Master of Art Therapy

About

The Master of Art Therapy is the only program of its kind in NSW, and one of only three such programs in Australia.

This clinical training program shows applicants how to use visual art media within a therapeutic relationship to help people in distress. It allows students to emerge with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to work as an art therapist in a wide variety of contexts and with the therapeutic skills required to assist people in times of emotional distress. These skills can be highly effective for clients with a wide range of psychological, social and physical problems. There is a balance of academic and experiential learning, with extensive opportunities to undergo clinical training through 750 supervised hours of field placement.

The teaching team, comprising highly trained and experienced art therapists who work alongside allied clinicians, social scientists and researchers, offer students a well-rounded familiarity with the histories, theories and practices of art therapy. The Master of Art Therapy is a recognised national and international professional qualification.

Graduates are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and are also eligible to apply for professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).

Note: Limited CSP for 2025.

Admission criteria

Either:

• undergraduate degree, or higher, in visual arts, fine arts, art education, design, architecture or visual media (eg photography, film, video and/or television), or have majored in one of these areas; or
• undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline and have at least two subjects in visual arts, art education or design at university level, or a VET Diploma of Visual or Fine Arts; or
• undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline and be able to provide written evidence to the satisfaction of the School of Social Science of five years’ full-time equivalent professional experience and training in the visual arts; or
• Master of Social Science (Studies in Art Therapy) from Western Sydney University.

Applicants must also:

• submit a written 500-word statement of intent explaining the reason why they are seeking entry to the program and how their art practice relates to the therapeutic application of arts
• submit a compressed digital portfolio of their artwork (10–12 photographs of artwork)
• submit a full CV including details of: 
  – at least 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 
  - training and experience in the visual arts. 
  - the names and contact details of two referees. Two relevant written references should be included by applicants seeking recognition of five years or more of experience and training in the visual arts. 
• attend a group interview, if invited.

Upload your CV, references and statement as a PDF within the UAC application as soon as possible after applying through UAC and at the latest by the final UAC closing date.

Invitations to the interview process will be selective and based on the statement, references and CV. as numbers admitted to the program may be limited. If you are invited to attend an interview you will be required to present your portfolio of artwork at the interview.

Fees and charges

^ Limited CSP for 2025. Call Western Sydney University on 1300 897 669 for further information about tuition fees.

Australian Government financial assistance

Western Sydney University scholarships and financial assistance

Equity Scholarships through UAC

Further information

Read the full course details on the Western Sydney University website.

Find out more about postgraduate study at Western.

Contact the Course Information Centre on 1300 897 669 if you have any queries.