Course

Enquire about this course | Local Admission | International Admission |

Master of Art Therapy

Approved Abbreviation: MArtTher

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4595.10

AQF Level: 9

CRICOS Code: 013543F

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course is Spring 2018 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

For Commencement Year Autumn 2017 to Autumn 2018 - please refer to 4595.9 Master of Art Therapy

For Commencement Year 2016 to Autumn 2017 - please refer to 4595.8 Master of Art Therapy

For Commencement Year 2015 - please refer to 4595.7 Master of Art Therapy

For Commencement Year 2013 to 2014 - please refer to 4595.6 Master of Art Therapy

Art therapy is an individual, family, group and/or community practice in which participants engage in visual art processes within a psychotherapeutic relationship with a highly trained art therapy practitioner. Art therapy is internationally recognised as a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical issues. The Master of Art Therapy is a clinical training program that equips graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical experience for work in a variety of contexts including government and community organisations, health care settings and private practice. The Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy and Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy are available as an exit point only.

Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Accreditation
The Master of Art Therapy complies with the training guidelines of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and has been approved by the ANZACATA Accreditation Sub Committee. Course graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with ANZACATA. Depending on their field of employment, Master of Art Therapy graduates may be entitled to industrial award coverage as an Art Therapist under the 2007 NSW Health Professionals Award. The Master of Art Therapy is also accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and graduates are eligible for professional membership.

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course that you must meet in order to complete your course and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this course online.

Inherent Requirements

Admission

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Hold a qualification as detailed below

Submit a portfolio of work and CV

Attend a group Interview on campus

Details of required qualification

Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in visual arts, fine arts, art education, design, architecture or visual media (e.g. photography. film, video and/or television), or have majored in one of these areas

Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline PLUS at least two units in visual arts, art education or design at university level, or a VET Diploma of Visual or Fine Arts

Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline PLUS be able to present written evidence to the satisfaction of the School of Social Sciences of a minimum of five years of professional experience and training in the visual arts

Have successfully completed the Master of Social Science (Studies in Art Therapy) at Western Sydney University

Applicants must lodge a complete application through UAC or the Western Sydney University Portal, with all relevant supporting documentation attached, by the advertised UAC closing date.

Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by the final UAC closing date of 31 January.

Details of Supporting Documents to be uploaded directly to your application:

1. A 500 word statement of intent explaining the reason why you are seeking entry to the course and how your art practice relates to the therapeutic application of arts

2. A compressed digital portfolio of your own artwork (10 to 12 photographs of artwork)

And

A full CV including:

Details of a minimum of one year of full-time or regular part-time work experience (paid, voluntary or student) in a supportive capacity with people in community, welfare, health, the arts or education settings, including dates and a description of duties

Details of training and experience in the visual arts

The CV should also include names and contact details of two referees. For applicants seeking recognition of five years or more of experience and training in the visual arts, two relevant written references should be included.

Supporting documents should be uploaded to your application in PDF format as soon as possible after applying and at the latest by the final UAC closing date. Alternatively, they can be sent by email directly to admissions@westernsydney.edu.au.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted by the final UAC closing date of 31 January.

Details of Group Interview

Invitations to the interview process will be selective, based on meeting the above entry criteria plus a consideration of all the supporting documentation. Interviewees must pass the interview threshold score to be considered for a place, as numbers admitted to the program may be limited.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to the Western Sydney University via the International Office. International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
NSW Health Compliance, National Police Check and Working with Children Check are required for units 101784 Clinical Studies (Art Therapy) and 101785 Further Clinical Studies (Art Therapy) and successful applicants need to complete these checks on or soon after enrolment in the course.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points consisting of the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Note: Students may exit with the 4596 Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy after completing the first year of the Master of Art Therapy (80 credit points).

4596 - Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy (exit only)

Students may exit with 1700 Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy (exit only) after completing the following two units - 101303 Art Therapy: Histories, Theories, Groups and 102354 Art Therapy: Approaches and Applications (40 credit points).

1700 - Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy (exit only)

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn Session

101303

Art Therapy: Histories, Theories, Groups

102806

Counselling Skills for the Allied Professions

102744

Indigenous Australia: History, Knowledge and Professional Practice

Spring Session