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MA Art Therapy

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

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Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Creative Arts
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years Part Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

2019/20 Academic Year

The programme welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Download our complete entry requirements.

About the course

The MA Art Therapy is approved by The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is situated in the vibrant School of Creative Arts. The programme offers opportunities for students to develop their artistic identities in tandem with receiving a through training in the skills and knowledge required for safe therapeutic practice.

Students attend placements throughout the course and develop their professional skills through clinical supervision, reflective practice groups and by articulating their practice in writing, research and multi-media presentations. Focusing on the public sector, placements range from adult and child mental health, rehabilitation, palliative care, learning disabilities, forensic settings and schools.

The programme guides students toward achieving employment in health care, education and/or voluntary organisations.

The programme can be studied in two modes - full-time for 2 years or part-time for 3 years. A clear indication of the mode chosen should be stated on application forms.

Why choose this course?

The aim of the MA Art Therapy is to train art therapists for employment in the public sector. This includes theoretical and practical knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a range of client groups and settings. You are offered a broad theoretical foundation in the key principles of psychodynamic and humanistic psychotherapy, neuropsychology and other evidence based practice in relation to current art therapy theory and research. The programme area also offers a range of pre and post qualification opportunities such as the University Certificate Arts Therapies and Wellbeing Foundation, Introductory and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses and research opportunities up to PhD.

The MA Art Therapy at UH places particular emphasis on the relationship art therapy has with broader visual art culture. Experiential learning is key to the training, with time and space given to the continuing development of the students’ creative practices.

The MA Art Therapy course has links with the Faculties of Public Health, Health and Human Sciences and European organisations such as ECArTE. The University is within easy reach of London by rail and road.

The core staff team have an excellent reputation in terms of teaching quality and practice and research in their fields. The programme also employs a range of professionals with clinical and research expertise with a range of client groups.

You have access to a state of the art Learning Resources Centre which contains a wealth of material on related disciplines, maintained by specialist staff who provide support and advice when needed.

What will I study?

The learning experience offers clinical, theoretical and artistic opportunities and is comprised of the following areas of study:

Theory and Research

Lectures and seminars focus on psychodynamic principles, current practice and research. They provide the theoretical framework for understanding the context in which art therapy is currently practiced and researched. Excellent tutorial support is offered.

Experiential Groups

A range of workshops and groups explore group processes and develop the student’s understanding of effective, creative and safe practice.

Studio practice is a key aspect of the programme. Students can access a number of facilities within the School such as ceramics and photography studios as well as the dedicated art therapy spaces.

Clinical Placement and Supervision

Students undertake 120 days of clinical placement on the course. Supervision is a key component of this. Clinical supervision is provided on the placement whilst reflective practice groups are held by experienced clinical supervisors at the university. The programme holds the view that a range of clinical experience is necessary whilst studying in order to maximise the student's employment prospects.

Introductory Reading List

Download the complete Introductory Reading List here.

Short Courses

Introduction to Art Therapy: One and two-day courses, Visit this link for more information.

