Art Therapy MA

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Art therapy combines creative expression with psychotherapeutic practice, enabling people to communicate and explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words. Working with art materials allows individuals to engage with complex thoughts and feelings, supporting greater self-understanding and emotional wellbeing.

Our HCPC-approved MA Art Therapy course provides the professional training required to practise as a registered Art Therapist/Art Psychotherapist. Rooted in contemporary practice, the programme is enriched by teaching from experienced visiting practitioners and includes a dedicated placement preparation module to support the transition from theory to practice. You will be encouraged to develop your academic knowledge, clinical skills, and creative identity, preparing you to work across health, social care, education, therapy services, and community contexts.

As a student, you will join a supportive and stimulating learning community where creativity, reflective practice, and critical thinking are at the centre of your training. Art therapists work with people of all ages and abilities, supporting children, young people, families, adults, and older people who may be experiencing trauma, bereavement, mental health challenges, disability, rehabilitation, or displacement. This course offers you the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally, discovering how art therapy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

We are now open for late applications for October 2025 entry. Please apply as soon as possible.

Why You'll Love It

Lectures by leaders in their field

The MA Art therapy programme is delighted to have Professor Diane Waller OBE as our visiting professor. Diane enriches the teaching on the programme with lectures on working with clients with Dementia, research, and the early development of Art therapy as a profession within the UK.

A lecturer with students

Explore a wide variety of mediums

Alongside traditional art media students also experience a diverse range of creative media and integrative practice within their experiential art-making groups which include sessions in puppetry, sandplay, outdoor art therapy and photo art therapy.

A person drawing in a sketchbook

Cutting-edge technology

Being within the faculty of Health, Society and Medicine means students can utilise a range of simulation experiences such as digital technologies and VR suites, which enhance the clinical skills aspect of the course.

A student using a VR headset

What You'll Study

The course offers a rich exploration of the theory and practice of art therapy, drawing on key models of human development and communication. Learning is rooted in psychodynamic principles, with a particular focus on Object Relations theory, the work of Donald Winnicott, attachment theory and the insights of Carl Gustav Jung. This foundation allows you to develop a deep understanding of the therapeutic process and the ways in which creativity can support emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Theory is integrated with practice, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience. You will engage with real-world case studies, benefit from the expertise of visiting practising art therapists, and participate in experiential training groups that encourage self-reflection, empathy, and creative exploration. Practical application is further supported through practice placement modules, complemented by supervision groups that foster reflection, critical thinking, and professional development.

 

Modules

Module content will include:

  1. Contemporary and original research exploring a range of psychodynamic theories and their relevance to art therapy.
  2. Historical and contemporary perspectives on art psychotherapy; theorists; models of art therapy; psychotherapeutic interventions; symbolic imagery.
  3. The role of the image and its application in practice.
  4. Experiential learning; different approaches to the use of visual art; practice and process of image-making; group dynamics in action.

Module content will include:

  1. Research and professional practice: evidence-based practice, being a critical consumer of research, practice development and research.
  2. Key concepts and issues in social research: research topics and research questions, answering questions with data, validity and reliability of data, qualitative and quantitative data, description, exploration, finding connections, formulating and testing hypotheses, populations and sampling, interpretivism and positivism.
  3. Research traditions and designs: ethnography, survey, experiment, mixed method, research process.
  4. Gathering and analysing data: Observation, questionnaires, interviews. Data analysis and  drawing conclusions.
  5. Literature review: searching, locating, reading and summarising, reviewing and critiquing, organising, synthesising, and using the literature.
  6. Preparing the research proposal: Identifying research questions or hypothesis for chosen topic. Designing a study to address the question(s). Data gathering and recording, data analysis. Considering alternative approaches: critical analysis of alternative methods of research to the chosen approach.  Knowledge transfer and strategies for dissemination.
  7. Ethical frameworks, constraints, data protection, confidentiality and human rights.
  8. Preparing an application for ethical approval.

Module content will include:

  1. Utilising experiential learning; working to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency; understanding of how therapeutic frame is applied with particular client group/setting and more widely vulnerable clients; observation and practice of professional standards and values, Articulating Art Therapy.
  2. Working within a team; understanding of organisational policies and local implementation of government drivers; understanding of professional limits and referral procedures; maintenance of a safe environment.  Engagement with assessment, care planning and evaluation; record keeping; experience of supervision.
  3. The role of supervision; giving and receiving feedback; establishing boundaries; beginnings, middles and endings; recording supervision.

Module content will include:

  1. The principles of art therapy practice.
  2. Advanced communication skills.
  3. Reflective practice.

Module content will include:

  1. Application of art therapy theories and values into practice.
  2. Critical reflection of practice.
  3. Development of professional identity.
  4. Demonstration of HCPC Standards of Proficiency.

