Module content will include:

1. Research and professional practice: evidence-based practice, being a critical consumer of research, practice development and research.
2. Key concepts and issues in social research: research topics and research questions, answering questions with data, validity and reliability of data, qualitative and quantitative data, description, exploration, finding connections, formulating and testing hypotheses, populations and sampling, interpretivism and positivism.
3. Research traditions and designs: ethnography, survey, experiment, mixed method, research process.
4. Gathering and analysing data: Observation, questionnaires, interviews. Data analysis and  drawing conclusions.
5. Literature review: searching, locating, reading and summarising, reviewing and critiquing, organising, synthesising, and using the literature.
6. Preparing the research proposal: Identifying research questions or hypothesis for chosen topic. Designing a study to address the question(s). Data gathering and recording, data analysis. Considering alternative approaches: critical analysis of alternative methods of research to the chosen approach.  Knowledge transfer and strategies for dissemination.
7. Ethical frameworks, constraints, data protection, confidentiality and human rights.
8. Preparing an application for ethical approval.

1. Contemporary and original research exploring a range of psychodynamic theories and their relevance to art therapy.
2. Historical and contemporary perspectives on art psychotherapy; theorists; models of art therapy; psychotherapeutic interventions; symbolic imagery.
3. The role of the image and its application in practice.
4. Experiential learning; different approaches to the use of visual art; practice and process of image-making; group dynamics in action.

Module content will include:

1. Utilising experiential learning; working to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency; understanding of how therapeutic frame is applied with particular client group/setting and more widely vulnerable clients; observation and practice of professional standards and values, Articulating Art Therapy.
2. Working within a team; understanding of organisational policies and local implementation of government drivers; understanding of professional limits and referral procedures; maintenance of a safe environment.  Engagement with assessment, care planning and evaluation; record keeping; experience of supervision.
3. The role of supervision; giving and receiving feedback; establishing boundaries; beginnings, middles and endings; recording supervision.

Module content will include:

1. Emerging issues in current Art Therapy theory and practice.
2. Creative expression of theory & practice.
3. Searching of databases and other sources, literature review, reading, critiquing, organisation of found materials.
4. Methodologies appropriate to Art Therapy; research design; data collection. Ethical frameworks; ethical approval process; protection of data.