Applicants normally require:

An Honours degree, or equivalent, in Visual Art. Where graduate qualifications are not in the visual arts, for example, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work or Teaching, evidence of a substantial and developing body of current and recent art work is essential

Minimum of one year, or equivalent, full-time clinical/care work in an area relevant to art therapy, paid or voluntary.
This work may be, for example, in Health or Social Services, Special Education, Community Care or Day Centres, with clients who have a mental illness, learning or physical disability

Strong portfolio of personal artwork showing an understanding of an appropriate art form, the art-making process, showing the applicant's relationship and connection to their creative process

Two satisfactory references from clinical and professional persons who have knowledge of the candidate’s education, training and experience

A good understanding of therapeutic and professional working of Art Therapy and the implications of working as a therapist

Pre-course experience in personal therapy or counselling is preferred

Early Assessment:
Because of the clinical placement component of this course, it is a condition of entry that all successful applicants will be subject to the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) procedure carried out by the NVB facilitator at MTU. Offers of a place on this programme will be provisional and contingent on the applicant’s satisfactory completion of MTU’s NVB procedure.

What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Application Deadline 26th April 2025

Start Date: September 2025

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.