Program Overview

Art Therapy MA

Overview

Art therapy enables expression, beyond words, and promotes psychological well-being. This HCPC-approved Art Therapy course is suitable for those working with a variety of client groups in health, social care, education counselling and community settings. The course will enable you, on completion, to practise as a registered Art Therapist/Art Psychotherapist.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• Start date: Sept 2025, Sept 2026
• Duration: 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
• Location: Wheeler, Chester
• UK fees: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International fees: £18,000 for the full course (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Melissa King

Course Modules

Research

• Module content will include:
  • Research and professional practice: evidence-based practice, being a critical consumer of research, practice development and research.
  • Key concepts and issues in social research: research topics and research questions, answering questions with data, validity and reliability of data, qualitative and quantitative data, description, exploration, finding connections, formulating and testing hypotheses, populations and sampling, interpretivism and positivism.
  • Research traditions and designs: ethnography, survey, experiment, mixed method, research process.
  • Gathering and analysing data: Observation, questionnaires, interviews. Data analysis and drawing conclusions.
  • Literature review: searching, locating, reading and summarising, reviewing and critiquing, organising, synthesising, and using the literature.
  • Preparing the research proposal: Identifying research questions or hypothesis for chosen topic. Designing a study to address the question(s). Data gathering and recording, data analysis. Considering alternative approaches: critical analysis of alternative methods of research to the chosen approach. Knowledge transfer and strategies for dissemination.
  • Ethical frameworks, constraints, data protection, confidentiality and human rights.
  • Preparing an application for ethical approval.

Theoretical Perspectives

• Module content will include:
  • Contemporary and original research exploring a range of psychodynamic theories and their relevance to art therapy.
  • Historical and contemporary perspectives on art psychotherapy; theorists; models of art therapy; psychotherapeutic interventions; symbolic imagery.
  • The role of the image and its application in practice.
  • Experiential learning; different approaches to the use of visual art; practice and process of image-making; group dynamics in action.

Placement Preparation

• Module content will include:
  • Utilising experiential learning; working to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency; understanding of how therapeutic frame is applied with particular client group/setting and more widely vulnerable clients; observation and practice of professional standards and values, Articulating Art Therapy.
  • Working within a team; understanding of organisational policies and local implementation of government drivers; understanding of professional limits and referral procedures; maintenance of a safe environment. Engagement with assessment, care planning and evaluation; record keeping; experience of supervision.
  • The role of supervision; giving and receiving feedback; establishing boundaries; beginnings, middles and endings; recording supervision.

Art Therapy into Practice

• Module content will include:
  • The principles of art therapy practice.
  • Advanced communication skills.
  • Reflective practice.

Practice Experience and Professional Proficiencies

• Module content will include:
  • Application of art therapy theories and values into practice.
  • Critical reflection of practice.
  • Development of professional identity.
  • Demonstration of HCPC Standards of Proficiency.

Art Therapy Dissertation

• Module content will include:
  • Emerging issues in current Art Therapy theory and practice.
  • Creative expression of theory & practice.
  • Searching of databases and other sources, literature review, reading, critiquing, organisation of found materials.
  • Methodologies appropriate to Art Therapy; research design; data collection. Ethical frameworks; ethical approval process; protection of data.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • A maturity of personality and self-awareness.
  • An undergraduate degree in art and design or other relevant subject.
  • A minimum of one year’s work experience (paid or voluntary) within a relevant support/care setting gained prior to the application date.
  • Evidence of a current portfolio or active involvement in art making.
  • IELTS Level 7 for students whose first language is not English.
  • A satisfactory occupational health check.
• International Students:
  • A maturity of personality and self-awareness.
  • An undergraduate degree in art and design or another relevant subject.
  • A minimum of one years’ work experience (paid or voluntary) within a relevant care setting gained prior to application.
  • Evidence of a current portfolio or active involvement in art making.
  • IELTS 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any band).
  • TOEFL at 95 overall (min 22 in all areas).

Where You'll Study

• Wheeler, Chester:
  • City centre location
  • Health and Social Care simulation suite
  • On-site library
  • Social spaces

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International Students: £18,000 for the full course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs:
  • Students will also be expected to have access to their own private personal therapy during the course. This aspect of the course provides a personal support structure for students engaged in psychological processes as well as an avenue for personal development. This is an additional cost which is self-funded and not included in the course fees. Approximate costs range from £2000 but this is arranged via your personal therapist.
• Bursaries:
  • The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects:
  • Graduating Arts Therapists obtain work often in areas where placement opportunities are available. Placement Providers are able to assess service and individual needs and introduce art therapy into the service where appropriate. Education, health & social care services, community practices, NHS and independent sectors all employ art therapists.
• Careers service:
  • The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.