Art Therapy

MA

We are now closed for applications to this programme for February 2012 entry.

This programme is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC)

Campus Chester
Course MA
Length 2 years full time/ 3years part time
Start date September 2013

This programme will provide you with a broad understanding of the theories and practices of art therapy necessary for safe and effective clinical work and to establish you at the forefront of art therapy within a contemporary setting.

The course offers experience of clinical art therapy practice and supervision as well as group work and current theory.

The role of the image as a means to explore and develop the potential for self expression via the art making process is extensively explored by way of a range of learning methods which include group art making experiential workshops, visiting artists, input from arts in health, studio time, gallery visits and regular exhibitions by art therapy students. Students are encouraged to develop their own art practice.

You will have a personal tutor who will be responsible for monitoring your overall progress and you will engage in clinical placements. A further requirement of the course is that you engage in personal therapy which is self funded.

 

Why study this course?

The discipline of Art Therapy draws upon the visual arts, the creative process, psychotherapy and psychology and is applied within many settings. The MA Art Therapy will equip you with the skills, experience and confidence to work in frequently challenging, but ultimately rewarding environments.
Features:

This programme is informed by contemporary Art Therapy practice and roots itself firmly within the practice element of art therapy, the therapeutic application of art and the therapeutic relationship.

It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the practice of art therapy not only at an autonomous level but also emphasis is placed on raising understanding and the role of art therapy via presentation and communication skills in order to encourage multi modal working. To this end the programme provides a specific practice preparation module.

Uniquely placed in the Faculty of Health and Social this course promotes inter professional learning being embedded in the forefront of current health and social care practice.

Learning is underpinned by the principles and practices of psychodynamic practice, with particular emphasis placed on the Object Relations model of psychotherapy.

Next: Modules

The programme is divided into three main areas of study:

  • Theory: includes psychodynamic practices, art therapy and clinical theory.
  • Practice: involves experiential learning about the therapeutic relationship and group processes
  • Placement: supervised clinical placements of 120 days total

 

  • NM7500 - Theoretical perspectives: This module will enable students to gain an understanding of theoretical perspectives of art therapy, develop skills in being able to evaluate the art making process and explore psychodynamic practice and clinical theories. (20 credits)
  • NM7501 - Therapeutics and Communication: This module will enable students to develop the skills to become effective communicators within an art therapy environment; develop skills in analysis and evaluation of professional standards; enable understanding of the role of supervision within the therapeutic relationship. (20 credits)
  • NM7502 - Integrating Theory and Practice: This module will enable students to: evaluate theoretical perspectives of abnormal aspects of development and behaviour; develop understanding of personal development in image making; examine the impact of policies on practice and the role of safe practice. (20 credits)
  • NM7503 - Placement Preparation: This module will enable students to practice the skills of art therapy; develop skills in analysing and evaluating appropriate image making techniques; to enable students to work inter professionally. (20 credits)
  • NM7504 - Placement Experience: This module requires students to explore their own application of therapeutic models of art therapy; further develop students professional practice and values; enable students to explore the use of evidence and notions of self development in practice. (20 credits)
  • NM7069 - Research: A generic research module tailored specifically for Art Therapy to provide a comprehensive introduction to social and behavioural research; enable students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to their research topic; facilitate the preparation of a research proposal for dissertation. (20 credits)
  • NM7505 - Art Therapy Dissertation: This module will enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practice of art therapy; explore issues relevant to the students professional practice; enable students to gather data and use evidence to develop practice. (60 credits)
Next: Assessment

Assessments of the programme will be through the use of written work, seminar presentations, visual logs, practice placement records and reflective commentaries.

Next: Careers

Art Therapists can work in a range of areas including; health, social care, education, the community, hospices, forensic and the voluntary sector. Art making and creativity is used across a range of professions. Elements of the programme can enhance continued professional development in a range of other professional areas.

Next: Entry requirements

You should normally have a degree in Art or in another related area such as psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, social work and have a sound current portfolio of artwork. You will also need to demonstrate one year's (full time or equivalent) relevant work experience which may be voluntary work, to be able to show you have sufficient life experience and emotional maturity, as well as having the intellectual capacity to cope with the demand of the course.
You will need to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check, to provide protection when working with vulnerable clients, the cost of which is not included in the fees.

All prospective candidates will attend an interview process which will include a short written piece of work and a discussion of your portfolio of art work.

It is highly recommended that students attend an ‘Introduction', ‘Preliminary' or ‘Foundation' course in Art Therapy prior to applying for admission to this course.

Further Information

Overseas Students
English Language Requirement
FAQs

Beginning: Overview

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