Organizer Information
Goldsmiths, University of London is a public research university in London, England. The MA Art Psychotherapy is offered through the School of Mind, Body and Society, within the subject area of Social, Individual and Community Wellbeing. The programme combines art practice, psychodynamic psychotherapy, theoretical study, experiential learning and supervised clinical placements.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Goldsmiths, University of London
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Graduate
- Degrees Offered: MA
- Academic Fields: Art Psychotherapy; Art; Psychotherapy; Mental Health
- Relevant Programs: MA Art Psychotherapy
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: October for the following September intake
- Application Deadline: 31 March; later applications considered only if places remain
- Start of Studies: September
- Tuition: From £11,800 per year for Home students; £25,500 per year for International full-time students
- Funding: £500 scholarships and hardship bursaries are offered for the programme.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The programme is intended for applicants with a background in visual arts/design or a related/relevant area, or applicants holding a relevant professional qualification. The programme also accepts a limited number of special-entry applicants who do not follow the conventional graduate route. Non-graduates without formal art education are expected to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to visual-art practice and provide examples of artwork.
- Applicants must also have relevant professional experience involving direct contact with client groups encountered in art psychotherapy. This experience may be paid or voluntary and may have been obtained in the UK or abroad.
General Eligibility
- International and domestic applicants can apply. Applicants normally need an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in visual arts/design or a related/relevant field, or a professional qualification. Applicants must also have at least 1,500 hours of relevant work experience in health, social services or education before applying.
- A small number of special-entry places are available for non-graduates. International applicants must also provide an appropriate overseas disclosure/certificate of good conduct as part of the programme's fitness-to-train requirements.
Educational Background
Applicants normally require an undergraduate degree at least equivalent to a UK second-class degree in visual arts/design or a related/relevant subject, or a relevant professional qualification. International qualifications are accepted and assessed according to Goldsmiths' international qualification requirements.
Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide IELTS 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in writing and no element below 6.5, or an accepted equivalent English-language qualification.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| MA Art Psychotherapy applicants | — |
Tuition
| Study Mode / Applicant Type | Annual Tuition | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time — Home | £11,800 | Per year |
| Part-time — Home | £7,850 | Per year |
| Full-time — International | £25,500 | Per year |
The published fees apply to students starting in the 2026/2027 academic year. International students cannot currently study part-time under a Student visa.
Additional programme-related costs include placement travel, personal therapy and occupational health checks. Personal therapy is required throughout the programme and is paid for by the student.
Funding & Financial Support
- Goldsmiths states that £500 scholarships and hardship bursaries are being offered for this programme. The Ebb and Flow Bursary provides two £500 bursaries for eligible continuing students on MA Art Psychotherapy and related programmes; its published eligibility criteria include recognised disability and demonstrated financial hardship.
- The Corinne Burton Art Therapy Student Scholarship is also listed for MA Art Psychotherapy students, but Goldsmiths specifies UK resident-status eligibility.
University Services & Academic Support
Students undertake two supervised 60-day clinical placements as part of the programme. The programme also provides theoretical, experiential and clinical learning, development of individual art practice, and access to Goldsmiths' Careers Service for employment-related advice.
Application Requirements
- Academic qualification details
- Educational transcripts or certificates
- Referee contact details or an academic reference
- Personal statement addressing motivation, contribution to art therapy, past and current art practice, relevant work experience, study planning and financial planning
- Electronic portfolio demonstrating a longstanding commitment to personal art practice
- Full details of at least 1,500 hours of relevant work experience, including exact hours and the required STaCS work-experience form
- Evidence/details relating to personal therapy, where applicable
- Appropriate disclosure documentation for fitness-to-train requirements
Applicants invited to interview must participate in a two-hour group interview, including a 10-minute presentation of their art portfolio, followed by a short individual interview and reflective writing exercise.
Personal therapy is not a pre-course requirement, although previous experience may be useful. Once enrolled, students must undertake personal therapy throughout the training.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: October 2026
- Application Closes: 31 March 2027
- Interview Period: December onwards, usually until the end of May
- Start of Studies: 21 September 2027
Location
Goldsmiths, University of London — London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The programme is 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time. Full-time students normally spend up to three days each week in college for programme sessions and art practice and two days on clinical placements.
- For the September 2026 intake, Goldsmiths currently states that new applications are being held on a waiting list because the programme is nearing capacity. Applicants who cannot be accommodated for September 2026 may be offered consideration for September 2027.
- Completion of the Master's makes graduates eligible to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).