Expressive Therapies (Level 6, 20 credits)

Program Overview

---

Expressive Therapies (Level 6, 20 credits)

Overview

This module offers both cognitive and experiential learning opportunities and offers ‘taster experiences’ of a range of different arts therapy approaches.

Course Details

All about the course

Through exploring the difference between arts therapies and arts in health you will gain ideas of where you can incorporate expressive techniques into your practice. This module contributes towards the development of creative thinking, appraising and recognising the intrinsic value of creativity in mental health and wellbeing.

What will I be doing?

Learning is through a mix of lectures of experiential, hands-on working.

Assessment is via a 3,000 word essay.

School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.

Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.

Employment and Stats

What about after uni?

Our students find work in a range of environments, e.g.,

• Mental health
• Working with dementia/caring communities
• Schools as school counsellors/group facilitators
• Working for charities offering counselling and support
• Employee Assisted Programs
• Online and telephone counselling services
• HR

Career Links

We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector, which in turn help you provide a better service.

Requirements

What you need to know

This module runs January to May: 3-hour sessions weekly for ten weeks.

This module is suitable for practicing counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers who wish to expand their practice and gain skills and knowledge of working in creative and expressive ways.

Standard entry requirements

Previous study and experience

This course is open to applicants with an interest in, and experience of, working within a helping relationship.

We do not require a bachelors degree but would look to see evidence of experience in counselling, psychotherapy, arts in health, psychology or counselling, along with an ability to study at Level 6.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of prior learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Fees

Type of study | Year | Fees
---|---|---
Part-time | 2025/26 | £965 per 20 credit module

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

• In a nutshell: Explores various arts therapy approaches through theoretical and experiential learning.
• Objectives:
• Understand the history and theoretical tenets of various arts therapy approaches.
• Engage in experiential learning of various approaches.
• Develop creative thinking skills and recognize the value of creativity in mental health and wellbeing.
• Integrate expressive techniques into existing professional practice.
• Program Description: This module equips mental health professionals with knowledge and skills in expressive therapies, enabling them to incorporate creative techniques into their practice.
It combines theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

---

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Historical development and theoretical tenets of expressive therapy approaches.
• Experiential learning in various arts therapy approaches.
• Evaluation of issues related to tissue viability.
• Structure:
• One semester program.
• Part-time attendance.
• Weekly 3-hour sessions for ten weeks.
• Individual Modules:
• The course content specifically mentions one module:
• Expressive Therapies (Level 6, 20 credits):
This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of various arts therapy approaches, with an emphasis on experiential learning.

---

Assessment:

• Assessment Method: 3,000-word essay.

---

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Mix of lectures and experiential, hands-on working.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes experiential learning and incorporates practical application of various arts therapy approaches.

---

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Mental health settings
• Dementia/caring communities
• Schools as counsellors/group facilitators
• Employee Assisted Programs
• Online and telephone counselling services
• HR departments
• Outcomes: Graduates can utilize their acquired skills to enhance their counselling practice and potentially improve client outcomes.

---

Other:

• The program promotes the development of creative thinking and recognizes the intrinsic value of creativity in mental health and wellbeing.
• The School of Health and Society provides strong industry links, ensuring the program remains current and relevant to real-world practice.