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At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€24k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 100%of students found the course intellectually stimulating (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2023)
- Eligibility for HCPC registrationUpon meeting requirements, graduates can apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Full BAAT membershipGraduates are eligible to apply for full membership of the British Association of Art Therapists.
- Practical clinical experienceGain direct experience in clinical art therapy practice.
- Accredited courseApproved and accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The MA Art Therapy program at the University of Derby is designed to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a registered art therapist. This course emphasizes the crucial role of imagery and imagination in art therapy practice. You will gain hands-on experience in clinical art therapy under supervision, participate in group work, engage in studio practice, and develop a critical understanding of contemporary theoretical frameworks. The program aims to foster your clinical reasoning skills and professional identity through a blend of taught modules, personal therapy, and a significant Independent Scholarship project.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured over two years of full-time study, incorporating theoretical modules, practical clinical placements, and an Independent Scholarship. The course reinforces the centrality of the image and the role of the imagination in art therapy practice. You will engage in clinical art therapy practice under supervision, as well as group work, studio practice, and a critical exploration of current theoretical ideas. A key component is the Independent Scholarship, where you will conduct an arts-based research project to integrate learning and develop clinical reasoning and professional identity.
- Year 1
- Theory and Research Modules
- Clinical placement (2 days/week for 25 weeks)
- Year 2
- Theory and Research Modules
- Independent Scholarship
- Clinical placement (2 days/week for 35 weeks)
Careers
Graduates of this MA Art Therapy program are eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership with the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). This opens doors to various career paths in mental health and wellbeing settings, allowing you to practice as a qualified art therapist or art psychotherapist.
- Art Therapist
- Art Psychotherapist
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA good undergraduate degree is required. Specific subject areas are not explicitly mentioned but a background conducive to therapeutic practice is implied.
Prospective students are required to engage in personal therapy for a minimum of one hour per week throughout the training at their own cost, which is a requirement for professional registration.
Fees
Tuition (international)£20,520 for the full course (2026/27)
Tuition (home)£14,490 for the full course (2026/27)
Living—
The stated tuition fees are for the full course and apply to the 2026/27 academic year. Personal therapy sessions required during the course are at the student's own expense.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic entry criteria and understand the personal therapy requirement.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, including transcripts, personal statements, and references.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application through the University of Derby's postgraduate application portal.
4. Attend Interview (if required)Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to assess suitability for the course.
5. Receive OfferIf successful, you will receive an offer of a place on the MA Art Therapy program.
Accreditation
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)