Art Psychotherapy

The MSc Art Psychotherapy course is a two-year part-time training programme approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulating body for the health and care professions in the UK.

The course combines experiential learning, seminars, arts based reflective practices, clinical placements, and clinical supervision. Art psychotherapists work with children, young people, adults, and older people across a range of health, education, social care, advocacy, and community services.

As a career, art psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It combines therapeutic expertise, evidence-based research, social engagement, and creative ingenuity.

The course integrates HCPC professional clinical training requirements, along with practice-based learning with a variety of client groups.

Art psychotherapy is life changing. It is a clinical practice that contributes to creative health and wellness and uses art for the communication of emotions, thoughts, and life experiences.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

Year one
• Art Psychotherapy: Foundations of Theory and Practice
• Art Psychotherapy: Clinical Proficiencies and Theories of Mind
• Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 1
• Art Psychotherapy: Diversity and Praxis
• Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 2 (Part 1)

Year two
• Art Psychotherapy: Continuing Professional Responsibility
• Art Psychotherapy: Portfolios of Professional Practice
• Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 3
• Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 2 (Part 2)

Standard entry conditions
To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

Criteria leading to selection for interview:
(a) A 2:2 degree or above in either visual arts, psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nursing, teaching, social care, or an allied profession.

(b) A commitment to reflective arts practices facilitating personal insight and an artistic repertoire of self enquiry. If invited for interview, a portfolio of six artworks demonstrating proficiency in a range of arts media will be requested.

(c) A 1000 hours of work experience in a helping capacity in either mental health, arts and health, social care, social work, special education, or a counselling setting. Paid or voluntary work is acceptable.

(d) Applicants are requested to demonstrate self-awareness, psychological mindedness, emotional resilience, robustness, and the capacity to be empathetic.

(e) All applicants are asked to demonstrate a level of English necessary for the completion of academic assignments. An example of academic writing can support your application and also be submitted prior to interview.

All successful applicants are required to complete an enhanced Access NI security check.

Applicants will be required to submit references from two referees relating to their academic and professional performance.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).

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GradDip Public Policy (W315) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 5855
nonEU fee per year - € 13270

GradDip Public Policy (W316) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3775
nonEU fee per year - € 6635

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
"Art Psychotherapy graduates typically combine sessional, part time and full time employment. They work with people of all ages living with a wide range of emotional or physical conditions in the context of mental health, education, arts and health, community, and voluntary settings. Art Psychotherapists need to be flexible and resourceful. Within the current context in health and social care, entrepreneurial skills are also needed, and most art psychotherapists start their career on a self-employed basis and establish art therapy provision in a wide variety of settings. Many Art Psychotherapists work in partnership with allied professionals to develop innovative approaches to practice" (British Association of Art Therapists).