Arts Therapies and Wellbeing Foundation: Mondays 6pm-8pm Sept-May, visit this link for more information.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Discourse and Reflection: Art Therapy	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of historic and current issues and critical debates that inform contemporary art therapy practice within current setting of social, health, education and voluntary bodies. Particular emphasis is given to using the module as a crucible for informed analysis and debate and as a tool to advance students' understanding of evidence based practice and the ethical and cultural frameworks of their practice. A series of student led seminars critiquing Art Therapy theory and relating it to contemporary practice outlines the key elements of the module. Emphasis is placed on students' own investigations and presentations in seminar groups. Topics are determined by the student’s own research and/or creative practice that relates to art therapy; this is followed by a poster presentation of the student’s research. The module is designed to help the students consolidate a link between visual, verbal and written research and the importance of this in Art Therapy practice.
Creative Economies	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Creative Economies module enables students to explore and engage with creative economies relevant to their individual practice. The module delivers a series of lectures and workshops examining creative economies. The taught sessions examine the social, political and economic dimension of creative practice across a range of professions and consider the transitional nature of creative economies. The module provides an opportunity for students to engage with people and environments, seeking an understanding of how their own practice may be located within these contexts, locally, nationally or globally.
Research and Enquiry	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students with a range of research skills suitable for postgraduate-level study in art, art therapy, design, film, media and music. The module views creative, technical and therapeutic practices as research processes and helps students locate their own work within contemporary, advanced-level practice in their discipline and to make a critical evaluation of the bodies of practice and ideas that sustain them. Key skills addressed include those of research management, critical evaluation, academic conventions, notions of creative, technical and therapeutic practice as research methodologies, and a range of modes of contextual analysis. The skills gleaned on this module will provide students with a platform for research for the remainder of the programme and in their future careers.
Developing Art Therapy 3	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module deepens students’ knowledge and application of art therapy theory, practice and art making. A combination of experiential workshops and studio practice enable students to integrate theory and art therapy processes. Students continue to develop and deepen their own visual art practice in the studio and in experiential groups that broaden their understanding of psychodynamic and psychosocial approaches to contemporary art therapy practice. The relationship between verbal dialogue, imagery and materials continues to be explored using a range of approaches underpinned by psychodynamic and psychosocial principles.
Introduction to Art Therapy	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an introduction to the art therapy profession and the programme, foundation to psychodynamic thinking and developmental theory, and intensive preparation for placement. The module is delivered within an integrated theoretical and experiential framework, and provides an introduction to a range of art making processes and art therapy approaches. Full time students attend 48 days of placement in a social, health or educational setting. Placements are supported through regular Reflective Practice Groups (RPGs), where the essential components of safe, ethical practice and professional and regulatory body requirements are reinforced. Students are expected to work within the policies and procedures of the placement organisation as well as those of HCPC and BAAT. Placements provide an induction, space to work and weekly clinical supervision. Supervisors are either art therapists or other qualified professionals from related, regulated professions. Programme staff will visit new placements and to support struggling students when necessary.
Developing Art Therapy 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with opportunities to develop their own visual art practice in the studio and in experiential groups that broaden their understanding of psychodynamic and psychosocial approaches to contemporary art therapy practice. The relationship between verbal dialogue, imagery and materials is explored using a range of approaches underpinned by psychodynamic and psychosocial principles. Experiential workshops and studio practice in relation to independent study enable students to integrate theory and art therapy processes. The module weaves a psychodynamic framework into processes of image making, exploring concepts including containment, holding and potential space, transference and counter-transference. Students are introduced to group theory and applied practice, and engage with the dynamics of working directively and non- directively. Concurrently, students continue to develop their own art practice as a means of integrating relevant concepts, theory and practice.
Developing Art Therapy 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module deepens students’ knowledge and application of art therapy theory, practice and art making. A combination of lectures and experiential workshops enable students to integrate theory and art therapy processes. The module explores a range of theoretical approaches, deepening students’ understanding of the diverse and complex contexts in which art therapists practice, and developing their capacity to critically reflect on the relationship between theory and practice. Students continue to develop their own visual art practice in the studio and in experiential groups that broaden their understanding of psychodynamic and psychosocial approaches to contemporary art therapy practice. The relationship between verbal dialogue, imagery and materials continues to be explored using a range of approaches underpinned by psychodynamic and psychosocial principles. (NOTE: Part time students participate in Reflective Practice Groups to support placement based learning in Art Therapy (Introduction and Consolidating) PT.)
Consolidating Art Therapy	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module consolidates students’ understanding of the practice, theory and experiential aspects of art therapy while broadening their understanding of the psychosocial context of the field, considering communities and cultures, engaging with communities, global and social entrepreneurial settings, and the possibilities for expanding the discipline. A combination of lectures and experiential workshops enable students to integrate theory and art therapy processes. Students continue practice based learning on placement and through experiential learning. They continue with weekly reflective practice groups to integrate and deepen lifelong learning in relation to practice and theory. Students will further develop their identities and practice as visual artists engaged with diverse media linked to research outcomes. To consolidate the learning undertaken throughout the programme, in this module students will undertake a major piece of research, culminating in an essay, and will present art work in the context of an exhibition.
Research and Enquiry (Online)	15 Credits	Optional
This module aims to provide students with a range of research skills suitable for postgraduate-level study in art, art therapy, design, film, media and music. The module views creative, technical and therapeutic practices as research processes and helps students locate their own work within contemporary, advanced-level practice in their discipline and to make a critical evaluation of the bodies of practice and ideas that sustain them. Key skills addressed include those of research management, critical evaluation, academic conventions, notions of creative, technical and therapeutic practice as research methodologies, and a range of modes of contextual analysis. The skills gleaned on this module will provide students with a platform for research for the remainder of the programme and in their future careers.
Creative Economies (Online)	15 Credits	Optional
The Creative Economies module enables students to explore and engage with creative economies relevant to their individual practice. The module delivers a series of lectures and workshops examining creative economies. The taught sessions examine the social, political and economic dimension of creative practice across a range of professions and consider the transitional nature of creative economies. The module provides an opportunity for students to engage with people and environments, seeking an understanding of how their own practice may be located within these contexts, locally, nationally or globally.

Professional Accreditations

MA Art Therapy

Careers

The qualification leads to an award that is recognised for professional registration purposes by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Career opportunities vary from work in the NHS, social services, the voluntary sector and increasingly in main stream education. Art Therapists frequently work on a sessional basis or part time in a range of settings. Students receive lectures and workshops on entrepreneurial skills such as fundraising, setting up new services and how to market themselves post-qualification.

Key staff

Programme Leader Andrew Marshall-Tierney
a.marshall-tierney@herts.ac.uk
Fees and funding
Fees 2020
UK/EU Students

Full time
- £7575 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £945 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £10470 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £1305 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
From September 2020, the MA Art Therapy part time route will no longer be eiligible for Student Loans Company funding. This means you will be unable to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan if you intend to study part time. If you wish to receive funding from the Student Loans Company for the MA Art Therapy course, you can only do so if studying full time.

In addition to fees, it is necessary to budget for personal therapy. (See ‘Personal Therapy’ section below). Travel expenses to placements are also the responsibility of trainees. Wherever possible, placements are arranged within a reasonable distance of the trainee’s home in order to minimise costs.

Personal therapy

Some experience of personal therapy can be useful prior to application but it is not a pre-course requirement. However, once a student is enrolled, it is a mandatory aspect of the course that all students must be in personal therapy for the duration of their training. It is usual for therapists to expect attendance throughout the calendar year except for usual holiday breaks; this may entail attendance outside college term times. Therapy can be art therapy or verbal psychotherapy. Attendance should be once weekly. Applicants should be aware that this is an additional item that must be budgeted for. Some organisations and individual therapists may be prepared to offer a reduced rate to students.

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Course fact sheets
MA Art Therapy	Download

Programme specifications
MA Art Therapy	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

International applicants

Apply through our international application portal

Home and EU applicants

Apply using the links below:

2020

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2020	20/05/2021	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2020	20/05/2021	Apply online (Part Time)

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Part Time)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Part Time)

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

MA Art Therapy

2019/20 Academic Year

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Theory and Research

Experiential Groups

Clinical Placement and Supervision

Introductory Reading List

Short Courses

Professional Accreditations

Careers

Fees 2020

UK/EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Personal therapy

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

International applicants

Home and EU applicants

2020

2021

2022