How many years is the MA art therapy programme?
The MA art therapy programme can be completed in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time)
Can you study MA art therapy part-time?
Yes you can complete the MA art therapy programme part-time over three years.
Is the MA art therapy programme a full-time course?
The MA art therapy programme can be completed in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time)
Is the MA art therapy programme an online course?
The MA art therapy programme is delivered online via Zoom with three contact periods per year, one week each at the start of the term, mid-year and year-end.
Is there contact time on the art therapy programme?
Yes there are three contact periods per year, one week each at the start of the term, mid-year and year-end.
Does one have to complete the BA Hons Art Therapy to do the MA course?
BA Honours Art Therapy programme provides entry to the MA Art Therapy qualification.
Are both the BA Hons Art Therapy and the MA Art Therapy online?
Both the BA Hons and the MA Art Therapy are delivered via Zoom with three contact periods per year, one week each at the start of the term, mid-year and year-end.
Is Art Therapy a recognised profession in South Africa?
Yes, Art Therapy is a registered profession with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Does one have to register with the HPCSA?
Yes, a Masters in Art Therapy and registration with the HPCSA must be obtained in order to practice as a clinical art therapist in South Africa.
Who is the HPCSA?
Art therapists (and all creative arts therapists, i.e. drama, dance, art and music therapists) are registered under the "OCP Board" which stands for the Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics and Arts Therapy. The scope of practice that regulates Art Therapy as a profession recognises its mental health practice and information on this is available on the HPCSA's website. In order to practice, registration as a health profession with the HPCSA with an Art Therapy qualification is required. The HPCSA or Health Professions Council of South Africa defines the scope of practice and regulates professional outcomes etc. including charging third party healthcare schemes for treatment of patients.
Does one have to register with the HPCSA?
Yes, a Masters in Art Therapy and registration with the HPCSA must be obtained in order to practice as a clinical art therapist in South Africa.
Who is SANATA?
The South African National Arts Therapies Association, SANATA, is the professional association that represents the interests of arts therapists and the four arts therapy professions: art, music, drama and dance movement therapy across South Africa. SANATA supports the growth of the arts therapy professions in South Africa in partnership with key stakeholders, the public and international associations.
How can I apply for BA Hons Art Therapy?
An appropriate Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of two years of psychology is a prerequisite for entry, and this should be supported by a portfolio of the applicant's own experiential and image-based work. All prospective students would need some experience of working with image making within community contexts. All students will be required to submit a portfolio of their own artwork and a letter of motivation. Click here to apply.
How can I find out more information about UJ's art therapy programme?
Click here to find out more about the programme.
Can I work overseas once I qualify?
UJ's MA Art Therapy qualification meets international standards. However, every country (and in the case of the US each state) has its own regulatory bodies with set standards and requirements.
What rate can a qualified art therapist charge?
The HPCSA advises on rates that medical aids will cover for art therapy (noting that not all medical aids will cover art therapy). The current rate is R450 per session. However, art therapists can charge whatever rate they decide on, depending on what their clients are willing to pay
Are there jobs for art therapists in South Africa?
There are very few jobs for art therapists in South Africa. Most art therapists end up in private practice.
What undergraduate degree does one need to apply for BA Hons Art Therapy?
An appropriate Bachelor's Degree (such as social sciences or visual art) with a minimum of three years of psychology is a prerequisite for entry.
Does one need to have studied psychology to apply for BA Hons or MA Art Therapy?
Yes, three years of psychology at undergraduate level is required for the BA Hons Art Therapy and three years of psychology at undergraduate levels is required for the MA Art Therapy.
How much does it cost to study BA Hons and MA Art Therapy?
Email amalia@uj.ac.za to request a breakdown of fees.
Does one need to be good at art to apply for BA Hons or MA Art Therapy?
It is recommended that applicants have experience in and understanding of image-making using a variety of art materials, as well as an ability to reflect on own artwork. Applications should be supported by a portfolio of the applicant's own experiential and image-based work.
Can one study and work at the same time?
Many students continue working, noting that two full days per week are required for contact time.
