Overview
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is in a unique position to offer an expressive arts therapy programme as it serves a wide range of professionals in the educational, health and social service sectors, and it is set up to deliver courses for adults already in practice. For many years, requests have been forthcoming for a part-time arts therapy course for those unable to pursue it full-time. Hence, the Graduate Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy (GDXAT) is designed for flexible, part-time learning and encompasses a diverse curriculum featuring play therapy, visual arts, mind and body practices, and narrative and storytelling techniques. Classes are conveniently offered on Saturdays to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals. Through in-depth opportunities provided by the programme, professionals could employ expressive arts therapy to combine psychology and the creative process to promote emotional growth and healing. This multi-arts approach uses our innate desire to create - via play, art, music, dance, poetry or any other artistic form - as a therapeutic tool to help initiate change.
Our GDXAT creates new connections with emerging Asian models of expressive arts therapy in India and Hong Kong. It presents a psychological approach that is humanistic in orientation. The Graduate Diploma serves as a stepping stone towards pursuing a full master's program in Expressive Arts Therapy or related therapeutic disciplines. Additionally, we are also a registered member with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.
Career Prospects
This Graduate Diploma enhances the skill-sets of the abovementioned practitioners to bring about more efficacious therapeutic outcomes in their work with their clients.
Programme Structure
Students of our GDXAT programme are required to complete 30 credit units (cu) consisting of six core courses, inclusive of a personal creative practice with reflective journalling and some supervised practice, before they graduate. All courses are 5 cu unless stated otherwise.
GDXAT is also stackable towards the Master of Social Sciences, subject to meeting programme requirements
Curriculum
Admission Requirements
Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.
In addition, it is preferred for applicants to meet the following requirements:
Additional Admission Requirements*
- Experience or familiarity, preferably, in two expressive art forms (e.g. visual art, music, dance, theatre/drama, printmaking, sculpture, etc.) OR
- Preferably to have experience or training in one counselling model or approach
- Preferably to be in the helping profession for at least 2 years, OR volunteering for at least 2 years in the care profession.
Documentations or referral letters from organization(s) to verify work/volunteer experience (where relevant) could be sent to support your application.
Application Submissions (Essay, Portfolio and/or Certificates)
To support your application, For above additional requirements, you may submit either or all of the following:
- Certificates of courses taken (where relevant and available)
- A portfolio showcasing your artwork or interactions with individuals through art, presented in PowerPoint slides.
- Essay (at least 1000 words): Why the interest in this programme? Why you think you should be in this programme? What do you hope to gain from this qualification?
*Applicants who do not fulfill the additional requirement(s) are still welcome to apply as each application will be considered on its own merits.
Admission Interview
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
Tuition Fees
View More Details on FeesFinancial Assistance
The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.
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