- Entry requirements
- ATAR:
more entry options - Study mode
- Part Time Full Time
- First year fee (domestic)
- $24,720
- Full course fee (domestic)
- $49,440
- Full time duration
- 2
- Murdoch code
- M1300
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Course overview
As WA’s only master’s in creative arts therapies, this course is committed to experiential learning through expressive arts psychotherapies in workshops, clinical practice and clinical supervision. You will learn to critically appraise arts psychotherapy literature and gain an understanding of both theoretical knowledge and hands-on creative arts psychotherapy practice.
Explore the newly-emerging theory in this area of counselling and gain the hands-on experience that will prepare you to work in a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical contexts, in which building relationships is a key component.
This course builds on study in our already-established Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies. Students who hold this qualification will be granted advanced standing in the Master.
3 reasons to study the Master of Creative Arts Therapies
- Learn in a highly experiential environment at our purpose built creative arts therapies spaces.
- Study the only university Creative Arts Therapies course in Western Australia.
- Study on your own terms – we offer flexible study arrangements allowing you to study full-time or part-time.
What you'll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Using creative arts therapies practices in your therapeutic work
- Engaging creatively with children and adolescents seeking mental health support
- Exploring your professional strengths and motivations through the use of creative arts materials and methods
- Engaging in creative arts therapy interventions experientially through small group work
- Reading and talking about contemporary research, theory and professional practice of Creative Arts Therapists internationally
Your future career
Creative arts therapies are a form of psychotherapy currently growing in acceptance and popularity in Australia and globally. Counsellors and therapists using artistic modalities such as visual arts, music dance/movement and drama may work with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups and families to promote expression, self-awareness and insight. Work settings include schools, hospitals, aged care, crisis centres, wellness centres, detention facilities, remand facilities and addiction treatment. Experienced professionals may also utilise art therapy in private practice.
Combined with your existing experience and qualifications your career as a Creative Arts Therapist can begin anywhere and be used in any role where building relationships is a key component. Your skills can be applied in roles such as:
- Counsellor/Advocate in a crisis centre
- Children’s Therapist in a family bereavement service
- Group Worker in a women’s prison
- Addictions Specialist in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation service
You may already be in your dream job and this qualification will provide a stepping stone to enhancing your skills and increasing your potential.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and is approved by Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
Professional recognition
Students of this course can apply for student membership with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
Graduates can apply for professional membership with ANZACATA.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for Level 2 membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and then work toward Level 3 or 4 Clinical membership.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Enrolment may be subject to restriction due to limited equipment and facilities, and professional accreditation requirements, such as completion of clinical placement hours and supervision requirements.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Course specific documents
- A completed Supplementary Application Form – includes a creative portfolio and associated critical reflection
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Course specific documents
- A completed Supplementary Application Form – includes a creative portfolio and associated critical reflection
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Recommended documents
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.