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).