MCAT - Master of Creative Arts Therapy

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

This degree emphasises the application of theory to practice, clinical reasoning, and therapy-oriented knowledge and skills. It is firmly situated in a multidisciplinary creative arts practice that is inclusive of visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

The programme includes work placements through practicum components, which offer real-world career connections.

If you have any questions, please email Programme Director, Becca Weber: b.weber@auckland.ac.nz

The Master of Creative Arts Therapy is a two-year, 240-point postgraduate degree that integrates coursework, supervised clinical practicums, and research. Students complete a sequence of taught courses (CREAT 700–709) in creative arts therapy theory, methods, and applied practice, alongside research preparation and reflective studies.

Advanced study includes CREAT 704 Practicum 3 (30 points) and the CREAT 790 Research Project (30 points). Both provide opportunities to apply learning in real-world contexts.

The programme offers pathways across dance, art, drama, and music, enabling students to develop expertise within their chosen modality while engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this blend of creative exploration, academic study, and professional practice, you will build the knowledge and skills needed to apply for professional registration. This will allow you to contribute to the expanding field of creative arts therapies in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

The Master of Creative Arts Therapies prepares graduates to apply for professional registration to work in clinical, educational, and community settings. You’ll gain skills in creativity, communication, and therapeutic engagement – opening career pathways in health, wellbeing, education, rehabilitation, and the arts in Aotearoa and internationally.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (240-point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Taught (204 points)

Completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher at 60 points above Stage II.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

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Student loans and allowances

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Cost of living

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This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One		02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2027 Semester One		01 March 2027	28 June 2027

1 - 2

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, a student must have:

either

1 a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree or relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher at 60 points above Stage II.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence and relevance pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply.

(ii) A relevant degree or postgraduate diploma may include Dance Studies, Music, Drama, Fine Art, Design, Counselling, Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences, Physical Education, Psychology, Sport Science, Theatre Studies, or qualifications which lead to registration as a health professional.

(iii) The applicant will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions as part of the application process as required by Dance Therapy New Zealand for registration.

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Master's Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 280 points.

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Creative Arts Therapy Schedule.

7 a In Part I of this degree a student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Creative Arts Therapy cannot continue.

b In Part I of this degree a student must satisfactorily complete all practical and clinical work to the standard that the Dance Studies Department requires. If this is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Creative Arts Therapy cannot continue.

8 A student enrolled for this degree who has already passed any course the same as, or similar to, those required under Regulation 6, must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director.

9 A student may substitute an approved research methods course for CREAT 709 with the approval of the Programme Director.

10 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

11 A student enrolled for this degree must satisfactorily complete all practical and clinical work to the standard that the Programme Director requires.

12 a The research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The research project is to embody the results obtained by the student in an investigation into an area of Creative Arts Therapies, and its topic is to be approved by the Programme Director.

c The research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

13 A student who does not meet the requirements in Regulation 7 may apply to reassign courses passed from this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Creative Arts.

14 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

15 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.