Course description
More about the course
We place particular emphasis on the relationship art therapy has with other art forms such as fine art, ceramics, design, film and digital image making, on a theoretical and practical level. Experiential learning is regarded as a key experience with time and space given to the continuing development of the student’s artistic identity.
The MA Art Therapy has links with the Faculty for Health and Human Sciences and European universities and organisations e.g ECArTE. The University is within easy reach of London by rail, road and air.
Personal Therapy for the duration of the training is a requirement of all students.
The core staff team have an excellent reputation in terms of teaching quality and research in their fields. The programme also employs other professionals such as psychotherapists and arts therapies who continue to conduct clinical practice with a range of client groups.
Students have access to a state of the art Learning Resources Centre which contains a wealth of material on related disciplines, maintained by specialist staff who provide support and advice when need.
Work placement
Alongside the taught elements at the University, students undertake clinical placements in settings such as special education, mental health, learning disabilities, forensic etc. Within the academic year full time students attend 2 days a week and part time 1 day a week. All students receive a yearly visit by a tutor to their placement.
Clinical competence is also fostered through experiential workshops, seminars and ongoing supervision. An introduction to research is included and research issues related to art therapy practice inform the programme as a whole, receiving particular focus in at least two pieces of written work.
Careers
The qualification leads to an award that is recognised for professional registration purposes by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).
Career opportunities vary from work in the NHS, social services, the voluntary sector and increasingly in main stream education. Art Therapists frequently work on a sessional basis or part time in a range of settings. Students receive workshops on how to market themselves post-qualification.
Teaching methods
The learning experience offers clinical, theoretical and artistic opportunities and is comprised of the following areas of study:
Theory and Research
Lectures and seminars focus on psychodynamic principles and the theoretical framework for understanding the context in which art therapy is currently practiced and researched. Tutorial support is offered.
Experiential Groups
Workshops and training groups explore group processes and different approaches to art therapy practice.
Studio practice is a pivotal experience on this programme. Students can access the facilities within the Faculty.
Clinical Placement and Supervision
120 days of clinical placement. Supervision is a key component and is provided within the University and on the placement. The programme has a view that a range of clinical experience is necessary in order to maximise the student’s employment prospects.
