Master of Arts in Art Therapy
A clinical master’s programme integrating art-making, therapeutic practice, and clinical placements for aspiring art therapists.
Best for:Best for visual artists, healthcare professionals, or educators with at least one year of clinical/care experience seeking to specialise in therapeutic art practice.
Overview
This two-year full-time Master of Arts in Art Therapy at MTU’s Crawford College of Art & Design prepares students to become qualified art therapists through a blend of theoretical studies, experiential learning, and supervised clinical placements. The programme emphasises evidence-based therapeutic practices, ethical standards, and hands-on experience with diverse client groups. Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in visual arts or relevant clinical experience, alongside a portfolio showcasing their creative and reflective practice. The curriculum includes clinical training, professional development, and mandatory vetting procedures to ensure safe practice. Graduates are equipped to work in healthcare, social services, and educational settings, applying art as a therapeutic tool for mental health and disability support.
What you'll do
- Develop a deep understanding of art therapy theories and practices through theoretical and experiential learning.
- Engage in supervised clinical placements to apply therapeutic techniques in real-world healthcare or social service settings.
- Create and maintain a portfolio demonstrating artistic skill, creative process, and therapeutic potential.
- Participate in reflective practice sessions to analyse and improve therapeutic interventions.
- Adhere to professional ethical standards and national vetting procedures for clinical practice.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in clinical settings to support diverse client needs.
Requirements
Degree required: An Honours degree (Level 8 or equivalent) in Visual Art or a related field such as Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work, or Teaching. For non-art graduates, evidence of a substantial and developing body of current/recents art work is essential.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Art Therapy
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and clinical practice (no formal test specified).
Instruction: English
- Demonstrable artistic skill and creative practice in visual arts.
- Minimum of one year of full-time clinical or care work experience in relevant fields (e.g., Health, Social Services, Special Education).
- Ability to create a portfolio showcasing artistic process, skill, and therapeutic potential.
- Strong understanding of therapeutic principles and professional ethics in art therapy.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication for clinical documentation and client interaction.
- Completion of an Honours degree or equivalent in Visual Art or a relevant clinical field.
- One year of full-time clinical/care experience (paid or voluntary) with vulnerable populations.
- Passage of National Vetting Bureau (NVB) procedure for clinical placement eligibility.
- No age restrictions, but clinical experience requirement applies.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
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- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Applicants must submit an online application through the MTU portal, including a portfolio of artwork, a statement of intent, academic transcripts, proof of clinical experience, and two professional references. A satisfactory National Vetting Bureau (NVB) check is required prior to acceptance.
- Portfolio of personal artwork demonstrating artistic skill and therapeutic potential
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- Proof of one year of clinical/care experience (paid or voluntary)
- Two satisfactory references from clinical/professional contacts
- Statement of intent outlining therapeutic and artistic goals
- National Vetting Bureau (NVB) clearance confirmation
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.