Overview

The creative arts therapies are a form of psychotherapy utilising creative modalities, including drama, dance, music and visual art-making within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The Creative Arts Therapy program at University of Melbourne provides you with studies in theory, methods, research and professional practice across health, educational and community contexts. There is an emphasis on how each artistic modality is employed in teams with groups and individuals. The teaching method incorporates experiential, theoretical and practice-based learning approaches.

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy has been developed specifically for arts educators, community arts workers, health workers and therapists who are interested in training to practice as a drama and dance movement therapist.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have developed:

Expert skills to reflect critically on the role of creative arts therapists in educational, health and community contexts
Integrated understanding of the theories informing methods of practice used by creative arts therapists
Ability to apply different creative arts therapies methods in ways that address the identified needs of clients
Advanced communication skills in responding to the expressed needs of clients, colleagues and communities
Autonomous decision making, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility in professional creative arts therapies practice
Technical skills in understanding findings from creative arts therapies research to inform practice and evaluation
Ability to engage with people in ethical and respectful ways.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Arts for Health and Wellbeing
Creative Arts Therapies Practice
Dance Movement Therapy Methods
Drama Therapy Methods
Evaluation of Wellbeing in Creative Arts
Creative Arts Therapies in Health

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-03-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

81

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

200 alternative credits

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Melbourne, Australia

Disciplines

Art Therapy Art and Craft

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

81

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

CRICOS code: 0100983

Eligibility

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

an undergraduate degree or equivalent; or
6 years documented relevant work experience in creative or performing arts, or community arts practice, or education; and
artistic background as demonstrated by submission of an Artistic Experience Portfolio showing a significant interest in the relevant art form with documented artistic engagement; and
written proposal; and
an interview.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

Prior academic performance; or
Relevant documented work experience; and
Artistic Experience Portfolio; and
Written proposal; and
Interview (held with shortlisted applicants only).

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Melbourne and/or in Australia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25984 AUD / year

≈ 25984 AUD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

24000 AUD / year

≈ 24000 AUD / year

Additional Details

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course

Living costs

Melbourne

Australia

1501 - 2659 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Creative Arts Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Overview

Learning outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Melbourne

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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