Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)

Applicants must have either an undergraduate diploma or degree qualification equivalent to Level Seven on the NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) or equivalent work experience to enter Year 1 (the PG Dip CAT). To enter Year 2 applicants must successfully complete or hold the equivalent of the Level 8 PG Dip CAT. Applicants without a relevant undergraduate degree or PG Dip CAT may be eligible for admission to the MA CAT (Clinical) on the basis of recognition of prior learning, including both professional and/or life experience. Applicants without a Level 7 or Level 8 qualification or from a non-arts-related background will be assessed on an individual basis in order to determine their potential for successful completion of the course. Most successful applicants to MA CAT (Clinical) courses have an undergraduate degree in either: * the arts * social or health sciences such as psychology, psychotherapy or social work * education and for Year 2: * the PG Dip CAT. Those with a non-arts degree should have a developed interest in creative pursuits, and those with an arts background should have some training and/or experience in the helping professions. Applicants will usually have a developed arts practice in at least one of the following: * visual arts * dance/movement * drama * creative writing Most successful applicants are mature students who already have a professional background and relevant life and work experience. Personal prerequisites for the course include the following: * Some ability and evidence of participation in the visual or performing arts * High level of computer literacy for purposes such as word processing, email and online research. Ability to work competently with current Microsoft Office for Word software * Interpersonal skills (e.g. teamwork, personality, problem solving) * Study and work behaviour - independent learning, time planning, responsibility etc. * Awareness and understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and Tikanga Maori * Some understanding of Creative Arts Therapy * A clear understanding of the aims and objectives of the Whitecliffe Creative Arts Therapy programme Specific requirements for admission include: * A completed Whitecliffe Application Form * Official transcripts of baccalaureate degree and/or other academic qualifications * A current curriculum vitae * Three letters of reference * A letter of intent/description of reasons for applying to the programme * Evidence of academic writing ability which reflects the potential for successful study at graduate level (should the letter of intent not demonstrate this, examples of previous academic writing may be requested). 13.3 English Language Entry Requirements Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency. 13.4 English Language requirements for International Students Applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide satisfactory evidence of proficiency in the English language, such as a minimum score of 625 on the TOEFL test, or 6.5 on the IELTS. International students are required to meet the minimum English language requirements for this level programme as detailed on the following NZQA webpages: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/ and http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/progamme-approval-and-accreditation/8/18/ 13.5 Regulatory and Other Entry Requirements, including Letter of Intent, entry into Years 2 and 3 and interviews, see programme document 13.5 and 13.6.

What can I expect out of this qualification?

The Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) programme is designed to extend and deepen a student's knowledge and skills by building on attainment in the principal subjects of the creative arts and psychotherapy. It provides the student with a systematic and coherent survey of current thinking and the opportunity to undertake self-directed study, research and scholarship in the area of the creative arts in psychotherapy. The supervised research and placement , including report writing, treatment plans and phased supervision, will demonstrate intellectual independence, analytical rigour and sound communication, equipping graduates to work effectively both independently and as members of multi-disciplinary teams within the expanding opportunities being offered to creative arts therapists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Creative arts therapists are benefitting from increasing recognition of the profession and are now able to register as ACC providers and obtain WINZ funding for clients, and are engaging in an ever widening range and complexity of employment opportunities. In addition, the expanding inclusion of more indigenous/Māori/Pasifika approaches to health within the programme is opening opportunities for students in placement and graduates to engage with these communities in appropriate ways.

The MA CAT (Clinical) builds on the successful outcomes of the embedded Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy course and/or on qualifications and experience offered by students who hold equivalent qualifications in related fields and who have significant relevant creative arts therapy experience.

Status one year after study

Employment rate two years after study

91%

Employment rate two years after study

Main Campus Office

Phone: (9) 309 5970
Fax: (09) 302 2957
Email: feroz@whitecliffe.ac.nz
Web: http://www.whitecliffe.ac.nz