MSc Art Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University

Programme overview

The MSc Art Psychotherapy gives a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of art psychotherapy, combining academic learning with regular clinical placements. Graduates are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Faculty: School of Health Sciences | Department: Occupational and Arts Therapies (OTAT) | Duration: 2 years full time or 4 years part time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Musselburgh (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: Art Psychotherapy Theory and Practice (30 credits), Arts Therapies Studies 1 (30) and Practice-based Learning 1 (40). Year two: Arts Therapies Studies 2 (20), Practice-based Learning 2 (40) and an Independent Academic Project (40). The part-time route spreads these over four years.

Career pathways

Graduates can work as art therapists in public and private sectors, NHS mental health teams, schools and community settings, in full-time, part-time and sessional roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK honours degree or equivalent in visual arts supported by a portfolio of artwork in varied media; degrees in psychology, social work, nursing, education and similar may be considered with a substantial portfolio. Minimum one year full-time (about 1,000 hours) relevant work experience in a caring, supportive or educational role, detailed on a supplementary form; some experience of personal art or psychodynamic psychotherapy is also looked for. Interview (normally December to May, on Teams). PVG scheme check, occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance required. International applicants: IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5 (HCPC requirement). Course stays open until full and normally closes to new applications around March.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,985 a year (2027/28). Scotland/RUK/ROI. Full-time; year 1 fee shown. Year 2: £9,985. Fixed for the duration of the course. Source

International applicants: GBP 17,725 a year (2027/28). Full-time; year 1 fee shown. Year 2: £17,725. Fixed for the duration of the course. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full time or 4 years part time

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