Course

Master of Art Therapy

Approved Abbreviation: MArtTher

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4595.1

Course enquires should be directed to the Course Advisor.

Art therapy is internationally recognised as a valuable therapeutic approach in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. The Master of Art Therapy is a clinical training program that equips candidates with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience for work in a variety of contexts where the use of art therapy is applicable, including community organizations, health care settings and private practice. The Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy is available as an exit point only.

Course Advice

Dr Joy Paton - joy.paton@westernsydney.edu.au

Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time. Since it is necessary to integrate theory and practice students will be encouraged, if they commence in part-time mode, to take the final 80 credit points in full-time mode if their circumstances allow. This will result in a three year composite program which is comprised of two years part-time and one year full-time. Students who are unable to proceed in this manner will still be able to complete the course over four years part-time

Advanced standing

Students will be granted advanced standing on the basis of having completed the Graduate Diploma in Expressive Therapies as four units are common to both two degrees. Applications for academic advanced standing will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.

Accreditation
Graduates of the course are eligible to apply for registration with the Australia and New Zealand National Arts Therapy Association (ANZATA) which is in turn a member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). A Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy is available as an exit point only and is not professionally recognised.

Admission

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

Applicants will possess either:

Bachelors Degree in Design, or Visual Arts (practice & theory) and prerequisite units in Psychology or their equivalent; OR

Bachelors Degree in Psychology; Or Behavioural Sciences; Or Health Sciences; Or Education and prerequisite units in Design and Visual Arts or their equivalent; OR

Suitably qualified professionals (such as nurses, teachers or art practitioners) who have trained outside of the tertiary sector and hold diploma or certificate qualifications and current extensive professional experience in an education, health, social or community welfare context (minimum of 5 years) and can show equivalent knowledge of psychology and visual arts as required above.

Applicants will be required to submit a folio of artwork demonstrating an active and sustained commitment to art practice.

Applicants are also required to submit:

A written statement of intent describing why the applicant wishes to enter the course; and

Curriculum vitae; and

Two letters of reference from relevant professionals.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate substantial professional work experience in a relevant clinical or community context (paid or voluntary) such as education, health, social or community welfare, for a minimum of one year full-time or equivalent.

Applicants will also be required to participate in, and satisfy the requirements of an interview.

International applicants should contact International Office for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available via the UWS website.

http://sites.uws.edu.au/international

Special Requirements Prerequisites
All entrants will be required to satisfy criminal record checks and make Prohibited Persons Declarations to engage in this study.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points, consisting of the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

56161

An Introduction to Therapeutic Application of Creative Processes (PG)

400487

Art Therapy Theory and Practice 1

56153

Art Therapy Theory and Practice 2

56152

Professional Practice (PG)