MSc Art Psychotherapy
Art psychotherapy is a profession with creativity at its heart ! The programme at QMU has the potential to offer a personally rewarding career on the only art psychotherapy training programme in Scotland . You can study full or part-time , and as a graduate you will be able to register with the Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC ) to work as an art psychotherapist .
The life-changing potential of psychotherapy , the power of artistic expression and your desire for a more meaningful career all meet on this unique course . If you have at least one year ’ s experience of working with people within a mental or physical health service , education , social services or the voluntary sector , this course will help you build on your experience and develop new skills as an art psychotherapist . The MSc Art Psychotherapy is based in our School of Health Sciences and offers a stimulating learning environment with a practical focus .
The creation of art in the presence of a trained art psychotherapist can have a profoundly positive effect on people with emotional , behavioural , mental health or physical problems . Art therapy is not a recreational activity ( although the sessions can be enjoyable ) but a form of psychotherapy that helps people address confusing and distressing issues .
Art psychotherapists work with people to access their own image-making abilities . You could work with people of any age , from very small children to young people , adults and older adults , helping them to use art media to express themselves and communicate . You may work with groups or individuals , depending on clients ’ needs .
You and the person you are working with will jointly explore the meaning of the process and image / art object in the light of personal experiences and / or interpersonal relationships that may sometimes be distressing or troubling . The aim is to facilitate the intra-personal and interpersonal communication of experiences that the client may initially have difficulty in discussing verbally . The art psychotherapist ’ s task is to support processes of emotional integration by providing a safe , reliable and containing therapeutic environment within which the client can create and use art making to develop insight and promote change .
This course , the only MSc in Art Therapy in the UK , will introduce you to the profession , theory and practice of art psychotherapy . Regular practice placements working with clients will build on your theoretical learning and allow you to apply your developing skills .
Your learning will be enriched by the interdisciplinary structure of the course as you study alongside your peers from various other pathways within the Person-Centred Practice Framework .
All students are required to be in personal psychodynamic therapy throughout the duration of the course .
Students will attend supervision on site at the practice placement setting and at QMU throughout the training .
This course is part of the Person-Centred Practice Framework , more information on other courses in the framework is available on pages 122-123 .
Structure
To obtain this MSc you must complete a number of credit-bearing modules .
Teaching , learning and assessment
For full-time students , classes in Year One usually take place from 9am- 6.15pm on Mondays and Tuesdays . In Year Two classes take place from 9am-6.15pm on Thursdays only .
For part-time students , classes in Year One take place on Tuesdays , 9am- 6.15pm . In Year Two , classes take place on Mondays 9am-6.15pm . In Year Three and / or Four , classes will take place on a Thursday only , 9am-6.15pm .
You will also be required to carry out independent learning . Full-time students attend practice placement two days per week and part-time students attend one day per week over two semesters . Part-time students wishing to complete their Clinical Project in Year Four will attend personal academic tutorials by appointment . All students will be required to carry out independent learning . The Art Studio will be open for practice during evenings and weekends by appointment .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
Our graduates are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as Registered Arts Therapists and are eligible for full membership of British Association of Art Therapists . The course meets the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Art Therapists .
Modules Level 1 Full-time : Year One
Theory and Practice of Person-Centred Health and Wellbeing ( 20 credits )/ Leading Person-Centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing ( 20 credits )/ Practice-based Learning 1 ( 40 credits )/ Developmental and Relational Perspectives ( 20 credits )/ Art Psychotherapy Theory and Practice ( 20 credits )
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