Program Overview
The Art Therapy at University of Chester is a MA programme in Arts & Design over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Art Therapy programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Location: Chester, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Art Therapy programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)
- Therapeutics and Communication (20 credits)
- Placement 1 (20 credits)
- Integrating Theory and Practice (20 credits)
- Effectiveness and Evidence (20 credits)
- Placement 1 (continued)
- Placement 2 (20credits)
- Dissertation
- Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)
- Therapeutics and Communication (20 credits)
- Placement 1 (20 credits)
- Integrating Theory and Practice (20 credits)
- Effectiveness and Evidence (20 credits) (option to take this in year 1 or 2)
- Placement 1 (continued)
- Placement 1 (continued)
- Effectiveness and Evidence (20 credits) if not taken in year 1
- Placement 2 (20 credits)
- Placement 2 (continued)
- Dissertation
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
The entry criteria below are part of the QAA benchmark for Art Therapists.
Potential students applying for the programme have to:
- Normally possess an appropriate degree (minimum of second class honours) in art but applicants with an appropriate professional qualification (e.g. occupational therapy, nursing, teaching, counselling and social care) with commitment to the practice of the visual arts will also be considered
- Demonstrate appropriate artistic accomplishment, which shows personal development and understanding of the academic basis of artwork.
- Demonstrate personal maturity, commitment and suitability. Have at least one year\'s experience of working with vulnerable clients, in either a paid or voluntary capacity
- Undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check, in order to protect working with vulnerable clients
Students will normally only be accepted onto the programme following interview and assessment of artistic accomplishment by an academic and/or registered art therapist.
In addition, in order for students to achieve the Health Professions Council\'s Standards of Proficiency for Art Therapists international applicants must be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to level 7 IELTS with no element below 6.5.
It is highly recommended that students attend an `Introduction to Art Therapy\xc2\xb4 course currently offered by the British Association of Art Therapists. Please refer to BAAT website for further information (www.baat.org).
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Detailed tuition information is not available. Please contact the university for the most current tuition and fee information.
Application Deadline
Please contact the university for application deadline information.
About University of Chester
University of Chester
Moffat, United Kingdom
University of Chester is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date in 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months