Module content will include:

  1. Emerging issues in current Art Therapy theory and practice.
  2. Creative expression of theory & practice.
  3. Searching of databases and other sources, literature review, reading, critiquing, organisation of found materials.
  4. Methodologies appropriate to Art Therapy; research design; data collection. Ethical frameworks; ethical approval process; protection of data.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

Teaching is through lectures and practical sessions

Assessment is through essays, presentations and portfolios

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

We use a variety of assessment methods, including written essays, PowerPoint presentations, reflective models, portfolio and visual logs.

Modules run over 10 weeks with typically 40 hours of direct teaching per module. You will also be expected to undertake an approximate minimum of seven hours’ self-study time per week, per module.

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graduating Arts Therapists obtain work often in areas where placement opportunities are available. Placement Providers are able to assess service and individual needs and introduce art therapy into the service where appropriate. Education, health & social care services, community practices, NHS and independent sectors all employ art therapists.

The BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) is the Professional Body for Art therapy.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements via Application Form

Applicants must demonstrate the following through their application:

  • Academic qualifications: Degree in art or a relevant subject such as psychology, social work, teaching, or nursing. Applicants without an art degree must demonstrate active involvement in art making.
  • Professional experience: At least one year of relevant paid or voluntary work experience after graduation, supporting children or adults in settings where therapeutic interventions are used (e.g., social work, nursing, care work, teaching assistant roles, wellbeing facilitation). (Nursery settings, youth work, and higher education teaching/technician roles do not meet this requirement).
  • Personal qualities: Emotional maturity, resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect on personal and professional experiences.
  • Written work: 500-word essay titled “What is Art Therapy?” with APA references.
  • English language requirements: IELTS Level 7 for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • Health and safety checks: Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory occupational health clearance (required before starting the programme).
  • Personal therapy: Commitment to engage in personal therapy with an HCPC-registered arts therapist throughout training (self-funded).

Assessed at Interview

During the interview, applicants will be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, share relevant work experience, and demonstrate personal qualities:

  • Portfolio presentation: Ten artworks (digital portfolios are not accepted), mainly own work but may include one example of group or community-based work.
  • Reflection: Ability to reflect on the relationship to their images and the process of creating them.
  • Emotional awareness: Emotional responses evoked through art making.
  • Skills: Strong communication skills, empathy, and the capacity to build relationships.
  • Personal qualities: Demonstration of self-awareness, resilience, and reflective capacity.

Safeguarding / Suitability

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice.

A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults.  You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body, there will be a charge for this.

Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service.

For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

Entry Requirements via Application Form

Applicants must demonstrate the following through their application:

  • Academic qualifications: Degree in art or a relevant subject such as psychology, social work, teaching, or nursing. Applicants without an art degree must demonstrate active involvement in art making.
  • Professional experience: At least one year of relevant paid or voluntary work experience after graduation, supporting children or adults in settings where therapeutic interventions are used (e.g., social work, nursing, care work, teaching assistant roles, wellbeing facilitation). (Nursery settings, youth work, and higher education teaching/technician roles do not meet this requirement).
  • Personal qualities: Emotional maturity, resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect on personal and professional experiences.
  • Written work: 500-word essay titled “What is Art Therapy?” with APA references.
  • Portfolio: Ten artworks (digital portfolios are not accepted) to be presented at interview.
  • English language requirements: IELTS Level 7 for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • Health and safety checks: Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory occupational health clearance (required before starting the programme).
  • Personal therapy: Commitment to engage in personal therapy with an HCPC-registered arts therapist throughout training (self-funded).

Assessed at Interview

During the interview, applicants will be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, share relevant work experience, and demonstrate personal qualities:

  • Portfolio presentation: Ten artworks (digital portfolios are not accepted), mainly own work but may include one example of group or community-based work.
  • Reflection: Ability to reflect on the relationship to their images and the process of creating them.
  • Emotional awareness: Emotional responses evoked through art making.
  • Skills: Strong communication skills, empathy, and the capacity to form appropriate relationships.
  • Personal qualities: Demonstration of self-awareness, resilience, and reflective capacity.

English Language Requirements

Please note, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can meet the following English language criteria for this programme:

  • IELTS 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any band).
  • TOEFL at 95 overall (min 22 in all areas).

Fees and Funding

£9,630for the full course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

For students studying part time (3 year course duration), the fee for this is £3,210 per year.

£18,000for the full course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying MA Art Therapy programme in 2025/26 are £18,000.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

Course specific additional costs

Students will also be expected to have access to their own private personal therapy during the course.  This aspect of the course provides a personal support structure for students engaged in psychological processes as well as an avenue for personal development. This is an additional cost which is self-funded and not included in the course fees. Approximate costs range from £2000 but this is arranged via your personal therapist.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who You'll Learn From

Melissa King

Senior Lecturer
Melissa King

Dr Matt Bowen

Head of School
Dr Matt Bowen

Laura Haddick-oxley

Senior Lecturer
Laura Haddick-Oxley

Zahra Akthar

Senior Lecturer
Zahra Akthar

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