Programs in Arts-Medicine

1. Introduction
Thank you for your interest in the European-American University Arts-Medicine programs.

Arts-Medicine is a composite term that embraces a number of therapeutic applications of the arts. These include specialisms such as Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Dance Therapy, Poetry Therapy/Bibliotherapy, Music Therapy and Holistic Therapy.

Arts-Medicine is usually a regulated field. National and international associations and societies establish requirements that lead to registration and licensing as a practising member. The awards offered by European-American University are not themselves intended primarily to be credentials for licensing or the practice of a therapeutic profession (although in certain cases they may be accepted as such), but do offer the intending candidate the opportunity to earn a degree or sub-degree award at the same time as fulfilling the licensing requirements that apply in their particular jurisdiction and providing the support of an experienced mentor in the fulfilment of those requirements.

Prospective students need to establish the following:

• The particular practice to be followed, e.g. dance therapy, performing arts therapy, holistic therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy
• The requirements of the association or society with whom the student wishes to register
• The requirements set out by national authorities in respect of a licence to practice, where applicable
• The level of academic award that is sought.

There are thus two aspects of study to be followed: the contextual requirement and the academic engagement. European-American University is able to offer the latter on a non-residential basis, whereas the associative prerogative remains the individual’s choice.

The Arts-Medicine Programme offers prospective students the following advice:

Many associations require a didactic study as part of the requirement for registration as a practicing member. European-American University validates this aspect of the student’s education and work. So far as practical supervision, peer review, institutional exposure and personal proficiency are concerned, European-American University requires the student to nominate a local committee of two mentors who will support the student’s practical progress, and report to the University on the progress made. European-American University reserves the right to scrutinize the suitability of the mentors with regard to leading the student’s practical progress. These mentors are paid an honorarium by the University. The University nominates a programme supervisor for each student, whose task it is to make sure that the requirements, as set out by the relevant association, are correctly and fully presented. The association itself determines whether or not its requirements have been met.

The level of the didactic study is negotiated between the University and the student according to the student’s present level of education, acknowledgement of prior learning and qualifications. The evidence of didactic study is by means of overview of literature, for certificate or diploma purposes, or by mini-thesis, thesis or dissertation for degree purposes. This written work is examined by European-American University faculty, internally, and an external examiner.

2. Possible levels of achievement

• Certification at association level (this consists of formal academic acknowledgement of the work done to meet registration for the association's requirements, without further work being required.)
• Registration at association level
• Either of these and a Diploma in the relevant field
• Either of these and a Bachelor’s degree with classed honours
• Either of these and a Masters degree
• Either of these and a Doctoral degree

3. The procedure

• Approach the association or society of your choice that represents the practice you wish to follow and get, in writing, the steps you need to take for recognition as practitioner in the field of your choice, as set out by that association.
• Decide whether you can fulfill the requirements independently, or whether you choose to have European-American University’s assistance for certification, a diploma or earned degree in the relevant field.
• Approach European-American University for registration as student.

The benefits of registering at European-American University:

• Your registration with the association of your choice will be guided and supported by faculty who are experienced in fulfilling the kind of registration you wish to achieve.
• Your work may result in a diploma or earned degree award.
• You do not have any residential requirements for the diploma or earned degree award.
• You set the time frame for submission of requirement
• You set the time frame for submission of academic work

4. The academic component

The academic component has the following requirements:

Point of entry

This is based on prior experience and existing qualifications. A diploma does not require a first qualification. The usual steps for progression of degrees are: Bachelors degree with honours (matriculation certificate normally precedes the first degree), Masters, Doctorate. Each application will be assessed on its own merits by the University. Prospective students are encouraged to submit proposals for structuring the required curriculum.

Overview of literature and research

For each level, an appropriate amount of literature overview and research needs to be shown by the student. European-American University assists the student by establishing a reading programme, the formulation of a problem or topic that requires research, and an approach to the written report of the research.

Description of diploma requirements (recommended time-frame of 1 year)

A report of 14,000 – 18,000 words on a practicum supported by a relevant bibliography.

Description of degree requirements

Bachelors (recommended time frame of 2 years minimum, 3 years maximum)

• Selection of main subjects, secondary subjects and readings in these subjects. Essays, articles and long research paper that incorporates the necessary literature overview. A typical Bachelors degree in one of the Arts-Medicine therapies would include the following:
• History and development of the specified therapy
• Key thinkers, practitioners and concepts of the specified therapy
• Related therapies
• Techniques of the specified therapy
• Applications and contexts of the specified therapy
• Bio-psychological aspects (where applicable)
• Critical aspects
• Current problems
• Creative strategies for the future
• 4 to 5 topics relevant to the student’s context, addressed by a portfolio of work on each topic. The portfolio should include bibliographies, practical reports, essays and research papers.

Masters (recommended time frame of 1 year minimum, 2 years maximum)

A thesis of 20,000 to 35,000 words

Doctorate (recommended time frame of 2 years)

A thesis of 25,000 to 45,000 words.

5. Fees

A special schedule of fees is in operation for these programs and differs from that for other programs at the same level in different disciplines. Standard fees apply for ancillaries such as de-matriculation/re-matriculation, duplicate transcripts, etc.

6. Application

Applicants should not submit the standard application form, but should instead send the following materials to the University directly via email (click here for email link):

• full resume/curriculum vitae
• details of association registration/licensing requirements
• a short initial plan detailing the program intended to be pursued.

These documents should be attached in Word format or as .pdf files. Further instructions will be given once these materials have been received.