Program Overview

MA Art Psychotherapy

Overview

This programme provides a broad understanding of the theories and practices of art psychotherapy necessary for safe and effective clinical work.

Why Study MA Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths

• The Masters enables you to practise as an art therapist in the NHS, Social Services, and educational establishments, and to become a practitioner registered with the British Association of Art Therapists.
• Your learning is underpinned by the principles and practices of psychodynamic psychotherapy practised within the context of mental health care, and informed by contemporary art practice.
• Via theoretical studies, clinical work and experiential learning you will integrate cognitive understanding and practical experience with a developing awareness of self and others.
• You are encouraged to develop your own art practice, and to situate your work in relationship to your development as a therapist, to contemporary art practice and to psychoanalytic theories.
• Completing this Masters makes you eligible to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Programme Structure

The programme follows standard university terms:

• Term 1 – late September to early December
• Term 2 – early January to late March
• Term 3 – late April to early July

Length

• 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time

Entry Requirements

• At least one year's full-time, or the equivalent in part-time hours, 1,500 hours relevant work experience
• An undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in visual arts/design, or in a related/relevant area, or a professional qualification
• An enhanced disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service
• To disclose any criminal record, disciplinary record, significant periods of time off work and significant health problems in writing after interview

Personal Therapy

• Some experience of personal therapy can be useful prior to application but it is not a pre-course requirement
• Once you've enrolled you will be required to undertake personal therapy for the duration of your training

International Qualifications

• We accept a wide range of international qualifications
• If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and no element lower than 6.5

How to Apply

• Apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system
• Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
  • Details of your academic qualifications
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
  • Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
  • A personal statement
  • A portfolio of art work showing evidence of a longstanding commitment to your own art practice
  • Experience of work in health, social services or education (equivalent to at least 1,500 hours)
  • Experience of personal therapy (ideally)

Fees and Funding

• Annual tuition fees:
  • Home - full-time: £11250
  • Home - part-time: £7500
  • International - full-time: £24350
• Scholarships and hardship bursaries of £500 each are being offered for this programme
• Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for

Careers

• Completion of the programme provides eligibility for the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as an art psychotherapist
• Our graduates are invariably seen as offering a valuable and unique service to their clients and to the multidisciplinary teams in which they work
• Graduates have gone on to practice as art psychotherapists in the NHS, social services and in the education sector

Skills You'll Gain

• The ability to work with a range of client populations
• An understanding of psychodynamic concepts
• Development of your own art practice