Art Psychotherapy

Overview

The next intake for this course is expected to be for September 2026. Applications are not currently open. Please continue to check this page as the opening and closing dates will be added here when the course is open for recruiting.



This course is currently being revalidated and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.



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



The programme structure combines creative active learning, clinical and community placements, lectures, seminars, and studio practices. Art Psychotherapy trainees also attend clinical supervision to support their learning and professional development within a variety of practicum settings.



Art Psychotherapy trainees are required to attend personal psychotherapy for the duration of their training.



Art psychotherapists work with children, young people, adults, and older people in a range of health, education, social care, advocacy, and community services.



As a career Art Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to work collaboratively with 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 in conjunction with cultural partners, advocacy organisations, and social enterprise initiatives.

Note: This course is currently being revalidated and it is possible that there will be some changes to the modules as described in this prospectus.



Year one

Art Psychotherapy: Development of Theory and Practice

Art Psychotherapy: Development of Theory and Practice

Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 1

Art Psychotherapy: Working with Diversity

Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 2 (Part 1)



Year two

Art Psychotherapy: Continuing Professional Responsibility

Art Psychotherapy: Praxis and Research

Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 3

Art Psychotherapy: Practicum 2 (Part 2)

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.



This course is currently under review.



A level

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants



The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

60

MSc Art Psychotherapy is delivered in full-time mode over 2 years. The course is based in Belfast School of Art, Belfast campus. Attendance must be in compliance with the University’s attendance policies.

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 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Graduate employers



With this degree you could become:

"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).