Programme summary for MSc Art Psychotherapy

About the programme

The MSc Art Psychotherapy offers an innovative programme in the Centre for Psychotherapy with the following benefits:

• a clinical context for the programme within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust thus promoting multidisciplinary networking and clinical practice
• on-site video conferencing enabling internationally renowned psychotherapeutic teachers to contribute to the programme
• on-site library with specialised psychotherapy / art psychotherapy focus
• the sharing of generic components between the MSc Art Psychotherapy and other training programmes in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy based in the Centre for Psychotherapy, thus promoting inter-disciplinary learning
• art-making and the art process at the core of the psychotherapeutic training
• the Centre for Psychotherapy is based in a villa set in its own grounds in the healthcare park.

Programme structure

The programme is a 3 year, part-time modular degree (180M credit points). Normally, in years 1-2 (taught modules 1-4) there will be a weekly, 1 day study session (normally a Tuesday) during term-time at the Centre for Psychotherapy. Normally, in year 3 (module 5/6 equivalent) there will be research training and a fortnightly (normally a Tuesday) half day clinical supervision session during term-time. Normally, all modules will also include a 1 or 2 day weekend intensive (normally some will be based at the Centre for Psychotherapy; some may be residential in an agreed location). In addition, throughout all three years, participants must arrange to attend their practicums (placement(s) and clinical supervision) and weekly personal therapy. Placements usually take up a minimum of another full day per week. Students must complete a minimum of 120 days practicums and 75 hours personal therapy throughout the duration of the programme. The modules are:

Year 1:

Module 1: Art Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice
Module 2: Art Psychotherapy: Development of Theory and Practice

Year 2:

Module 3: Art Psychotherapy: Working with Diversity
Module 4: Art Psychotherapy: Continuing Professional Responsibility

Year 3:

Art Psychotherapy: Introduction to Research; Dissertation (Mod. 5/6 equivalent)

Modules 1-4 will entail the same amount of study (300 hours) and module 5/6 will entail 600 hours. This is divided between contact time at the University, directed study (pursuing learning objectives specifically associated with the module) and private study which includes reading and preparation of assignments. The allocation of the hours will vary between modules.

Career opportunities

Graduates from an HPC approved MSc Art Psychotherapy programme will be eligible to apply to the HPC for registration to use the legally protected titles of either “Art Psychotherapist” or “Art Therapist” and thus practise art psychotherapy / art therapy.

Employment of Art Psychotherapists / Art Therapists is growing locally and throughout the UK and the programme has further stimulated this. New posts and sessional work have arisen as a result of interest generated by student placements. Some individuals are enabled by employers to train as art therapists and are subsequently employed as art therapists in their place of work. Some find part-time or sessional work in specialist areas. Some combine art therapy sessional work with other kinds of employment. Some state a preference of maintaining their identity as professional artists and working sessionally as an Art Therapist. Some return to the country of origin and set up services there.

We would hope that some students on the programme will go on to undertake further research and undertake PhD theses. There are additional opportunities for further study through life-long continuing professional development (CPD). We have a local, national and international links that offer opportunities for research.

Support

Each student will attend an induction event to introduce them to the Centre’s staff and to the programme.

All students are allocated a personal tutor who will be responsible for supporting them throughout the programme and address learning queries or any other problems they might be experiencing that could inhibit their progress. Pastoral care support is also available.

There is a well stocked library at the Centre for Psychotherapy and nearby libraries which includes books, journals and off-prints. In addition the Centre holds an Institutional PEP Licence which allows students to have access to PEP Archives. Students will also have access to UEL’s online learning environment. Web-based resources are available to students off campus via the internet. Students will have a UEL Athens account.

All lectures will be accompanied by handouts and a recommended reading list which will be made available in advance of the lecture. In addition, normally some lectures may recorded which will provide an archive of DVD’s for loan to students.

Students are allocated a dissertation supervisor who will meet regularly with them to offer advice and guidance on producing a high quality dissertation.

Students have a clinical supervisor and supervision group to support their clinical practice. Training groups and studio group art-making experientials further support personal and professional development. Another key support is that students are in personal therapy throughout the programme.

Admission

Normally, the required entry criteria leading to possible selection for interview include the following key components (a-d):

• (a) An honours degree or equivalent qualification (normally in visual arts / Fine Art, psychology or allied area; or a relevant professional qualification e.g. nursing, social work, teaching, medical etc); or demonstrate the ability to complete academic studies in higher education
• (b) Demonstration of a substantial and developing body of current own artwork and ongoing commitment to their own artwork. Showing a portfolio of artwork is a part of the interview. (This is especially important where the degree is not in the visual arts).
• (c) At least one year’s full time experience in a professionally relevant context (e.g. mental health, health / social care, social services, education, counselling), or its equivalent.
• (d) International applicants who do not have English as a first language must be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to level 7 of the International Language Testing System (IELTS) with no element below 6.5.
• Desired entry criteria normally include: 1st class or 2.1 honours degree; a significant extent of range and depth of experience across the entry criteria; experience of personal therapy. If applications exceed the number of places available, as normally occurs, then the desired entry requirements will also be used for selection.

Applicants meeting the entry requirements will be invited to interviews and supply two references. Successful applicants will undergo security clearance in compliance with the AccessNI or its equivalent. Applicants need to be aware that normally all candidates selected for interview or offered a provisional place will be asked to give written consent to an AccessNI enhanced disclosure check, or equivalent, before being accepted onto the programme. Non-declaration may result in your application being rejected. Pre-placement health assessment: applicants also need to be aware that candidates invited for interview or offered a provisional place will normally be required to complete a full health assessment form and may be required to have an occupational health assessment before commencing placements / training.
NB. The programme will normally have one intake every two years, normally with a maximum intake of 18 students.

Key facts

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