MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

A two year part-time non-clinical PGDip with the option to complete a research dissertation and obtain the MSc award. The programme provides qualified applicants from the helping professions with a comprehensive training to prepare them for working in the field of creative writing for therapeutic purposes.

From October 2011 Metanoia Institute is offering an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, a three year part-time non-clinical MSc taught at the CREATE Centre, Bristol. (Validated with Middlesex University).

Founded in the early 1980’s, Metanoia Institute was among the first organisations in the UK to offer humanistic professional counselling and psychotherapy training programmes in close collaboration with the university system.

Creative writing for therapeutic purposes is a growing field of research and practice.This course aims to prepare students for the considerable challenges and demands of working in the field of creative writing for therapeutic purposes.

The core values of the course are humanistic and person-centred, emphasising people’s potential for growth, change and movement in a positive direction in their lives.

There is a strong emphasis on creating opportunities to develop the personal qualities that becoming a facilitator of creative writing for therapeutic purposes demands.

The MSc will draw on the range of current literature on theory and practice in both creative writing for therapeutic purposes and counselling. It will also be open to theory and practice from other established creative and therapeutic disciplines, as well as ethical and philosophical viewpoints and practices that support creative and therapeutic processes.

Underpinning the practice of creative writing for therapeutic purposes is a rapid growth of theory and research. The course will offer students opportunities to engage with this literature in ways that foster their own critical abilities and to find their own voice on major issues.

The course will enable students to explore this field, building upon their prior knowledge and skills gained from a relevant first degree and experience, with a strong emphasis on the integration of theory and practice.

The course comprises theoretical study, experiential learning, group work, practical skills training, peer supervision experience, and creative and personal development.

Successful applicants will normally be engaged in their own creative writing practice and will be involved in the helping professions, such as counselling, psychotherapy, social work, teaching, or the probation service.

Applicants will be expected to have:

• A relevant first degree or equivalent qualification.

• A Short Course Certificate in Counselling, or equivalent academic experience; willingness to undertake counselling for themselves, if appropriate.

• Work experience, in either professional or voluntary settings, involving the practice of therapeutic skills.

• The personal qualities which have been identified as crucial in therapeutic work and in courses of this kind, namely warmth of personality, flexibility of thinking, the capacity for sensitive response to a wide range of people and issues, and the ability to argue critically and evaluate ideas and outcomes.

Time commitment: The programme is taught on Thursdays for 24 weeks per academic year, plus 3 Saturdays in each of the first two years.Students undertake a research project in year three.

For further details on the MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes course, please click here

For an application form please click here Interviews are scheduled for Friday 6th July 2012.