COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Art Psychotherapy programme combines theoretical study, clinical practice, creative exploration, and research to develop competent and reflective art psychotherapists who can work effectively across a range of health, education, and community settings. In the first year of the full-time route, students study Art Psychotherapy Theory and Practice, which introduces key theories, therapeutic approaches, and evidence-based practices in art psychotherapy through experiential learning, process groups, and creative activities. Arts Therapies Studies 1 provides a broader understanding of developmental, relational, and research perspectives that underpin the arts therapies, encouraging students to integrate theory, practice, and research through collaborative learning with tutors, service users, and peers. Practice-Based Learning 1 forms a major component of the year, beginning with preparatory training before students undertake a supervised placement within an external organisation where they plan, deliver, and evaluate art psychotherapy sessions while developing professional, therapeutic, and interpersonal skills in line with professional standards. In the second year, Arts Therapies Studies 2 deepens understanding of therapeutic practice across diverse settings, examining organisational dynamics, health and wellbeing, power relationships, social justice, and unconscious processes through critical reflection and arts-based learning. Practice-Based Learning 2 builds on previous placement experience, enabling students to further develop their clinical competencies through supervised professional practice with service users in external settings. Students also complete an Independent Academic Project, which allows them to investigate a topic of personal, academic, or professional significance through an evidence-informed research project. Guided by a supervisor, they produce a substantial piece of work demonstrating critical thinking, creativity, research skills, academic rigour, reflective practice, and independent inquiry while contributing new insights to the field of art psychotherapy. For part-time students, the same modules are studied over four years, with the first two years focusing on foundational theory and initial placement experience, and the final two years concentrating on advanced studies, further clinical practice, and the independent academic project. Overall, the programme provides an integrated balance of psychotherapy theory, creative practice, supervised placements, professional development, and research, preparing graduates for registration as professional art psychotherapists and for rewarding careers across a wide range of therapeutic settings.