Child Art Psychotherapy Studies

Students of the course develop an understanding of the fundamental theories and principles of psychotherapy, and are taught the Vasarhelyi Method of Child Art Psychotherapy. Individual and small group supervision are integral aspects of the course, as are personal psychotherapy, group process, and an 18-month clinical placement in a CAMHS setting.



Course Features

• Provides a rigorous clinical training in the Vasarhelyi Method of Child Art Psychotherapy

• Provides a strong foundation in the areas of child mental health, psychological development, and the fundamental theories and principles underlying psychotherapy

• Includes an 18-month clinical placement in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service clinic (CAMHS)

• Provides clinical supervision of students’ Child Art Psychotherapy practice in both individual and small group settings

• Developed for professionals who wish to specialise in using images in a psychotherapeutic context, helping children and adolescents to articulate their thoughts and emotions through the use of art materials

• Includes the production of Masters level research with a focus on developing research methodology appropriate to the field.



Who Should Apply?

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No



This course is crucially relevant to anybody whose work with children and young people has a therapeutic objective. It will be relevant therefore for:

• Psychotherapists

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

• Art therapists

• Artists interested in applying their formation to a therapeutic context

• Counsellors

• Social Care Workers

• Social Workers

• Nurses



Those who are working with children and young people in difficulty will find this course invigorating. It will make an invaluable contribution to their career and to their commitment to work with vulnerable children and young people. It is also inspiring for those who are working with children with long-term physical illnesses.



NFQ Level: 9 (90 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science



Professional Accreditation

The MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy Studies is a two year, part-time taught programme offered by the School of Medicine, University College Dublin. This two-year MSc programme alone will not satisfy the minimum 4-year training requirement of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACAP: acap.ie). Those interested in a four-year programme that satisfy requirements to apply to ACAP can consider the Professional Masters in Child Art Psychotherapy, the first two years of which are the MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy. The MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy Studies may appeal to those already in possession of another psychotherapy / clinical practice qualification who wish to expand their skills in working with children or young people.

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:

Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year.

MDCS42640: Vasarhelyi Mtd&TrainExp Part 1

MDCS41680: Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Models

MDCS42670: Research Skills

MDCS42680: Mental Health: young people

MDCS42560: CAP Clinical Placement 1

MDCS42600: Supervision of Clin Practice 1



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of:

Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again.

MDCS41690: Psychotherapeutic Models

MDCS42650: Vasarhelyi Mtd&TrainExp Part 2

MDCS40240: Development of Pictorial Thinking

MDCS42570: CAP Clinical Placement 2

MDCS42610: Supervision of Clin Practice 2

MDCS42660: CAP Minor Dissertation

Eligibility criteria

• A third level degree or equivalent is required.

• Experience of working with children and adolescents within mental health or educational settings is an advantage.

• Applicants are short-listed on the basis of their previous professional experience and the short-listed candidates are interviewed to assess their suitability.

• Successful applicants will be required to consent to garda clearance being sought which is standard procedure for professionals engaged in direct work with young people.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

2 Years part-time.

X987: Child Art Psychotherapy Studies

Master of Science



Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught