Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)
Allied Health
A course by
Whitecliffe College
A two-year clinical master’s programme that trains students to become qualified creative arts therapists through academic study, supervised clinical placements, and research, preparing graduates to work in healthcare, education, and community sectors.
NZ$11,098
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 2 years
NZ$11,098
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Become a qualified creative arts therapist
Gain advanced knowledge and clinical experience to practice as a creative arts therapist in healthcare, education, and community settings.
Integrate creative and therapeutic modalities
Learn to use visual art, movement, drama, and storytelling as therapeutic tools within clinical settings.
Undertake supervised clinical practice
Complete at least 750 hours of supervised clinical placement with real-world clients, gaining practical professional experience.
About This Course
The Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) at Whitecliffe is a NZQA Level 9 qualification designed for those passionate about creativity and supporting others to enhance wellbeing. Students engage in theoretical and experiential learning, group processes, clinical placements totalling 750 hours, and an independent research project. The programme combines weekend intensives, online and on-campus seminar delivery, and hands-on clinical placements, preparing graduates for professional registration with ANZACATA and to work in health, education, and community settings.
Course Content
- Creative Arts Practice – exploring creativity and art-making as therapies
- Research capacities – arts therapy research methods and implementation
- Therapy capacities – theory and professional practice in creative arts therapy
- Situated practice – supervised placements and real client work
- Art psychotherapy theory, ethics, and research methodology
- Clinical experience via supervised placements
- Reflective practice and self-reflexivity
- Advanced modalities: visual art, movement, drama, storytelling
- Preparation for professional registration and private practice
Entry Requirements
A Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy (PGDipCAT) or equivalent NZQA Level 8 qualification
Alternatively, a relevant undergraduate degree (Level 7) and relevant Level 8 work experience plus evidence of equivalent competencies
Evidence of academic writing ability and creative/expressive arts therapy experience
Letter of Intent
Three letters of reference and current CV
Attendance at interview
Build towards these roles
Creative Arts TherapistCounsellorCommunity Arts PractitionerMental Health ProfessionalSchool CounsellorPrivate Practice Therapist
Build skills in these industries
HealthcareEducationSocial ServicesAllied Health
