Overview

The Child Art Psychotherapy Studies M.Sc. at University College Dublin provides a comprehensive clinical training for professionals working with children and adolescents in mental health settings. This programme focuses on the Vasarhelyi Method, equipping students with the skills to facilitate psychotherapeutic communication through imagery and art. Students engage in a rigorous academic curriculum alongside practical clinical experience to support vulnerable young people.

Why Child Art Psychotherapy Studies at University College Dublin?

This programme is delivered by the UCD School of Medicine and offers a unique focus on the Vasarhelyi Method of Child Art Psychotherapy. A distinctive feature of the course is the 18-month clinical placement within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) clinic. Students benefit from both individual and small-group clinical supervision, ensuring a high standard of professional development. The curriculum also includes personal psychotherapy and group process sessions to enhance clinical self-awareness.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: EUR 13900 per year
• European fee: EUR 8530 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured over two years and covers theoretical foundations, research methodology, and practical clinical training. Modules may include:

• Psychotherapeutic Models
• Vasarhelyi Method & Training Experience
• Research Skills
• Mental Health: Young People
• Clinical Placement
• Supervision of Clinical Practice
• Development of Pictorial Thinking
• Minor Dissertation

Careers with Child Art Psychotherapy Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to enhance their existing professional roles or specialise in therapeutic work with young people. The course is particularly relevant for psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses who wish to integrate psychotherapeutic art techniques into their practice. It provides an invaluable contribution to careers in child mental health, educational settings, and social care. Many graduates continue their work with children facing long-term physical illnesses or mental health difficulties in clinical environments.