University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Art Therapy

Culture and Arts - Visual Arts

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Art Therapy

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Art Therapy is to develop learners' creative, imaginative, and critical knowledge, skills, and academic research capabilities within the domains of the art therapy discourse, visual arts, and psychosocial and therapeutic industries. The qualification will equip learners with an intermediate knowledge of Art Therapy theories and research methodologies, preparing them for eventual practice as an Art Therapist upon completion of a Masters in Art Therapy. Learners will gain the ability to think competently, safely, and ethically in various clinical settings. The qualification aims to facilitate exploration and critical inquiry on how meaning is created through art-making, applicable in a clinical context. It focuses on creative, critical thinking in clinical contexts following ethical and professional standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African National Arts Therapies Organisation.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Art Therapy (BAHons) seeks to transform current practices to meet the demand for engaged scholarship in visual art. It aims to enhance learners' capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of contemporary South African art while promoting civic agency through art. This qualification is intended for graduates in Fine Art, Design, Education, Humanities, and Health sciences who wish to specialize in Art Therapy. Recognized by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South Africa National Arts Therapies Organisation, the BAHons in Art Therapy is a prerequisite for a Master's in Art Therapy training. The qualification addresses the shortage of Art Therapists in South Africa, with only nine registered in the country. The institution is well-positioned to offer this qualification, aligning with its focus on global excellence and pan-African scholarship.

Core Values:

  1. Imagination and Regeneration: Addressing the deficit of imagination in a South African context, the BAHons focuses on fostering creativity, imagination, and communication through Art Therapy practice.

  2. Diversity and Agency: Encouraging learners to actively engage in visual art practice, understand psychosocial contemporary issues, and embrace diversity for critical dialogue and engagement.

  3. Social Justice and Partnerships: Emphasizing critical civic action, the qualification promotes understanding of human rights, democracy, and equality. It encourages learners to engage in art education and therapy for democracy through community partnerships and arts-based interventions.

By completing the BAHons in Art Therapy, learners are prepared to pursue a Master's qualification to practice clinical Art Therapy professionally under the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of Art Therapy in relation to other related theoretical perspectives and social contexts.
  2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the development and role of creativity and imagination including psychopathology related to the realm of human development, through the learner's continued practice as an artist.
  3. Interpret specific needs of observed clients groups, including psycho-social contexts, which also relate to but is not limited to trauma, disability, palliative care.
  4. Describe the statutory requirements of the Health Professions Council and the maintenance of ethical clinical practice.
  5. Present research findings using appropriate academic conventions.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Theoretical Concepts:

    • Psychoanalysis
    • Psychodynamic theory
    • Behavioural/cognitive theories
    • Social theories
    • Systems group theories
    • Community psychology theories
  • Clinical Pathology:

    • Developmental conditions
    • Adolescent conditions
    • Adult and geriatric psychiatry
    • Neurological and medical conditions
    • Socio/political/economic factors
    • Gender, ethnicity, class
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Trauma
  • Trans-disciplinary Knowledge:

    • Visual Art History
    • Allied professions like occupational therapy, sociology, African traditional healing, and related arts therapies
  • Historical, Political, Social, and Cultural Factors in Art Therapy in South Africa

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Creativity and Play in Human Growth and Development
  • Image-Generation Abilities:
    • Autographic and reflexive skills
  • Evaluation of Art-Making Practice
  • Interpreting and Appreciating Art
  • Aesthetic Sensibilities
  • Fantasy, Dreaming, Reverie, and Memory in Art Practice

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Observation Skills:
    • Empathic and ethical observation
  • Understanding of Psycho-social Contexts
  • Integration of Theoretical Concepts and Observational Practice
  • Observing and Recording Clinical Material
  • Learning from Supervisory Context

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Ethical Values and Approaches in Art Therapy
  • Professional Standards of Conduct
  • Government Policies and Guidance
  • SANATO Code of Ethics

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Theory of Research and Application in Art Therapy
  • Understanding of Seminal Theory
  • Competency in Research Methods
  • Ethical Conduct in Evaluation and Critiques

Integrated Assessment:

  • Summative Assessment Methods:

    • Long research paper
    • Report and documentation of field practice
    • Exhibition of portfolios
  • Formative Assessment Methods:

    • Continuous assessment through written exercises and presentations
    • Seminar presentations
    • Field practice reports
    • Feedback on work in progress
  • Assessment of Experiential Learning:

    • Assessment by employer/supervisor
    • Written report on workplace
    • Feedback provided by lecturing staff/assessors

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg
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Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.