Art, Psyche and the Creative Imagination – MA

Course Overview

The MA in Art, Psyche and the Creative Imagination is a blended mode MA programme that offers a transformative learning environment. It aims to enrich personal, social, and cultural life contexts by exploring the interface between art and psyche and by cultivating a practice of the creative imagination. This interdisciplinary programme has an emphasis on depth psychology, informed by the arts and underpinned by the processes of creative imagination.

Course Details

• Status: Expression of Interest Only
• Location: Clare Street, Limerick City
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: €6,250 (first year €2,083 and second year €4,167 – payment plans may be available)
• Level: 9
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Study Mode: Part Time
• Department: Fine Art & Education
• Start Date: 19/09/2025

Entry Requirements

• Candidates need to fulfill the following admission criteria:
  • A minimum 2.2 honours degree (Level 8) in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
  • A minimum 2.2 honours degree (Level 8) in an area outside the fields mentioned above, but with evidence of strong interest, experience, and ability in the area, as determined during the interview
  • Equivalence based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which meet Level 8 2.2 learning outcomes
• All qualified candidates will be interviewed either in person or online to assess their interest in the area, suitability, and psychological readiness
• Successful completion of the Certificate in Jungian Psychology with Art Therapy (Level 8) may count favourably for suitability
• Candidates will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement
• The final dissertation/exegesis of the programme may require ethical approval as well as Garda vetting

Course Modules

Year 1

• Art and Psyche: Maps and Models
  • Credits: 20 (across the full academic year)
  • This module provides the context for the creative imagination and its origins
  • Assessment: Creative & Reflective Journal; Online Contributions as etivity-based discussion forum; Presentation and an Essay
• Professional Portfolio: Reflective and Reflexive Strategies
  • Credits: 5 (across the first semester)
  • This module supports students in developing or extending a personal, professional or expressive practice centered and grounded in an exploration in the field of art, psyche, and the creative imagination
  • Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum; Praxis & Digital Workshops and a Professional Development Portfolio
• Professional Portfolio: Facilitation and Dissemination
  • Credits: 5 (across the second semester)
  • This module continues to provide students with the skills and resources towards developing their practices in the field
  • Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum; Group Presentation and a Professional Development Portfolio

Year 2

• Integrative Practice: Personal and Cultural Contexts
  • Credits: 20 (across the full academic year)
  • This module introduces theoretical frameworks, methods, and case studies to allow for depth experiences and interpretative possibilities for both personal and cultural contexts
  • Assessment: Creative & Reflective Journal; Online Contributions as etivity-based discussion forum; Presentation and an Essay
• Research Skills: Methods
  • Credits: 5 (across the first semester)
  • This module introduces students to the value of research and a range of methods applicable to the professional use of research in the areas of art, psyche, and the creative imagination
  • Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum, Presentation and a Methods Report
• Research Skills: Project Design
  • Credits: 5 (across the second semester)
  • This module builds on the module on Research Skills: Methods by introducing a range of further research methods appropriate to Art, Psyche and the Creative Imagination and/or art therapy style projects
  • Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum, Presentation and a Project Design Report
• Dissertation
  • Credits: 30 (beginning February 2025 and hand-in for September 2025)
  • This module requires the completion of a Final Project, which can consist of either a written thesis paper, or a practice-based project with accompanying exegesis
  • Assessment: review and feedback seminars; presentation and a thesis (or exegesis plus showcase/exhibition)

Career Opportunities

This MA is designed to augment professional practice and also aids personal development, according to the life context of the participant. Completion of the programme would enhance employability prospects in a range of disciplines, with emphasis on the healing and care professions, the arts, and the creative industries.

Further Study

Post Graduate studies within the department include research Masters and Doctorate studies.

Ethos

The ethos of the course is also informed by various fields including the wisdom traditions, mythology, somatics, and ecopsychology, that enable students to find uniquely creative responses to the challenges of our times. It is also an answer to a call by notables in the field, such as James Hillman (one of the key founders of Archetypal Psychology), to open depth psychology into the cultural sphere.

Delivery of the MA in Art, Psyche and the Creative Imagination

The first year of the programme involves 16 contact days, as well as one (sometimes two) evenings per week for online engagement. Contact days are mostly scheduled for Friday and Saturday combinations (apart from two Thursdays), to facilitate commuting and international students.

Faculty

Currently, the core team is comprised of Dr Mathew Mather (programme Director), Lyn Mather, Dr Ciara Healy, Dr Lisa Hester, and Laura Mc Morrow. The programme includes guest lecturers (specific guests for academic year still to be confirmed). The MA has the support of the Irish Society of Jungian Analysts, and an agreement is in place with the International School of Analytical Psychology in Zurich, Switzerland (ISAP-Zurich).

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

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Overview:

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi-campus university in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its focus on applied learning and innovation, fostering strong industry ties and providing excellent employment opportunities for its graduates.

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Services Offered:

TUS provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Support:

Admissions guidance, international student support, open days, student finance information, induction programs, and student support services.

Campus Life:

Accommodation options, career and employability services, chaplaincy and pastoral care, disability supports, learning support, student counselling, student health services, sports facilities, student union, clubs and societies.

Faculty Areas:

Business, Hospitality & Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment & Informatics, Sciences, Health & Technology, and Limerick School of Art & Design.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

TUS prioritizes a student-first approach, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities. The university also provides comprehensive support services to ensure a positive and enriching student experience.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Applied Learning & Innovation:

TUS emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers.

Strong Industry Ties:

The university has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.

Excellent Employment Opportunities:

TUS graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a strong track record of successful career outcomes.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities.

Comprehensive Support Services:

TUS provides a wide range of support services to ensure students' academic and personal success.

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Academic Programs:

TUS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Programs in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, technology, art, and design.

Postgraduate:

Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.

Apprenticeships:

Programs in various trades and technical fields.

Flexible & Professional Learning:

Programs designed for working professionals.

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Other:

TUS is a QS 5 Star Rated University, recognized for its high-quality education and research. The university is also actively involved in research and development, with a focus on areas of national and global importance.