Art Therapy MA - Therapeutic Arts

Program Overview

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The MA Art Therapy program at the University of Derby equips students for professional registration as qualified art therapists. Combining practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and clinical experience, the program emphasizes the centrality of image and imagination in art therapy practice. Graduates are eligible for membership in the British Association of Art Therapists and have opportunities for career advancement in mental health, education, social services, and private practice.

Program Outline

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Art Therapy MA - Therapeutic Arts - University of Derby

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Degree Overview:

The MA Art Therapy program at the University of Derby is a two-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become qualified art therapists. The program is approved and accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and recognized by the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

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Objectives:

• Professional Registration: The program aims to enable students to become eligible to apply for professional registration as an art therapist or art psychotherapist with the HCPC, as long as they meet the HCPC's requirements.
• BAAT Membership: Students become eligible to apply for full membership of the British Association of Art Therapists.
• Clinical Practice: The program provides first-hand, practical experience of clinical art therapy practice.
• Clinical Reasoning and Professional Identity: Students develop their clinical reasoning and professional identity, integrating their learning from all areas of the course through Independent Scholarship.
• Image and Imagination: The course reinforces the centrality of the image and the role of the imagination in the practice of art therapy.
• Theoretical Understanding: Students gain a critical understanding of current theoretical ideas in art therapy.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• The program is delivered full-time over two years.
• Students attend the University one day a week between 9am-7pm, typically on either a Monday or Tuesday.
• The day of attendance remains the same throughout the training.
• There are scheduled Masterclasses, up to 3 additional days in the first and second years.
• A block teaching week takes place in September at the start of the second year, where students spend a week at the University developing ideas for their Independent Scholarship.
• Students are required to be present during the dissemination of their research exhibition build at the end of the program.

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Clinical Placement:

• Students undertake two periods of clinical placement:
• Placement One:
Commences in January of the first year, comprising two days a week for 25 weeks.
• Placement Two: Runs throughout the second year, starting in September and requiring two days a week attendance for 35 weeks.

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Modules:

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Postgraduate Certificate:

• Art Therapy Studio Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on developing practical art therapy skills and techniques.
• Art Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice One (20 credits): This module explores the theoretical foundations of art therapy and its application in practice.
• Art Therapy Clinical Placement One (20 credits): This module provides supervised clinical practice in a real-world setting.

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Postgraduate Diploma:

• Art Therapy Experiential Group (20 credits): This module focuses on the theory and practice of art therapy group work.
• Art Therapies Theory and Research in Relation to Practice Two (20 credits): This module builds upon the theoretical foundations explored in the first year, delving deeper into specific areas of art therapy practice.
• Art Therapy Clinical Placement Two (20 credits): This module provides further supervised clinical practice, building upon the experience gained in the first year.

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MA:

• Art Therapies Independent Scholarship: A Body of Work (60 credits): This module culminates in the completion of an arts-based research project, allowing students to integrate their learning and develop their clinical reasoning and professional identity.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Practical: Students are assessed through the production of artwork and practical demonstrations of art therapy techniques.
• Oral: Oral presentations and discussions are used to assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply them in practice.
• Written: Written assignments, reports, and essays are used to assess students' critical thinking, research skills, and written communication.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Clinical Reasoning: Students are assessed on their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical situations.
• Professional Identity: Students are assessed on their development of a professional identity as an art therapist.
• Art Therapy Skills: Students are assessed on their proficiency in using art therapy techniques and their ability to adapt them to different client needs.
• Research Skills: Students are assessed on their ability to conduct research and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in art therapy theory and practice.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with hands-on experience in using art therapy techniques.
• Group Discussions: Group discussions encourage students to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
• Clinical Supervision: Clinical supervision provides students with individual and group support from experienced art therapists.

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Faculty:

• Kirsty McTaggart: Programme Leader, qualified Art Psychotherapist with experience in various settings.
• Adem Peach: Qualified Art Psychotherapist with experience working with children and adolescents.
• Keziah Smith: Qualified Art Psychotherapist with experience in CAMHS and specialist residential services.
• Bethan Baëz-Devine: Qualified Art Psychotherapist with experience in CAMHS and educational provisions.
• Martina Mindang: Qualified Art Psychotherapist with experience in adult mental health services.

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Other:

• Studio Facilities: The studios provide a secure, spacious, and well-stocked space with expert guidance on hand.
• Placement Connections: The teaching team has strong placement connections, offering students opportunities in special interests and locations.
• Curriculum Mapping: The course is closely mapped against the health and social care sector, ensuring that the curriculum is up-to-date and relevant.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Students have access to Adobe Creative Suite software for both on-campus and home use.
• LinkedIn Learning: Students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, offering over 13,000 courses and tutorials.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Mental Health: Art therapists work in a variety of mental health settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
• Education: Art therapists work in schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
• Prison Service: Art therapists work in prisons to help inmates cope with trauma, stress, and mental health issues.
• Social Services: Art therapists work in social services agencies to support children, families, and individuals facing challenges.
• Voluntary Sector: Art therapists work in non-profit organizations to provide therapeutic services to underserved populations.
• Private Practice: Art therapists can establish their own private practice after gaining additional post-training clinical experience.
• Business: Art therapy is increasingly being used in business settings to promote creativity, teamwork, and well-being.

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Opportunities:

• Professional Registration: Successful completion of the MA Art Therapy program makes students eligible to apply for professional registration with the HCPC.
• BAAT Membership: Students become eligible to apply for full membership of the BAAT.
• Networking: The program provides opportunities for students to network with other art therapists, professionals in the field, and potential employers.

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Outcomes:

• Career Advancement: The MA Art Therapy program can lead to career advancement for individuals already working in related fields.
• Personal Growth: The program provides students with the opportunity to develop their personal and professional skills, enhancing their overall well-being and career prospects.

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UK fee: £13,500 for the full course (2024/25) International fee: £14,900 for the full course (2024/25)