Whitecliffe graduates are able to combine their passions for creativity and for working with others to enhance well-being. They develop the confidence to contribute to this dynamic, emerging field, harnessing their own experience and interests to pioneer new frontiers in this rapidly expanding profession.

The Whitecliffe programme offers a spectrum of approaches to Arts Therapy.

1. ‘The arts as therapy’, follows the philosophy that participation in creative activities is universally beneficial. Artists offer their experience and skills to people who might not otherwise access the arts.
2. ‘The arts as therapy’ or arts psychotherapy, which involves using the arts within psychotherapy as a powerful mode of expression and means of healing.

Students will gain an understanding of how an arts therapist can work along this spectrum depending on the population worked with and the individual level of previous psychotherapy training and experience. It is a highly innovative programme offering a variety of creative Arts Therapy modalities.

Applicants are expected to be proficient in at least one of these when entering the programme and to achieve a basic grounding in the other modalities during the programme. The programme supports students to develop culturally sensitive practices responsive to the Maori worldview and other cultures.

The Postgraduate Diploma of Arts Therapy and Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical) are low-residency (blended delivery) courses of study to provide flexibility for students in the workplace and/or travelling to study.

The Postgraduate Diploma is offered in two locations, Auckland and Christchurch, and is scheduled for ten weekends - one per month February to November - in each location. The Postgraduate diploma offers an introduction to the foundation philosophy, skills and theories relating to the field as a stand-alone qualification, or can provide the prerequisite for application for progression onto the Masters qualification. Progression requirements include assessment of a student’s suitability for clinical practice and academic ability to undertake level 9 research.

The Master’s programme is currently offered in Auckland only. The seminar delivery pattern is four intensive seminars per year for two years.

Three Interrelated elements of the MAAT programme

Intensive 4-5 day seminars

Held four times annually to enable students to:

• Engage in theoretical and experiential learning with faculty, peers, and local and international practitioners.
• Participate in group process and self-reflexive practices
• Build clinical, research, and presentation skills.
• Creative studio
• Social Aspects of Arts Therapy
• Psychology of Arts Therapy
• Group Arts Therapy (Professional Practice)
• Arts Psychotherapy
• Research and Arts Therapy
• Professional Practice (Training and Supervision)
• Research Prep and Research Project
• Placement

Research Project

In the final year of study, students complete an independent research project based on the proposal developed in the second year of study. The project is supported by a research supervisor.

Supervised Practice

To successfully complete the MA and be eligible for professional registration with the regional professional body ANZACATA, during the final 18 months period of study, students must complete 750 hours of supervised clinical practice - achieved via placements that involve work with real-world clients and populations. Students are encouraged to seek out a variety of placement opportunities, assisted by faculty. External Arts Therapy supervision is funded by the College.

An undergraduate diploma or degree qualification in a relevant field, equivalent to NZQF Level 7 or, in exceptional circumstances, eligibility for admission is considered on the basis of recognition of prior learning, including both professional and/or life experience.

The Postgraduate Diploma of Arts Therapy and Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (clinical) are low-residency courses of study to provide flexibility for students in the workplace and/or travelling to study.

The Postgraduate Diploma is offered in two locations, Auckland and Christchurch, and is scheduled for ten weekends - one per month February to November - in each location. The Postgraduate Diploma offers an introduction to the foundation philosophy, skills and theories relating to the creative arts therapies in readiness for taking skills into the workplace for those working in a related field as a stand-alone qualification, or can provide the pre-requisite for application for progression onto the Masters qualification.

Progressions requirements include assessment of a student’s suitability for clinical practice and academic ability to undertake level 9 research.

The Masters programme is currently offered in Auckland only. The seminar delivery pattern is four intensive seminars per year for two years.

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme