Graduate Coursework

Master of Creative Arts Therapy

  • Course code: MC-CAT
Clock
Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Location
Mode (Location)
Mixed Attendance Mode (Southbank)
Calendar-month
Intake
February
Key dates
Dollar
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

  • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline; OR
  • At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience (in creative or performing arts, or community arts practice or education)

You must also submit a supplementary application:

  • A written proposal; AND
  • A portfolio

Shortlisted applicants must also attend an interview. Find out how to make your application more competitive here.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

  • English language test score requirementsChevron-down
  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    IELTS

    6.5


    with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0

    TOEFL

    81


    with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16

    PEARSON

    64


    with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60

    CAMBRIDGE

    169


    with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163

    LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC

    67


    with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57

    MET

    58


    with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider: 

  • Prior academic performance

As part of the supplementary application, the Selection Committee will also consider your written proposal, portfolio, and, if relevant to your application, your professional history.

Written proposal

Your written proposal must be uploaded to the supplementary application via the SlideRoom form as follows:

  • an existing academic essay written in the last five years, OR
  • 1000 words offering an introduction to the professional practice of dance movement therapy/drama therapy.

Both should include at least five academic sources and use an appropriate referencing style.

Portfolio

Your portfolio must be uploaded to the supplementary application via the SlideRoom form as follows:

  • A three-minute recorded performance in your nominated modality (Dance Movement or Drama). The improvised submission should showcase your movement (dance) or theatrical (drama) skills and provide insight into your creative voice/expression and personal presence. Selectors will be reflecting on your ability to sustain focus, structure spontaneity, and make clear artistic choices in real time.
  • A two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing all qualifications, relevant employment or professional experience.
  • Provide the name and contact details of two referees to submit a referee report on your behalf.

Work history relevant to this course may include roles in industries such as performing arts, community arts practice, or education.

If your application is shortlisted, you will also be invited to and assessed on your performance in an interview.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

Applications for Advanced Standing are not guaranteed and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as part of the application process. This must be addressed on application, and not retrospectively.

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.
Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?