Diploma of Creative Arts and Health

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: 

1. Identify and analyse social, cultural and ethical impacts of the creative arts as a means to improve health and wellbeing in local, cross-cultural and/or global contexts.
2. Communicate effectively by written, oral and technology supported modes to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
3. Define and solve problems applying knowledge and skills as a basis for planning and decision making to inform the use of the creative arts to promote health and wellbeing
4. Demonstrate initiative, by applying knowledge and skills to identify the ways in which social responsibility, accountability, ethical conduct and resilience can be used in creative arts projects to improve health and wellbeing, whether working independently or with others.

​The Diploma of Creative Arts for Health is a course approved by the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and graduates of the Diploma of Creative Arts for Health will be eligible for tier level membership.

Professional recognition

The Diploma of Creative Arts is an externally accredited degree.

This course is accredited by Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).

Graduates may meet the requirements for membership of ANZACATA. There may be additional requirements for membership beyond the completion of the course.

For further membership requirements, please visit the ANZACATA (https://www.anzacata.org/).

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us (https://www.utas.edu.au/enquire) for further information.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of any 2 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified

Higher education

Students may apply based on previous higher education study:

• Completed AQF Diploma level or higher; OR
• Partial study at Associate Degree level or higher (complete or incomplete) with a passing GPA on a 50% study load in undergraduate - degree level subjects; OR
• Completion of a University Enabling program; OR
• Successful completion of a minimum of 2 (25 credit points) undergraduate subjects of study within an equivalent AQF level course or higher; OR
• Completed UTAS Bachelor of General Studies - any pathway; OR
• Completed UTAS Diploma of University Studies - any pathway

Secondary education

Completed the TCE (or equivalent) 

VET studies

Successful completion of certificate III or higher

Work and Life

Domestic Applicants with work and life experience: If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have extensive or sustained work experience.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

Engagement with the creative arts can bring joy, restore self-confidence, improve mental and physical wellbeing and contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone.

An ageing population and rising levels of depression and anxiety in youth, the elderly, and people living in rural areas are significant challenges for Tasmania, Australia and internationally. Research is demonstrating ways in which music, visual arts, theatre and other creative arts can contribute to addressing these challenges.

The Diploma of Creative Arts and Health offers you an interdisciplinary study experience that is unique. You will gain knowledge of innovative uses of creative arts in a range of community and health-care settings, while developing an understanding of the effects of the arts on brain and body in the social and cultural context. There are opportunities to explore your own creativity and learn about international best practice for ethical and effective implementation of arts programmes in both community and healthcare settings.

If you are interested in how the power of creative arts can be used to promote wellbeing and better health in a range of community and healthcare settings - then this course is for you!

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Completion of 5 core subjects from the schedule below:

• 2 Introductory subjects
  • TAS-FXA100 The Arts and Dementia Care
  • TAS-FXA101 Creativity for Life
• 2 Intermediate subjects
  • TAS-FXA202 The Photo Essay: Storytelling with Image and Text
  • TAS-PSY214 Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
• 1 Advanced subject
  • TAS-FAX301 Arts in the Community

Completion of 3 elective subjects from the schedule below:

• Up to 2 introductory elective subjects
  • TAS-CZZ104 Living and Working With Cultural Diversity
  • TAS-HGA138 Society, Culture and Health
  • TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
• Completion of 1-3 advanced elective subjects
  • TAS-FXA300 Music, Mind and Body
  • TAS-FXA302 Perspectives of the Arts on Health and Wellbeing
  • TAS-HGA339 Sociology of Health and Illness

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.