Master of Creative Arts Therapy creative application requirements

Video materials are required to be uploaded as part of your artistic portfolio and as evidence of your ability in your art form of dance movement or drama:

• 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.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A two-page curriculum vitae detailing all qualifications, relevant employment or professional experience.

You will be asked to provide the name and contact details of two referees to submit a referee report on your behalf. The referees are ideally: a character reference, an academic reference, or a referee who can attest to the applicant's creativity and artistic practice.

References will be accepted up to 5 days after the program deadline. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and the pending deadline.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified of how to book an interview, approximately one week after applications close.

Interviews will run for approximately 20 minutes and will be held online via Zoom.

Applicants should prepare to discuss:

• Interest and motivation for undertaking the course.
• Understanding of the profession and its literature.
• Describe how a creative arts therapist may work in various contexts.
• Understanding of the course structure and expectations of the program.

The Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit (CAMTRU) staff are also particularly interested in your responses to the following questions:

• Does the applicant have a sincere interest in and commitment to work as a creative arts therapist (either dance movement or drama) and the specific training that this course provides?
• Does the applicant have sufficient prior experience and ongoing engagement in self-expression through various drama and dance movement forms?
• Does the applicant meet the educational requirements and show the capacity to meet the academic demands of this course?
• Does the applicant have work or volunteer experience in a related human service role, which might include the use of creative arts in community settings, or other human service-related work?

Dance Movement Therapy Specialisation

In the interview, you will be asked to discuss your video submission, your interest in the study of dance movement therapy, your understanding of the profession and of literature, and any relevant experience you bring.

You should also research information on dance movement therapy. This might include websites such as:

• DTAA (Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia)
• American Dance Therapy Association
• European Association for Dance Movement Therapy
• Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK)

The DTAA has a series of books, Dance Therapy Collections 1-4 that provide a good overview of the practice of DMT in Australasia.

Drama Therapy Specialisation

In the interview, you will be asked to reflect on your video submission and thoughts and feelings about becoming a therapist. You will be asked to discuss your interest in the study of drama therapy, your understanding of the profession and of literature, and any relevant experience. You should also research information on drama therapy from prominent sites, such as:

• World Alliance of Drama Therapy
• North American Drama Therapy Association
• British Association of Drama Therapy
• The European Federation of Drama Therapy

The written proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• English writing skills
• Capacity to meet the academic demands of the course
• Depth of knowledge about creative arts therapy practice, its context, and histories
• Academic writing

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Technical and practical competence
• Imaginative and creative capacity
• Past academic achievements and/or professional experience

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Interest and motivation for undertaking the course
• Capacity to meet the academic demands of the course
• Ability to identify and explain the professional practice
• Ability to communicate with confidence and clarity