Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art to help explore social, emotional and mental health issues. Art therapists or art psychotherapists, help people to use art to express their feelings as an alternative form of communication and explore experiences that might be difficult to put into words.
A qualification in art therapy is a specialised qualification and most graduates go on to practice as an art therapist or art psychotherapist in a variety of settings like health, social care or education either with individuals or sometimes in group sessions. Some art therapists are self-employed while others might be employed by the NHS, private health care providers, schools or the prison service. Alternatively, you might consider a research or academic position.
You must complete a postgraduate degree to register as an art therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council, (HCPC). A related undergraduate degree such as art or psychology is usually required to apply for this postgraduate qualification.
Postgraduate students will learn about art, culture and wellbeing, working creatively with groups of people, human development and play, safeguarding and ethics as well as the practicalities of professional practice. In addition to the course modules, you’ll usually be required to undertake a minimum of 40 hours of individual personal therapy.
On successful completion of your postgraduate course, continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to HCPC membership. Registered art therapists must also undergo regular clinical supervision from a recognised supervisor.
The amount you could earn as an art therapist or art psychotherapist will vary significantly depending on whether you’re employed or set up as a self-employed private practitioner. For example, if you work for the NHS, the entry salary is usually on band 6, which is currently £33,706. This could increase to approx. £40,588 or more depending on experience and leadership level.
There are currently 14 universities offering 16 postgraduate art therapy or art psychology courses in the UK.
Develop the skills, practical experience, and confidence to begin a rewarding career as a professionally-qualified and registered art Read more...
This Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved Art Therapy course will enable you, on completion, to practise as a registered Art Read more...
This programme will offer you the advanced skills, knowledge and confidence to respond to a wide range of health needs across physical, Read more...
The three-year part-time MA Art Psychotherapy course at the University of South Wales provides you with the fundamental training, skills Read more...
This course is also available as an Extended Master's that helps international students adjust to studying in the UK. The Master in Arts, Read more...
The programme offers an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and research, with a particular emphasis on theatre and performance in the Read more...
Course summary Engage in art-making, alongside studying psychotherapeutic approaches Embark on a two day per week work placement as Read more...
This course is also available as an Extended Master's that helps international students adjust to studying in the UK. The Master in Arts, Read more...
The programme offers an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and research, with a particular emphasis on theatre and performance in the Read more...
We offer opportunities for students who want to pursue research in art psychotherapy. For MPhil and PhD study, you usually register for Read more...
Join a vocational course, comprising of campus and placement-based learning. We’ll teach you through a combination of lectures, seminars Read more...
The course reinforces the centrality of the image and the role of the imagination in the practice of art therapy. It will give you Read more...
The programme in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells provides state-of-the-art education in next-generation therapies, training you in Read more...
Art psychotherapy is a profession with creativity at its heart and a personally rewarding career! If you have at least one year’s Read more...
The arts have a crucial role in our health and wellbeing. On the MA Arts, Health and Wellbeing at Marjon, you will work with experienced Read more...
The MSc Art Psychotherapy course is a two-year part time training programme approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Read more...
This programme will provide you with a broad understanding of the theories and practices of art psychotherapy necessary for safe and Read more...