Course Overview

About This Course

Art therapy is a form of individual, family and group psychotherapy in which people engage in visual art processes with a highly trained art therapy practitioner. This program emphasises the therapeutic and pedagogical value of fine arts practice and encourages learning through creative exploration, interpersonal communication and self-reflection. When you graduate, you will be equipped 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. You will gain confidence through a balance of academic and experiential learning, with extensive opportunities to undergo clinical training through 760 supervised hours of field placement. Our teaching team is composed of highly trained and experienced art therapists who work alongside allied clinicians, social scientists and researchers to offer you a well-rounded familiarity with the histories, theories and practices of art therapy. Nationally and internationally, a Master of Art Therapy is the recognised degree that entitles you to work as a professional in this field. Art therapy is internationally recognised as a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical issues. The Master of Art Therapy is a clinical training program that equips graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical experience for work in a variety of contexts including government and community organisations, health care settings and private practice. The Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy and Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy are available as an exit point only. Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

Duration

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Intakes

Autumn 2027 (starts 01 March 2027)

Study Mode

Full Time / Part Time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Tertiary Education: Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in visual arts, fine arts, art education, design, architecture or visual media (e.g. photography, film, video and/or television), or have majored in one of these areas Or Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline plus at least two subjects in visual arts, art education or design at university level, or a VET Diploma of Visual or Fine Arts Or Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline plus be able to present written evidence to the satisfaction of the School of Social Sciences of a minimum of five years of professional experience and training in the visual arts Or Have successfully completed the Master of Social Science (Studies in Art Therapy) at Western Sydney University
Additional Selection Criteria (ie, to cover interviews, auditions, portfolios): Details of Supporting Documents to be uploaded directly to your application: A 500 word statement of intent explaining the reason why you are seeking entry to the program and how your art practice relates to the therapeutic application of arts. A compressed digital portfolio of your own artwork (10 to 12 photographs of artwork) And A full CV/Resume using the provided template as a guide. Please copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/MAT_CV_Template Your CV/Resume should include: Details of a minimum of 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 Details of training and experience in the visual arts The names and contact details of two referees For applicants seeking recognition of five years or more of experience and training in the visual arts, two relevant written references should also be included in the CV/Resume. Details of Group Interview Invitations to the interview process will be selective, based on meeting the above entry criteria plus a consideration of all the supporting documentation. Interviewees must pass the interview threshold score to be considered for a place, as numbers admitted to the program may be limited.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

As an art therapy graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities in:

HealthGovernment
Community organisations

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units10 units

HUMN7044

Theories of Difference and Diversity

Core — 10 credit points

CART7004

Art Therapy: Approaches and Applications

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7011

Further Clinical Studies (Art Therapy)

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7008

Ethics and Diversity in Research and Therapy

Core — 10 credit points

CART7005

Art Therapy: Histories, Theories, Groups

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7001

Clinical Studies (Art Therapy)

Core — 20 credit points

CART7010

Integrating Arts and Therapy

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7032

Counselling Skills for the Allied Professions

Core — 10 credit points

HUMN7009

Critical and Creative Enquiry

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7029

Indigenous Australia: History, Knowledge and Professional Practice

Core — 10 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program unique in NSW?

Yes, the Master of Art Therapy at Western Sydney University is the only program of its kind in NSW, and one of only three such programs in Australia.

How many clinical placement hours are included in the program?

The program includes extensive opportunities to undergo clinical training through 760 supervised hours of field placement.

What professional associations can graduates join after completing this degree?

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

Are discounted fees available for this course?

Yes, discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026, with an indicative annual fee from $11,885.

Can international students study this program part-time?

No, the part-time option is not available to International Students on a Student Visa. International students should consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $88,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $88,000 to $100,000 per year

Career Paths

Art TherapistCreative Arts TherapistExpressive Arts TherapistMental Health Clinician (Art Therapy)Allied Health Clinician

Key Skills

Clinical art therapy assessment and treatment planningIndividual, group, and family therapy facilitation using visual art mediaPsychotherapeutic theory and evidence-based practiceTrauma-informed care and practiceReflective practice and professional self-awareness

Full Course Overview

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Master of Art therapy

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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