Master of Creative Arts Therapy (MC-CAT) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates should be able to:

• critically and expertly reflect on the role of creative arts therapists in educational, health and community contexts;
• integrate understanding of the theories informing methods of practice used by creative arts therapists;
• apply different creative arts therapies methods in ways that address the identified needs of clients;
• exhibit advanced communication skills in responding to the expressed needs of clients, colleagues and communities;
• apply autonomous decision making, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility in professional creative arts therapies practice;
• demonstrate technical skills in understanding findings from creative arts therapies research to inform practice and evaluation;
• display the ability to engage with people in ethical and respectful ways.

Generic skills

• an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
• an ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;
• advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
• well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
• advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or scholarship;
• a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
• an advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
• an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
• the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
• an understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
• a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and
• where appropriate, advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.