Program Overview

Master of Art Therapy

The Master of Art Therapy is a postgraduate degree that combines art and counseling in clinical, therapeutic, or community settings. This accredited program is the only one of its kind in Australia and is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to practice as an art therapist.

Overview

The Master of Art Therapy is a two-year full-time or part-time equivalent program that requires the completion of 240 credit points. The program is multi-modal, with a combination of face-to-face, online, and placement subjects.

Key Facts

• Award: Master of Art Therapy
• Start dates: Semester 1 (March 2026)
• Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal
• Scholarships: Available
• Fees: $30,200 per 120 credit points (note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year)
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available, with an indicative CSP price of $9,537 per 120 credit points

About the Master of Art Therapy

This program prepares students for a unique career combining art and counseling in various settings. Students will gain a balance of theoretical and practical approaches, with critical insight into current issues in art therapy practice. They will learn from leading practitioners, academics, and researchers in immersive and interactive face-to-face workshops in a purpose-built art therapy studio.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Art Therapy, students will be able to:

• Practice with advanced integrated specialized skills applicable to a wide range of clients, based on contemporary theory and evidence-based knowledge in art therapy
• Contribute as an effective practitioner with strong communication skills within a multidisciplinary team and broader family and consumer contexts
• Practice with integrity, informed by an awareness of culturally and socially attuned values and issues, cognizant of ethical and legal implications
• Practice in a reflexive and flexible professional manner, aware of the responsibilities and boundaries of the role
• Design a systematic intervention model of practice and its evaluation, appropriate to a specific client population
• Apply critical thinking and judgment to complex practice issues informed by theory and research literacy

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Art Therapy will be qualified to practice as art therapists in a range of settings, including hospitals, community outreach and crisis centers, schools, aged and palliative care, correctional facilities, rehabilitation and pastoral services, and museums and galleries. Common roles include art therapist, counselor or facilitator, case manager, and senior clinician.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Art Therapy is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates may apply for registration with the ACA and membership with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirement: Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent)
• Prerequisites: Fine arts, graphic design, art education, psychology, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, health science, or nursing
• At least one year of human services work experience (paid or voluntary)
• Applicants must provide a written application, submit a portfolio demonstrating their skills with a range of visual art media, and may be required to attend an interview

Course Structure

The program requires the completion of 240 credit points over two years, including core subjects such as:

• Approaches and Theories of Art Therapy
• Art Therapy Counselling Skills
• Art Therapy with Adults
• Art Therapy with Children
• Group Art Therapy
• Materials and Processes in Art Therapy
• Art Therapy Placement and Supervision A
• Art Therapy Literature Review
• Culturally Responsive Practice
• Final Project in Art Therapy
• Open Studio and Post-Traumatic Growth
• Placement and Supervision B
• Placement and Supervision C

Fees and Scholarships

Estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students are $30,200 per 120 credit points, with Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available. Various scholarships are also available, including the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nursing Scholarships Program, La Trobe Greater China Digital Health Scholarship, and La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship.

How to Apply

The application process can vary depending on the course. Most postgraduate courses take 15 to 20 minutes to apply for, and students can apply for up to two postgraduate courses. Advanced standing may be available for students who have undertaken prior study.