Murdoch University has opened a new space at the Mandurah campus for its postgraduate Creative Arts Therapies course – the only university-level qualification of its kind in Western Australia.

The new space is tailored for artistic expression within classes, through art, drama, music, writing and dance therapy.

Art Therapy lecturer Fiona Gardner from the School of Health Professions said the course was suited to professionals from fields such as the arts, counselling, teaching, social work or psychology to foster expression, self-awareness and insight in their clients.

“The arts are understood to play a central role in human culture. Working with each person’s potential for growth and creative expression, the course ensures the arts are central to the therapeutic process,” Ms Gardner said.

Upon completion of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) accredited course, graduates can go on to work in schools, hospitals, prisons and aged care facilities and work with clients experiencing psychiatric and mental illness, trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, Alzheimer’s and a range of disabilities.

The Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies course is fully delivered from the Mandurah Campus and can also be taken at the Murdoch South Street campus for all but two units.

Ms Gardner said: “It is very rewarding to see the art therapies teaching space alive with the energy of creative exploration and commitment to learning as students embrace the rewarding challenge of training in the creative arts therapies.

“We are delighted at the success of the course so far and enthusiastic about the strong interest it is continuing to generate.”

For more information and to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies, click here.