MA Art Psychotherapy Practice

To apply for the course, you must normally have a degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant area, such as Fine Art, Arts Therapies, Humanities, Psychology or Social Sciences.

Whatever degree you have, all applicants are expected to have a portfolio of current art work at the time of application that demonstrates a continuing interest in art making. You will be asked to submit examples of artwork as part of the application process once your initial application has been reviewed.

Applications from professionals working in caring professions such as Social Workers, Nurses and Teachers, are also welcome.

All applicants need to show evidence of relevant pre-courses experience in a related field. It is also an entry requirement that applicants must have, at the time of application, at least a year’s experience of paid or voluntary work in a caring setting. (The BAAT web pages state that this should be the equivalent of a year's full-time work but can be accumulated over a longer period.) In interview we will ask about your art practice and what it means to you, as well as any psychological insights that your art practice provides.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 7.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English. Please note that the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) require IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 for registration.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

This course prepares you for a career in:

Hospital and community NHS services for adults, children and families
Working with physical, mental health issues and learning disabilities
Educational art therapy in schools
Bereavement support
Art Therapy research
Social enterprises and charities
Services for children and young people, and families
A range of community and social service settings
Third sector services
Mental Health preventative work

Previous graduates of this course work for:

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust
Other UK NHS Trusts
Spectrum People, Wakefield
Ashgate Hospice Care, Chesterfield
Psychotherapy Manchester CIC
Brantwood School, Sheffield
Private practices

Successful completion of this programme will enable you to work with people across the widening range of wellness spectrum and through the lifespan. As well as working within established traditional statutory services, Art therapists are working within a variety of settings focusing on enabling individuals and communities to engage with art in a therapeutic way, to establish ways of living that are personally meaningful, sustainable and which support people's aspirations.

Compulsory modules

Year 1
Art Therapy Creative Studios (20 Credits)
Art Therapy Practice Experience A (- Credits)
Theoretical Approaches (20 Credits)

Year 2
Art Therapy Practice Experience B (Pt) (- Credits)
Contextualising Art Therapy Practice (20 Credits)
Evaluating Research Methodologies (20 Credits)
Ronc Pr Evaluating Complexity In Practice (20 Credits)

Final Year
Art Therapy Practice Experience B (- Credits)
Creating Original Practice (40 Credits)
Thresholds Towards Practice (40 Credits)