Associate Lecturer in Music Therapy

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together two dynamic and diverse schools:

School of Health and Social Care Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and social care leaders through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

The School is made up of a broad range of subjects, reflecting the diversity and complexity of modern health and social care settings:

Adult NursingAssociate and Enhanced Healthcare PracticeMidwifery, Children’s Nursing and Professional PracticeMental Health and Learning Disability NursingPublic Health and Social CareDiagnostics and Clinical InterventionsTherapy and Rehabilitation

School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts

Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.

Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.

About the Team

The discipline of Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Derby champions the restoration of health, function, and wellbeing; empowering people to live life to the fullest. 

Our wide-ranging expertise spans Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Therapeutic Arts, and related rehabilitation professions.

Through evidence-based teaching, interprofessional collaboration, and immersive clinical education, our students gain the skills to support recovery and enhance quality of life across a diverse range of populations and settings. Our programmes are enriched by research-informed practice, creative methodologies, and strong connections with health and care providers.

The Therapeutic Arts strand integrates the healing power of creative expression with clinical insight; an innovative area that continues to grow in impact and relevance.

About the Role

Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’

We are looking for an Associate Lecturer in Music Therapy to join our team and play a key role in training the next generation of Arts Therapists. With a focus on graduate employability, you will contribute to all aspects of teaching and supporting students, preparing them to become practicing Music Therapists.

You will guide students through a journey rooted in taught theory, clinical experiences, group exploration, and self-understanding, helping them develop the professional and personal skills required to succeed in this rewarding field. This requires both a deep commitment to the student experience and a real understanding of the subtle differences between being a clinician and an educator.

As part of an established and supportive team, you’ll contribute to the growth of Music Therapy and Arts Therapies as professions. You’ll engage in learning, teaching and assessment to ensure our students benefit from an education that is contemporary, research-led and practice-informed.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the field through pedagogy, research, and clinical expertise, while supporting students to realise their potential and succeed in impactful careers.

Please note on appointment the job title for this position will be Associate Lecturer in Therapeutic Arts (Music Therapy)

Salary range from £16.51 - £41.29 per hour

The lower rate is for non-teaching scheduled work, whereas the higher rate is an enhanced rate for teaching and additional duties/meetings. Your actual hourly rate is £16.51 per hour. The rate of £41.29 includes 1 hour of teaching time and 1.5 hours of prep/marking/admin.

About You

We are seeking a highly motivated Music Therapist to join our team. To be successful you will hold a degree or similar level qualification in Music Therapy and be HCPC registered as a practicing Music Therapist. You will bring proven clinical experience, a strong commitment to student development, and the ability to share your expertise in ways that inspire and engage learners. Experience or knowledge of working in higher education is essential, along with the flexibility to use a range of innovative delivery techniques to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences.

Benefits

Annual leave accrualTeacher’s Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Ceri Sudron, Subject Lead for Diagnostics and Clinical Interventions via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 02 Feb 2026

Area: Teaching and Research

Salary: £41.29 per hour