Art therapists work as multidisciplinary practitioners of psychotherapy, using art media and creative activities as their primary means of engagement and communication. This degree focusses on the use of visual arts, including drawing, painting and sculpting, as therapeutic tools to address mental health challenges. Students learn to apply art interventions to help individuals express and explore emotions, enhance self-awareness, and promote psychological well-being. The curriculum often includes theoretical coursework, practical art-making experiences, and supervised clinical placements.
Entry onto a master’s course generally requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area such as art and design, psychology, or social work. Usually, a minimum of one year's work experience in a caregiving environment is also necessary. There are ten art therapy masters’ courses in England, and with a recent uptake of art therapists working across private and public healthcare, trained professionals are in high demand.
As a practice-based course requiring a broad range of developed skills, art therapy master’s degrees have a duration of two years full-time, or four years part-time attendance. As a student, you can anticipate gaining experience in conducting art therapy sessions, understanding psychological theories, navigating ethical considerations in practice, as well as developing your own artistic expression along the way. The programme often emphasises self-reflection, and it is not uncommon for students to undergo some form of personal therapy over the course of their studies.
There are many specialisms which can be explored, including work with a particular client group, positions within health policy and research, education, and management. Art therapy courses are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and once you’ve graduated, you can become a registered art therapist and start your professional practice.
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...
This programme will provide you with a broad understanding of the theories and practices of art psychotherapy necessary for safe and 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...
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...