Art Psychotherapy

This course is designed for experienced artists and professionals who have worked within a clinical setting and would like to build a rewarding career as an art psychotherapist. 

You will be taught by leading experts who will equip you with the skills, experience, and confidence to work as an art psychotherapist in challenging, yet rewarding environments. Our graduating students are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registered practitioners work in a variety of different settings including psychiatric hospitals, social services, special education, prisons and the voluntary sector. 
 
Our comprehensive programme is divided into three areas covering theory, experiential learning and work placement experience. The theoretical aspect covers child developmental and psychodynamic principles alongside art therapy theory and Jungian analytical psychology. This perspective is located within the larger field of analytical psychotherapy and provides you with an in-depth theoretical underpinning that informs clinical practice. 
 
A vital part of the programme is a supervised clinical placement which allows you to complete one hundred mandatory days of practice during your training. Placements are available in a variety of settings that include mental health (both in the NHS and other psychiatric hospitals and day centres), disabilities services or in hospitals or social services, special education, or a range of other settings. 

Our full-time course starts with an intensive week followed by two taught days, two further days of clinical placement and one day for studio practice per week. The part-time route starts with an intensive week followed by one day per week in University and a minimum of one further day on clinical placement. You will also attend weekly personal therapy which is compulsory to become a professional registered practitioner. 
 
Please read the programme information pack thoroughly before applying to this course which includes frequently asked questions and course details. 

We also offer introductory courses which provide a useful background in related professions. For more information on our Introduction Courses, Summer Schools and Foundation Course in Art Psychotherapy, see our Psychology Short Courses.  

Completion of a bachelor’s Degree at 65% or GPA of 2.5

Career Options

Graduates go on to work as art therapists in fields including healthcare, education, adult mental health and the third sector. They work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals.