COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing curriculum is designed to develop students into reflective, creative, and professionally competent Arts for/in Health practitioners through a progressive combination of artistic practice, therapeutic principles, research, and community engagement. In the first year, students establish a strong foundation through The Healthy Practitioner, The Creative Self, Working Creatively with Groups, Arts, Culture and Wellbeing, and Human Development and Play. These modules develop self-awareness, resilience, study skills, creative practice, group facilitation, and an understanding of human development, wellbeing, and the role of the arts in promoting physical, emotional, and social health. Students also begin building professional values through mindfulness, self-care, reflective practice, and collaborative learning. In the second year, students expand their knowledge through The Developing Practitioner, Concept of Self, Group Work with Diverse Populations, Arts for Health, and Arts for Health Research Methods. The curriculum focuses on ethical practice, safeguarding, health and safety, professional supervision, therapeutic arts, research methods, and inclusive group facilitation while preparing students to work confidently with diverse individuals and communities. Students strengthen their critical thinking, research, communication, and professional skills through practical workshops, reflective activities, and applied learning. In the final year, students consolidate their learning through The Emerging Practitioner, The Professional Self, Groupwork in Community Extended Placement, and a Dissertation. These modules emphasize professional identity, continuing professional development, leadership, advanced community practice, and independent research. Through an extended placement, students gain valuable real-world experience by applying creative and therapeutic approaches within community, health, education, or social care settings while building confidence and professional competence. The dissertation enables students to investigate a specialist topic using appropriate research methods and critical analysis. Throughout the program, students combine artistic creativity with evidence-based practice, developing advanced facilitation, communication, leadership, research, and interpersonal skills that prepare them for careers in arts and health, community arts, education, social care, wellbeing services, cultural organizations, and therapeutic settings, while also providing a strong foundation for postgraduate study and continued professional development.