MA/MS in Arts Therapy

Objective(s) of a study programme: Objective(s) of a study programme: The aim of the Arts Therapy study programme is to prepare a Master of Health Sciences who professionally applies arts therapy according to the chosen specialization (art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy) in the field of personal health and well-being. Graduate is able to: implement arts therapy (according to the specialisation) programmes for various client groups in health care, social and special education institutions, as well as within various sociocultural environments; independently solve professional problems within an ever changing context and take responsibility for the results of their activities; engage in scientific research activity, i.e. develop new ideas, participate in interdisciplinary research, develop current methods of art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy and create new ones. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this programme students are expected to: act with integrity and in line with ethical commitments, using principles of good practice in their professional and research activities; will adhere to the principle of lifelong learning and apply theoretical knowledge in practice; respect differences between people and cultures, their “unlikeness”; be able to think (self-)critically and act creatively; manage and transmit information making use of acquired practical and scientific knowledge and intuition; cooperate within an interdisciplinary team; communicate and cooperate with the client and determine the need for art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy services, taking into account the client's health conditions; will be able to plan and organise professional activities, implement art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy programmes and evaluate changes in the clients‘ health during ongoing therapy; will know the means of artistic expression (art / drama / music / dance-movement), stylistic and genre possibilities, forms and methods of activity and will be able to apply these in the practice of art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy; will be able to conduct research in the field of arts therapies (according to the acquired specialisation) in accordance with ethical and legal principles. Study programme generic competencies developed: The provision to act with integrity, ethical obligations and to apply the principles of good professional practice and research work. The provision for lifelong learning and practice based learning. The provision to respect the cultures and diversity of people, their "otherness". Ability critical / self-critical thinking and creative influence on the ability to manage and communicate information in accordance with existing practice and scientific knowledge and ethics. The ability to organize practical activities, analyze and solve problems. Study programme subject specific competencies developed: The ability to cooperate within an interdisciplinary team. The ability to assess the a person's state of health, identify the need for art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy services, to evaluate changes in health status during the arts therapy (according to the specialisation) process. The ability to plan, organise and implement art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy programmes / projects. Knowledge and application of artistic expression in terms of style, forms, actions, and means (according to the chosen specialisation), as well as advanced creative technologies in the practice of art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy. The ability to communicate and collaborate with the patients / clients in the arts therapy process (according to the specialisation). The ability to conduct research in the field of art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy in accordance with ethical and legal principles. Activities of teaching and learning: nteractive lectures, seminars, practical training, case studies, discussions, supervision, project work, practice, scientific research based on problem solving, group work. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Exam, cumulative assessment, formative assessment, defense of practical portfolio, defense of master's thesis. The methods used to assess academic achievement are focused on providing continuous feedback and assessing and evaluating the process of task completion. Students' knowledge is assessed on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent) during exams. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The study program consists of: Study field subjects - 95 credits, including - Master's thesis - 30 credits. Items doctoral preparation - 10 credits. Practice - 10 credits. Alternative subjects - 5 credits. Specialisations: Art therapy Drama therapy Music therapy Dance-movement therapy Optional courses: In the 3rd semester students selects an alternative subject of Health and Music. Distinctive features of a study programme: The study programme is the only one in Lithuania that prepares specialists in all specialisations of arts therapy (art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance-movement therapy). It is a joint study programme providing an opportunity to gain quality interdisciplinary knowledge and skills while assimilating the experience of Vilnius University Medical Faculty and Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, vital for becoming a highly qualified art therapist / drama therapist / music therapist / dance-movement therapist Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Those who successfully complete the program will be able to work as art therapists / drama therapists / music therapists / dance-movement therapists (depending on their specialization) in the field of mental health (in mental health centres, psychiatric hospitals), early intervention (child development centres), rehabilitation (children's and adult rehabilitation hospitals, sanatoriums), public health (implementing health promotion projects in social care and/or nursing, educational institutions). Access to further study: Graduates of the Arts Therapy study program, depending on their chosen specialization (art therapy / drama therapy / music therapy / dance and movement therapy), will be able to continue their studies in doctoral programs in Lithuania or abroad.