Master of Art Therapy

The Master of Art Therapy is a clinical training program where you will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience for working as an art therapist in a wide variety of contexts.

Dr Sheridan Linnell talks about the Master of Art Therapy, the opportunities available to students and the practical skills gained.

Art therapy is a form of individual, family and group psychotherapy in which participants engage in visual art processes within a therapeutic relationship with a highly trained art therapy practitioner. Art therapy is internationally recognised as a valuable therapeutic approach to assisting people in times of emotional distress, and can be effective for clients with a wide range of psychological, social and physical problems.

Nationally and internationally, a Master of Art Therapy is the recognised qualification that entitles you to work as a professional in this field. The University of Western Sydney offers the only Master of Art Therapy course in NSW, one of three such courses available in Australia.

At UWS, you will gain skills and confidence through a balance of academic and experiential learning, with extensive opportunities to practise art therapy under supervision. The UWS course emphasises the therapeutic and pedagogical value of fine arts practice and encourages learning through creative exploration, interpersonal communication and self-reflection. Students become familiar with the histories, theories and practices of art therapy before undergoing intensive art therapy clinical training through 750 supervised hours of field placement.

Our permanent and casual teaching team for the Master of Art Therapy is composed of highly trained and experienced art therapists working alongside allied clinicians, social scientists and researchers. The art therapy course at UWS is housed in a recently restored, historic cottage on our Penrith campus, equipped with fine art materials, small and friendly studio teaching spaces, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Career Opportunities

Professional art therapists are employed in a variety of settings, including health, government and community organisations and private practice. UWS art therapy students learn and practise generic counselling and therapy skills alongside the students in our postgraduate counselling program, and study the theories and methodologies needed to undertake practitioner research within the field of art therapy. This makes our graduates attractive to an employment market that puts a high value on flexible and transferable practitioner skills and the ability to research and critically reflect upon one’s area of professional practice.

Upon graduating, a substantial number of our students have been offered paid work by the agencies where these students undertook their clinical placements.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the How to Apply pages.

If you are interested in completing a higher research degree, for example Masters Honours, information is accessible from UWS Research (opens in a new window).