Art Therapy MSc

Required entry criteria leading to selection for interview:

• Applicants require an undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) in either visual or applied arts, psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, teaching, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, or an allied profession. There is accreditation for prior learning and professional experience, which can be highlighted on the application form.
• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their art practice that features self awareness and personal insight. A portfolio of 6-10 artworks showcasing a variety of art media, techniques, and examples of personal process will be requested if invited to interview.
• Applicants are required to obtain 1000 hours of work experience with adults or children in a helping capacity, which can occur in a professionally relevant caring context (mental health, health or social care, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, special education, youth work, or equivalent). Paid or voluntary work is acceptable.
• Applicants must satisfy the panel at interview that they can work to a standard that will allow them to deal with the intellectual, material and emotional rigours of the course. This involves demonstrating capacities consistent with training to become a therapist, including: self-awareness, psychological mindedness, emotional resilience, robustness, and the capacity to be self-reflective and to form and maintain appropriate empathic relationships with clients and service users.
• Applicants must have a good command of English. The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5. This is a requirement specified by the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Applicants will be required to submit references from two referees relating to their academic and professional work.
• All successful applicants will need to complete an enhanced Access NI security check.