Frequently Asked Questions
with regard to training as an Art Therapist
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Download AT career information pack (pdf)
The 2008 survey of Newly Qualified Art Therapists shows encouraging results
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Are there any colleges closer to me than the ones listed?
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No, at present the 7 universities listed are the only establishments in the UK that run the validated Post Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy course which is the mandatory qualification required to practice as an art therapist in the UK. There are no validated evening or distance learning courses. See the list of approved courses.
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What qualifications do I need to enable me to start training as an art therapist?
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Applicants for Art Therapy training should normally be graduates in art and design but qualified teachers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals with a commitment to the practice of the visual arts are also considered. For further information you will need to contact the individual university directly.
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The course fees are very expensive, how can I go about getting funding for my training?
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Due to the large number of successful graduates in Art Therapy each year, there is currently no specific funding body that will give grants to those wishing to undertake the Post Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy. However, organisations that are known to provide funding, where they see appropriate, are listed in two publications (available at your local library) 'The Educational Grants Directory' and 'The Directory of Grant Making Trusts' .
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What are the career prospects once I have completed my training?
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Like any graduate, networking and persistence pay off. Do not be afraid to write and ring and ask if you can look round and visit. If there is a Art Therapist employed, ring and ask to visit. Making personal contact is important, because even if there is no present job available, people will remember you; leave your phone number so that you can be contacted and write and thank them for meeting with you. Do not turn up unannounced to visit places you feel might present job opportunities.
The majority of Art Therapy posts are advertised through The BAAT Appointments Memorandum which is produced on a monthly basis and is circulated to full and trainee members. There is usually an average of 5 jobs advertised each month You may also find the Wednesday Health & Social Services job page in The Guardian useful. In the Guardian and your local paper, you may find a job specification which does not specifically say that it wants a Art Therapist, but the specification describes the work you are able to do. For instance Social Services 'continuing needs' jobs, often describe job specifications for 'Officers', which would be eminently suitable for a Art Therapist, if the job asks for group work and individual work. It is then up to you to convince your perspective employer as to why employing a Art Therapist will bring benefits to both the team and the clients. If you are thinking of working in your local hospital, send several stamped SAE's to the personnel department, having firstly spoken to a person in the Human Resources Department. Take their name, and let them know what you are intending to do. Send the stamped SAE's to them, with a covering note. They will in turn send you monthly job information sheets for however many SAE's you sent.
Gaining employment straight after qualifying is not automatic whichever discipline you train in. Much depends on the particular client group you decide to work with and the area in which you can live in. For instance the south of England and in particular the London area employs the greatest number of Art Therapists, and also the cities and surrounding areas where the Art Therapy training courses are run. However this does not mean that there is not employment to be found in the area in which you live.
Belonging to BAAT means that you are also able to join specialists groups who keep one another informed about possible job opportunities.
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What practice areas do art therapists work in?
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Art Therapists are employed in many different settings. These include:-
- child, adolescent, adult and older aged psychiatry
- secure hospitals
- head injuries and stroke victims
- disabilities which include learning, deafness, physical and mental impairment, autism and speech difficulties
- palliative care and bereavement projects
- forensic services
- psychotherapy departments
- drug and alcohol projects
- trauma units
- education
- mental health projects including drop in centres.
Employers include the NHS, private hospitals and organisations, the Prison Service, Social Services, Education services, Charities and mental health projects.
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I completed an equivalent art therapy training abroad. Can I work as an art therapist in the UK?
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Only those who have completed one of the HPC approved training courses, or who have been accepted by the HPC as an Art Therapist through the 'Grandparenting' or through an overseas application may work in the UK as Art Therapists. Contact HPC for an application form plus guidance notes, statement of conduct etc.
HPC, Park House, 184 Kennington Park Road,
London SE11 4BU
Telephone: 020 75820866 Web site: www.hpc-uk.org
Full membership to BAAT can be applied for once successful application to HPC has been granted.
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Where can I find work experience as an assistant Art Therapist?
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Because art therapy is practised in confidential and sensitive settings it is often difficult to accommodate people who are wishing to get experience of working as an Art Therapist or wish to observe art therapy in action. We recommend that you approach the art therapy departments of local NHS trusts, Prison and Special Hospitals, special needs schools and hospices in your area to see if they can offer you any experience.
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