Art Psychotherapy

Entry requirements

Criteria leading to selection for interview:

(a) A 2:2 degree or above in either visual arts, psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nursing, teaching, social care, occupational therapy or an allied profession.

(b) A commitment to reflective arts practices facilitating personal insight and an artistic repertoire of self enquiry. If invited for interview, a portfolio of six artworks demonstrating proficiency in a range of arts media will be requested.

(c) A 1000 hours of work experience in a helping capacity in either mental health, arts and health, social care, social work, special education, or a counselling setting. Paid or voluntary work is acceptable.

(d) Applicants are requested to demonstrate self-awareness, psychological mindedness, emotional resilience, robustness, and the capacity to be empathetic.

(e) All applicants are asked to demonstrate a level of English necessary for the completion of academic assignments. An example of academic writing can support your application and also be submitted prior to interview.

All successful applicants are required to complete an enhanced Access NI security check.

Applicants will be required to submit references from two referees relating to their academic and professional performance.

This course is currently under review.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The next intake for this course is expected to be for September 2026. Applications are not currently open. Please continue to check this page as the opening and closing dates will be added here when the course is open for recruiting.

This course is currently being revalidated and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

The MSc Art Psychotherapy programme will be a two-year, full time training approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulating body for the health and care professions in the UK.

The programme structure combines creative active learning, clinical and community placements, lectures, seminars, and studio practices. Art Psychotherapy trainees also attend clinical supervision to support their learning and professional development within a variety of practicum settings.

Art Psychotherapy trainees are required to attend personal psychotherapy for the duration of their training.

Art psychotherapists work with children, young people, adults, and older people in a range of health, education, social care, advocacy, and community services.

As a career Art Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to work collaboratively with others. It combines therapeutic expertise, evidence based research, social engagement and creative ingenuity. The course integrates HCPC professional clinical training requirements along with practice-based learning in conjunction with cultural partners, advocacy organisations, and social enterprise initiatives.

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.