Writing a personal statement for MA Art Therapy at Chester

2

Hello.

I am applying to the University of Chester to study MA Art Therapy. I have a degree in Fine Art and have a PGCE in Secondary Art Education, and have been an Art teacher in the UK and Singapore for 24 years making art with neurodiverse students, students with special educational needs and disabilities, mental health challenges, and students who speak English as a second language. My passion is using art as a theraputic tool to explore and make sense of emotions and feelings.

I completed the BAAT Foundation Course in Art Therapy this year, and that, together with the Postgraduate open evening at Chester and talking with the course leader, melissa, confirmed for me that this is the uni and course that I really want to take.

I am in the middle of my application and am writing my personal statement, for the 5th time! I keep redoing it because I only have 600 words and have so much to say.

Has anyone written a personal statement for an Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy course and could give me some advice please. So far, I have written about all my relevant experience as a teacher and what I have learned from this, but just that takes up 600 words and I need to write about my relevant skills, why I have chosen Chester and my future plans. There is not enough space!
I would really appreciate any guidance, so thank you in advance for any replies.

Sam x

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by Samhiggins75

Hello.

I am applying to the University of Chester to study MA Art Therapy. I have a degree in Fine Art and have a PGCE in Secondary Art Education, and have been an Art teacher in the UK and Singapore for 24 years making art with neurodiverse students, students with special educational needs and disabilities, mental health challenges, and students who speak English as a second language. My passion is using art as a theraputic tool to explore and make sense of emotions and feelings.

I completed the BAAT Foundation Course in Art Therapy this year, and that, together with the Postgraduate open evening at Chester and talking with the course leader, melissa, confirmed for me that this is the uni and course that I really want to take.

I am in the middle of my application and am writing my personal statement, for the 5th time! I keep redoing it because I only have 600 words and have so much to say.

Has anyone written a personal statement for an Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy course and could give me some advice please. So far, I have written about all my relevant experience as a teacher and what I have learned from this, but just that takes up 600 words and I need to write about my relevant skills, why I have chosen Chester and my future plans. There is not enough space!
I would really appreciate any guidance, so thank you in advance for any replies.

Sam x

The following is good advice on how to structure a vocational personal statement:

For a vocational subject (e.g. medicine, teaching, nursing etc. NOT law or psychology):

Introduction - You should briefly outline why you want to become whatever it is you are applying for (so a doctor/dentist/nurse etc.). You don't need to demonstrate skills or list experiences at this stage.
Section 1 - This should discuss your shadowing experience, to show that you have a realistic view of what you are applying for. The best way to do this is to discuss what you learned from your shadowing about the role - such as the skills and qualities that are required.
Section 2 - This section should discuss your work experience/volunteering, to show that you have a good potential to do the job, by showing that you have the correct skills and qualities.
Section 3 - You can briefly (if you have space) talk about academic interests, such as a talk/research article you have read in a related area that you found interesting. This section should take a low priority, however.
Section 4 - Include hobbies and extra-curricular activities in a paragraph that you haven't mentioned previously. For example, you may talk about hobbies you use to unwind.
Conclusion - The conclusion should be brief (1-2 sentences) but should summarise and reiterate your interest in the role and your aptitude and skill for it. You could (if relevant) add longer-term aspirations (e.g. what specialism you would like to go into), but it is not necessary.

Source: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6666418

Be aware of the NHS values and 6 Cs and try to relate your work experience to them.

https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/nhs-staffing-pool-hub/working-in-healthcare/what-are-the-nhs-values
https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/nhs-staffing-pool-hub/working-in-healthcare/the-6-cs-of-care

Reply 2

University of Chester

12

Original post

by Samhiggins75

Hello.
I am applying to the University of Chester to study MA Art Therapy. I have a degree in Fine Art and have a PGCE in Secondary Art Education, and have been an Art teacher in the UK and Singapore for 24 years making art with neurodiverse students, students with special educational needs and disabilities, mental health challenges, and students who speak English as a second language. My passion is using art as a theraputic tool to explore and make sense of emotions and feelings.
I completed the BAAT Foundation Course in Art Therapy this year, and that, together with the Postgraduate open evening at Chester and talking with the course leader, melissa, confirmed for me that this is the uni and course that I really want to take.
I am in the middle of my application and am writing my personal statement, for the 5th time! I keep redoing it because I only have 600 words and have so much to say.
Has anyone written a personal statement for an Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy course and could give me some advice please. So far, I have written about all my relevant experience as a teacher and what I have learned from this, but just that takes up 600 words and I need to write about my relevant skills, why I have chosen Chester and my future plans. There is not enough space!
I would really appreciate any guidance, so thank you in advance for any replies.
Sam x

Hi Sam,

It's really great to hear that you're applying for our Art Therapy MA 😀

It sounds like you have a huge amount of relevant experience and qualifications, so no wonder the word count is proving tricky! Normaw has provided some good advice below - if you're able to use those sections as a guide I think this would make for a good statement as you'd be able to include all the things that you have mentioned above, albeit not at the level of detail you're hoping to give.

Let us know if you have any questions and good luck with your application!

Best wishes,
Becky

Writing a personal statement for MA Art Therapy at Chester

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