MSc Creative Arts and Mental Health

at Queen Mary University of London

This programme considers both the arts and science perspectives. Study the history, theory and practice of performance in relation to all aspects of mental health promotion and the prevention and treatment of mental illness.

You will be encouraged to consider how the creative arts can be used to think critically about concepts and experiences of mental health and the mental health system. You will consider ways of engaging the public with these concerns. You will undertake a critical analysis of the scientific method(s) of mental health research and practice and explore the use of arts-based research, evaluation and dissemination methods.

The course is not clinical, therefore you will not leave with a clinical accreditation in mental health practice or art therapy. Rather, the course is based on practice, research and critical thinking. You will be encouraged to develop your own specialist interest in relation to the arts and mental health, whether you come from an arts or a science background.

We aim to develop genuine best practices for better, more effective collaborations among arts practitioners, healthcare practitioners and patients, so we can best serve the interests of all within mental health and social care systems.

Additional costs
You may have to pay for entrance charges and travel for performances, exhibitions and field visits, although such costs will be kept to a minimum. Set books are usually available through the library, but you may wish to buy your own copy in some instances.

Structure

• Three compulsory modules
• One elective module (from a choice of three)
• 10,000–15,000-word dissertation
   

UK
Degree requirements
A 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in a Life Sciences subject.

Student Visa Regulations

If you will require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must meet the minimum English Language requirements to meet the UKVI regulations.  The minimum IELTS requirement is 5.5 in all four skills (Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening).  However, many of our courses require higher grades.

Pre-sessional English Language Courses

If you fall slightly below our standard English language requirements, you may consider one of our Pre-sessional English courses.  Please note that you will require a UK government approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for entry to our Thirteen week pre-sessional courses.  Currently, only IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic (UKVI), LanguageCert International ESOL SELT and Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE) are accepted. The Pre-sessional English course requirements are published according to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administere

• Full-time study

September 2022 | 1 year

Home: £10,250
Overseas: £19,250

Conditional deposit
Home: £1000

Overseas: £2000
 

• Part-time study

September 2022 | 2 years

Home: £5,150
Overseas: £9,650

Conditional deposit
Home: £1000

Overseas: £2000

Some students already hold qualifications in art or drama therapy, are practicing artists, or work elsewhere in mental health. For them, the programme offers an opportunity to expand their knowledge base, develop their practice, meet a variety of other professionals working in related fields and further their careers

Other students have used the MSc as a stepping stone to entering a career in education, mental health practice or to pursue postgraduate research/doctoral training in either art or mental health.

Recent graduates work in:

• teaching and education
• art
• research
• mental health.