The Master of Art Therapy is a postgraduate clinical training qualification that prepares graduates to use visual art-making and other creative modalities as a form of psychotherapy. Students learn how to use art media — including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage — within a therapeutic relationship to help individuals, families, and groups explore emotions, process trauma, and improve mental and emotional wellbeing. The course covers theory, clinical methods, research skills, and professional practice across a range of health, educational, and community settings. It is a minimum two-year program awarded at AQF Level 9, and is structured to combine academic learning with substantial supervised clinical placement hours. Graduates are eligible for professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and may also apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Employers of art therapy graduates include public and private hospitals, community mental health centres, schools, aged care facilities, disability support services, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric units, palliative care services, and forensic centres. Private practice is also a growing pathway for experienced art therapists.

To be considered for entry into a Master of Art Therapy or equivalent program in Australia, applicants typically need to hold a completed undergraduate bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Preferred backgrounds include fine arts, art education, graphic design, psychology, counselling, social work, occupational therapy, or nursing. Some programs accept applicants from any discipline provided they can demonstrate significant visual arts experience, which may include at least five years of professional practice in the visual arts or a minimum number of completed university-level art subjects. Some institutions also accept applicants who have at least six years of documented relevant professional work experience in creative or performing arts, community arts practice, or arts education as an alternative pathway to a formal undergraduate degree. Applicants are typically required to submit a creative practice portfolio demonstrating their visual art skills, a personal statement outlining their motivations and suitability for clinical practice, and written professional or academic references. Shortlisted candidates may also be required to attend a selection interview. Prospective students who do not yet meet counselling skills prerequisites may be directed to complete a bridging or pathway short course prior to enrolment. For international students, English language proficiency is required, typically demonstrated by an IELTS Academic score of 7.0–7.5 overall with no individual band below 7.0, or an equivalent score in an accepted English language test.