Program Overview

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Master of Creative Arts Therapy

Overview

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy is a unique blended learning program offering a specialisation in either drama or dance movement therapy. Students will undertake supervised industry placements in various contexts, including community, health, and education. The creative arts therapies are a form of psychotherapy utilising creative modalities, including drama, dance, music, and visual art-making within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Course Details

• Course code: MC-CAT
• Duration: 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time
• Location: Southbank
• Mode: Mixed Attendance Mode
• Intake: February

Course Structure

The course provides students with studies in theory, methods, research, and professional practice across health, educational, and community contexts. There is an emphasis on how each artistic modality is employed in teams with groups and individuals. The teaching method incorporates experiential, theoretical, and practice-based learning approaches.

Who is this Course For?

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy has been developed specifically for arts educators, community arts workers, health workers, and therapists who are interested in training to practice as a drama and dance movement therapist.

What is Dance Movement Therapy?

Dance movement therapy is the relational and therapeutic use of dance and movement to further the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural functioning of a person. Dance movement therapy is based on the empirically-supported unity of body and mind.

What is Drama Therapy?

Drama therapy is an embodied, action-based form of psychological therapy using various aspects of drama and theatre within the therapeutic process. This approach uses playful and creative methods to address a wide range of personal challenges and facilitate insight and growth for individuals and groups in different professional settings.

Professional Registration

Graduates of this program are eligible for professional registration with appropriate professional associations, including the DTAA (Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia) and ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association). The course has been approved by ANZACATA.

Delivery Mode

This course is delivered using Blended Learning, involving online study, two intensives per year on Southbank Campus, as well as an industry placement of 40 days per year.

Related Study Areas

• Creative arts and music therapy
• Health
• Music, visual and performing arts
• Psychological sciences
• Science

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available.

Entry Schemes

Access Melbourne is available.

Career Outcomes and Student Experience

The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to work as drama and dance movement therapists in a variety of settings, including community, health, and education. The student experience is enhanced through supervised industry placements and the use of blended learning approaches.