Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)

You will combine your passion for creativity, collaboration, and supporting others in order to enhance wellbeing. You will develop the confidence to contribute to this dynamic, emerging field, harnessing your own experience and interests to pioneer new frontiers in this rapidly expanding profession.

Intensive weekend and four-to-five day seminars are held between four and six times annually to enable students to:
• Engage in theoretical and experiential learning with faculty, peers, and local and international practitioners
• Participate in group processes and self-reflexive practices
• Build clinical, research, creative and presentation skills

In order to successfully complete the MCAT and be eligible for professional registration with the regional professional body, the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA), students complete an independent research project supported by a research supervisor and 750 hours of supervised clinical practice.

The clinical practice is achieved in the final 18-month period of study via placements that involve work with real-world clients and populations. Students are encouraged to seek out a variety of placement opportunities, assisted by faculty. The research is undertaken during the final year of study. External Creative Arts Therapy clinical and research supervision is funded by Whitecliffe.

Whitecliffe College is New Zealand’s highest-ranked and most awarded institution in the private education sector. Established in 1984, it is a long-standing Category One Private Training Establishment (PTE), recognized for its excellence and innovation.

Whitecliffe stands as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s private education landscape, with a rich combined legacy of over 130 years dedicated to outstanding teaching and academic excellence across the fields of Fine Arts, Design, Fashion Design, Information Technology, and Creative Arts Therapies.

The merger of three of New Zealand’s oldest PTEs has strengthened Whitecliffe’s position as a leading force in tertiary education. Offering a comprehensive range of programmes — from certificates and undergraduate degrees to master’s qualifications (Levels 4–9) — Whitecliffe is synonymous with academic distinction and is deeply committed to shaping students into global citizens and future leaders in their chosen professions.

At Whitecliffe, we actively collaborate with industry partners to ensure work-integrated learning, deliver high-quality academic programmes, and prepare our graduates for successful, fulfilling careers.

Our graduates are innovators and trailblazers, confident in their skills and ready to lead the future.