Course

Master of Art Therapy

Approved Abbreviation: MArtTher

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4595.3

AQF Level: 9

Students enrolled in previous versions should discuss their course progression with their Course Advisor. This version applies to students whose commencement year for this course is 2009 or 2010.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

Commencement Year 2007 and 2008 - 4595.2 Master of Art Therapy

Commencement Year 2003 to 2006 - 4595.1 Master of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of individual, family and group psychotherapy in which participants engage in visual art processes within a therapeutic relationship with a highly trained art therapy practitioner. Art therapy is internationally recognised as a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. The Master of Art Therapy is a clinical training program that equips graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical experience for work in a variety of contexts including government and community organisations, health care settings and private practice. The Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy is available as an exit point only. Completion of this course entitles graduates to apply for registration with the Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association and coverage under the NSW State Health Professionals Award.

Course Advice

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

Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Accreditation
This course is approved by the Accreditation Sub-Committee of the Australia and New Zealand Art Therapy Association (ANZATA) and graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Art Therapists (AThR).

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course.

Inherent requirements

Admission

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in visual arts, fine arts or design

Successfully completed an undergraduate degree in another area of the arts, social sciences, psychology, health sciences, education or humanities

AND

Have tertiary visual arts training (at least two visual arts units at university level within or additional to an undergraduate degree; or a Diploma of Fine Arts)

AND

Submit in writing a 200 - 250 word statement of intent explaining the reason why the applicant is seeking entry to the course.

AND (for all of the above)

* Have a minimum of one year full-time equivalent work experience (paid, voluntary or student) in a supportive capacity with people in a community, welfare, health, the arts or education setting.

* Have evidence of a developed and sustained visual arts practice together with demonstrated understanding of how this practice relates to training as an art therapist, in the form of a portfolio of the applicant's artwork (originals or photo documentation) accompanied by a written artist's statement of 200-250 words.

* Have two written references/ letters of recommendation from currently available referees, at least one from a relevant work context as above.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office.

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

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre website (UAC).

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

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

101303

Art Therapy: Histories, Theories, Groups

101506

Counselling 1

Spring session

101304

Art Therapy: Application to Client Groups

101507