COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Art Psychotherapy at Brunel offers a comprehensive, practice-focused curriculum over two years, designed to develop advanced skills and knowledge for working as a professional art psychotherapist. In the first year, students explore human development, social and cultural contexts, and the therapeutic use of arts, critically engaging with theories of development, aesthetics, and anthropology. Modules in arts in health and art psychotherapy theory and practice provide foundational understanding of how image making and verbal skills facilitate therapeutic processes, while clinical placement A allows students to apply these skills in real-world settings. Applied research design and methods equip students with the ability to critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative evidence, supporting evidence-based practice. In the second year, students build on this foundation with clinical placement B, focusing on assessment, treatment, and wellbeing outcomes within therapeutic relationships. Advanced modules in art psychotherapy theory and practice further develop skills to deliver interventions across diverse contexts, including brief and focused therapeutic work. Inter-professional art psychotherapy emphasizes teamwork, communication, and quality improvement, preparing students to work effectively with other professionals. Across both years, the program integrates theory, practice, and research, enabling students to develop reflective, critical, and evidence-informed approaches to art psychotherapy, preparing them for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and professional practice in health and community settings.