campus environment supports a close-knit academic community with access to libraries, music studios, and health clinics.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (like 111859C), valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), sufficient financial capacity, and meeting the GTE criterion. With a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. The Department of Home Affairs sets all visa conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for details. The ESOS Act protects international students, including tuition fee protection and complaint mechanisms. Always ensure your provider remains CRICOS-registered throughout your studies.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Masters Degree Coursework), field (Creative Arts), and city (Sydney). Verify CRICOS 00917K for Western Sydney University. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines on the Western Sydney University website. Prepare your academic transcripts, personal statement, and any required portfolios. Submit your application through the provider's online portal or agent network. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC cover and demonstrate financial capacity. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent.
Studying in Kingswood, NSW offers a unique balance of urban accessibility and suburban affordability. Western Sydney is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, music venues, and community events. The region's multicultural population provides rich clinical exposure for music therapy students. Public transport connects Kingswood to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, making it easy to explore the city during breaks. Living costs are lower than in inner Sydney, with weekly rent for shared accommodation around A$200–A$300 per room. The area has a growing student population, with several universities and colleges nearby. If you value a supportive campus environment and real-world clinical placements, Western Sydney is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more central location or specialized music therapy facilities, consider other providers. Always weigh factors like commute, lifestyle, and career opportunities before deciding.
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All Masters Degree (Coursework) courses in New South Wales →
Master of Creative Music Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Sydney University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.