Graduate Certificate
Foundation in Art and Psychodynamic Thinking
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Why study Graduate Certificate Foundation in Art and Psychodynamic Thinking at Goldsmiths
Explore a practical and theoretical overview of Art Psychotherapy in the UK through creative ways.
- This in-depth short course offers an introduction to Art Psychotherapy in the UK. Taking an interactive approach, you will explore the key theoretical concepts that underpin Art Psychotherapy
- Throughout the programme, theory and practice will be brought together. You will develop an understanding of art psychotherapy through an immersive and reflexive experiential learning process and psychodynamic theory will underpin your teaching
- You will participate in an experiential art therapy group facilitated by an Art Psychotherapist
- As part of your experiential learning, you will engage in an 'as if' experience of the therapeutic process. Your exploration will extend to social justice issues and the intersectionality of various factors such as class, race, culture, sexuality, physical and intellectual abilities, religion, and gender
- You will learn how to apply psychodynamic theory to practice, including gaining insights into the self and others; and the dynamic interaction between art-making, communication and group processes
- You will explore how Art Psychotherapy approaches and psychodynamic theories are applied to practice in the various settings in which Art Psychotherapists work
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Kristen Catchpole.
What you'll study
Over the course of the academic year, you will develop your knowledge of Art Psychotherapy from key concepts to applications of practice.
In term 1, you will explore the key concepts that underpin Art Psychotherapy in creative and interactive ways; through lectures, case material, theoretical underpinnings, group discussions and embodied creative exploration through art making.
In term 2, you will participate in an experiential art therapy group to support you in developing an understanding of art psychotherapy through an immersive and reflexive experiential learning process.
In term 3, you will examine how Art Psychotherapy approaches and psychodynamic theories are applied to practice in the various settings in which Art Psychotherapists work. You will learn about a number of specialist areas and how Art Psychotherapy adapts to fit the context whilst staying fundamentally within the psychodynamic frame with its guiding principles.
Compulsory modules
Over the academic year, you will study the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Art and Psychodynamic thinking I | 30 credits |
| Art and Psychodynamic thinking II | 15 credits |
Teaching Style
This programme is taught through a mixture of taught sessions, lectures, workshops, and experiential learning. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, including coursework, essays and projects.
All assessed work is accompanied by feedback to ensure your work is on the right track. It may come in a variety of forms ranging from written comments on a marked essay to oral and written feedback on projects.
Entry requirements
You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to:
- Developing knowledge and skills of exploration and how art-making can be used in different settings
- Critical reflection of self and in relation to others
You are usually expected to have completed an undergraduate degree, sustaining academic study at level 6. However, we welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
Fees and funding
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home: £2350
- International: £4800
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your programme, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
Skills and careers
This foundation course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Art and Psychodynamic Thinking profession.
This programme is especially relevant for those who would like to explore and/or may be considering a career in Art Psychotherapy through our MA Art Psychotherapy training programme – as well as for those in other fields who are interested in psychodynamic theories and arts-based approaches to wellbeing.
Upon completion of this programme, participants will be awarded a Graduate Certificate carrying 45 credits at Level 6.
It is crucial to note that completion of this course does not confer a license to practice as an Art Psychotherapist.
Through the programme, you will develop the ability to:
- Critically evaluate theories and approaches in Art Psychotherapy, particularly psychodynamic
- Critically evaluate the real-life applications of theory and practice in art psychotherapy
- Apply psychodynamic frameworks to the understanding of self and others within art-making groups
- Analyse how intersectional identities of class, race, culture, sexuality and gender influence the relation of self to others
