Program Overview

Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) is a two-year postgraduate programme that trains students to become qualified creative arts therapists. It combines academic study, clinical training, and supervised fieldwork, preparing graduates to use art-making and creative processes as therapeutic tools in mental health, education, and community settings.

Programme Overview

• The programme includes courses focused on:
  • Creative Arts Practice exploring the integral role of creativity and arts-making
  • Research Capacities exploring and implementing CAT appropriate research
  • Therapy Capacities exploring both theory and professional practice of CAT
  • Situated Practice engaging with clients in supervised Placements
• Students complete an independent research project supported by a research supervisor and 750 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• The clinical practice is achieved in the final 18-month period of study via placements that involve work with real-world clients and populations.

Key Dates

• Application Close Date: 19/10/2025
• Tentative Intake Dates: To Be Confirmed

Duration and Location

• Duration: 2 Years
• Location: Auckland City Symonds Street Campus, Christchurch Campus
• Delivery: Distance with some in-person seminars + placements

Costs

• Domestic: $11,098 + $300 Student Services Levy per year
• International: $27,000 + $300 Student Services Levy per year

Qualification

• Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)
• NZQA Level 9 (240 credits)

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy or an equivalent qualification.
• Relevant professional or creative experience.
• A portfolio.
• Academic transcripts.
• References.
• All applicants are interviewed to assess their readiness for clinical training and postgraduate research.

International Applicants

• Submit a 5-minute self-introduction video explaining the motivation for choosing to study with us.
• Meet English language requirements: Minimum score of 625 on the TOEFL test or Academic score of 6.5 on the IELTS with no band score lower than 6.
• Hold a New Zealand qualification or equivalent to any stated above.
• Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements.

Career Paths

• Graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
• Career paths include working as a creative arts therapist, counsellor, community arts practitioner, or clinical mental health professional in hospitals, schools, NGOs, or private practice.

Faculty Members

• The faculty includes experienced professionals in the field of Creative Arts Therapy, such as Dr Naomi Pears-Scown, Lynnemaree Patterson, Julia Hanna, Susan Knaap, Candy Lynn Smit, Negin Dastgheib, Jordan Monaghan, Beth Buxton, Nuraishah Abdullah, Dr Jana璯a Moraes, and Rebecca Richardson.

Research Areas

• The programme integrates psychodynamic, humanistic, and transpersonal approaches, helping students apply creative methods within therapeutic and clinical contexts.
• Research areas include arts-based psychotherapy theories, clinical practice, and advanced creative modalities such as visual art, movement, drama, and storytelling.

Student Support

• Whitecliffe provides extensive support through clinical supervision, mentoring, and academic guidance.
• Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a collaborative learning environment that prioritises personal wellbeing, reflective practice, and ethical professional development throughout the programme.