The Master of Creative Arts Therapies is a postgraduate professional qualification that trains graduates to use creative modalities — including visual art-making, drama, dance and movement, and music — within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being. The course integrates theory, research methods, and hands-on clinical practice across health, educational, and community contexts, with an emphasis on how each artistic modality is employed with individuals, groups, and families. It is a form of psychotherapy grounded in psychological theory, and graduates develop the skills to work sensitively and ethically with diverse client populations including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and people with complex trauma histories.

This qualification is designed for people who wish to work professionally as creative arts therapists, as well as for existing practitioners in fields such as counselling, social work, education, psychology, nursing, and community arts who seek to integrate creative therapeutic methods into their work. The course bridges the worlds of creative arts practice and clinical health care, and students are expected to engage with their own artistic practice as part of their professional development. Employers of graduates include public and private hospitals, mental health services, disability organisations, schools, aged care facilities, addiction and rehabilitation services, community health centres, crisis centres, and private practice settings.

In Australia, courses in this area are accredited by, or approved under, the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and may also be accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership with ANZACATA, which enables them to use the title of Registered Creative Arts Therapist, and may also apply for membership with the ACA. The qualification is typically two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) and is offered in blended, on-campus, and intensive formats across a small number of Australian universities and specialist providers.

Most Australian universities offering a Master of Creative Arts Therapies or equivalent require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline, or in some cases at least six years of documented relevant professional work experience in creative or performing arts, community arts practice, or education. Some programs specifically prefer or require a background in a health-related field such as psychology, social work, nursing, counselling, or education, or a background in the visual or performing arts. Many programs also require applicants to have prior experience working in a supportive capacity with people in community, welfare, health, arts, or education settings — typically at least one year of full-time equivalent experience is expected.

A key distinctive requirement of this course type is the submission of a creative arts practice portfolio, which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to art-making or creative practice. Portfolios typically include photographs of original artworks or documentation of creative practice completed within the last two years, along with a written statement (usually 500–1,000 words) explaining how the applicant's creative background relates to therapeutic application. Shortlisted applicants are generally invited to attend a competitive interview, at which the portfolio may also be presented in person.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is required, typically demonstrated via IELTS (overall 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0), TOEFL, or equivalent. Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) may be available for those who have completed equivalent postgraduate coursework, potentially allowing for advanced standing in the degree. Enrolments are often capped due to limited placement capacity and professional accreditation requirements, meaning meeting minimum entry standards does not guarantee admission.