COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Art Therapy programme provides a practical, experience-based learning approach that prepares students for professional clinical practice through a combination of academic study, creative development, and supervised placements. A key feature of the course is the inclusion of two clinical placement modules, requiring students to complete 120 days of supervised clinical practice, allowing them to apply therapeutic knowledge and creative skills in real-world settings. Students also benefit from opportunities to learn from guest lecturers and experienced practitioners who bring specialist knowledge from healthcare, education, mental health, and community environments. Assessment methods are varied and designed to reflect professional practice, including written assignments, artwork creation, oral presentations, and clinical reports, with no traditional examinations. Throughout the programme, students receive guidance from experienced tutors and qualified Art Psychotherapists who support their academic, creative, and professional development. The teaching team brings extensive clinical expertise across diverse settings, including NHS mental health services, child and adolescent mental health services, schools, social care, trauma support, forensic environments, and community-based practice. Their professional experience helps students understand different approaches to art therapy and develop the confidence needed to work with individuals and groups with varied needs. The programme encourages reflective practice, clinical reasoning, and the integration of artistic expression with therapeutic approaches. Through practical placements, expert teaching, creative exploration, and research-informed learning, students develop the essential skills required to become compassionate, reflective, and effective art therapy professionals capable of supporting wellbeing across a range of healthcare and social settings.