MSc Art Psychotherapy

Students develop professional art therapy skills through extensive clinical placements and experiential studio work using QMU's specialist art therapy facilities. They complete over 500 hours of supervised clinical practice alongside their academic studies. The programme's experiential components include:

• Clinical Placements: Extensive supervised practice in mental health and community settings

• Art Therapy Studios: Access to dedicated studios with specialist art materials

• Experiential Learning: Personal engagement with art-making processes

• Professional Supervision: Regular clinical supervision from qualified art therapists

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration: Preparation for statutory registration as an art therapist

Graduates of the MSc Art Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University gain comprehensive training to work as registered art psychotherapists, facilitating emotional healing and communication through creative expression. Typical job roles include Registered Art Psychotherapist, Creative Arts Therapist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Community Arts Facilitator.

Key points:

• The university provides extensive employability support through supervised practice placements in healthcare, education, and voluntary sectors, along with ongoing personal therapy and clinical supervision.​

• Graduates are eligible for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the British Association of Art Therapists, ensuring professional recognition and employment opportunities.

• Employment prospects include work in NHS mental health services, private therapy practices, educational settings, and community organizations, with salary levels reflecting clinical practitioner scales.

• Long-term accreditation value includes regulated professional status and access to continuing professional development and clinical networks.

• Graduates demonstrate readiness for diverse art psychotherapy roles that combine creativity and therapeutic skill.​

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral research or advanced professional qualifications in art psychotherapy or related creative therapies to deepen expertise and expand career options.