About the programme
The Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) is an NZQF Level 9 programme at Whitecliffe that trains creative arts therapists over two years (240 credits), preparing them to use art-making and creative processes therapeutically in mental health, education and community settings.
Study is mainly by distance, punctuated by intensive weekend and four-to-five-day seminars held four to six times a year. At these sessions students learn through theory and direct experience with faculty, peers and practitioners from New Zealand and overseas, take part in group processes and reflexive practice, and build clinical, research, creative and presentation skills.
Courses fall into four strands: Creative Arts Practice, on the central role of creativity and art-making; Research Capacities; Therapy Capacities, covering theory and professional practice; and Situated Practice, working with clients on supervised placements. To graduate and become eligible for professional registration with ANZACATA, the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association, students complete an independent research project with a supervisor and 750 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Placements with real clients take place over the final 18 months, with faculty helping students find a variety of settings; research is carried out in the final year, and Whitecliffe funds external clinical and research supervision. Whitecliffe notes that the programme is being revised, subject to NZQA approval. It suits graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy and professionals from art, psychology, counselling, education or social work. In-person seminars run in Auckland (Symonds Street) and Christchurch.
Entry requirements
- A PGDipCAT or equivalent Level 8 qualification; or a Level 7 degree with Level 8-equivalent work experience and creative arts therapy training equivalent to the PGDip CAT.
- Evidence of academic writing ability (previous writing samples may be submitted).
- A letter of intent, three references, a current CV and an interview.
- International applicants: a five-minute self-introduction video on their motivation.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6, or TOEFL 625.
- Meet New Zealand visa requirements.
What you study
- Creative Arts Practice
- Research Capacities
- Therapy Capacities
- Situated Practice — supervised client placements
- Independent research project
- 750 hours of supervised clinical practice
Careers after graduation
- Community mental health services
- School counselling
- Prison rehabilitation
- Disability services
- Special schools
- Drug and alcohol services
- Trauma services, including ACC
- Private practice
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 20/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitecliffe website