Master of Creative Arts Therapy (MCAT)
Allied Health
A course by
University of Auckland
Develop your expertise in dance, music, art or drama to prepare for professional registration and a rewarding career in Creative Arts Therapies in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
City, Auckland
It will take a total of 2 years
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop expertise in creative arts therapy
Gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of creative arts therapies, specialising in dance, music, drama, or art.
Clinical reasoning and therapy-oriented skills
Build clinical reasoning and therapy skills needed for work in health, well-being, rehabilitation, education, and the arts.
Professional registration preparation
Prepare for professional registration as a creative arts therapist in Aotearoa or internationally.
What You're Signing Up For
The Master of Creative Arts Therapy (MCAT) is a two-year, 240-point postgraduate degree focused on the theory and practice of creative arts therapy across multiple modalities — visual arts, music, drama, and dance. The programme includes coursework, research, and supervised clinical practicums, giving students the skills and experience needed for professional registration. Graduates are prepared to work as creative arts therapists in clinical, educational, or community settings, supporting health, rehabilitation, and wellbeing.
Course Content
- Creative arts therapy theory
- Methods of creative arts therapy
- Applied practice in the creative arts
- Coursework sequence (CREAT 700–709)
- Supervised clinical practicums
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across art, dance, drama, and music
- Research preparation
- Reflective studies
- Advanced practicum (CREAT 704 Practicum 3)
- Research project (CREAT 790)
What you need to know first
Appropriate undergraduate degree (specifics not detailed on page)
Standard postgraduate admission requirements (referenced via University Calendar and Postgraduate Enrolment link)
Find these employment opportunities
Registered Creative Arts TherapistClinical practice in health and wellbeingTherapist in educational, clinical or community settingsArts rehabilitation roles
