Metàfora is a pioneer in Art Therapy training in Spain. In 1999, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona, we launched the first Art Therapy Master’s program in the Spanish-speaking world. Over the years, Metàfora’s Postgraduate and Master’s training in Art Therapy has grown into an internationally recognised reference.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Who is the program aimed at?
The program is primarily aimed at individuals interested in pursuing a professional career as art therapists, coming from the fields of art, education, health, and social care.
Each year, Metàfora brings together a community of students from diverse nationalities across all five continents, whose cultural diversity enriches and shapes the learning experience.
Objectives
- Consolidate theoretical and clinical knowledge in art therapy and psychodynamic psychology.
- Integrate theory, experiential learning, and clinical practice through ongoing supervision.
- Acquire competencies for working with diverse populations and engaging in interdisciplinary practice in professional settings.
- Develop the use of artistic expression as a tool for understanding the creative and therapeutic process.
- Strengthen students’ reflective capacity and professional identity.
Clinical Placements: The Core of the Training
At the start of the Master’s, students have the necessary preparation to begin their clinical placements, which involve designing and implementing art therapy interventions in real-world settings, always under supervision.
Placements take place in partner institutions both in Spain and internationally. Metàfora has an extensive network of centers, and placements are assigned based on each student’s profile, with the possibility of proposing new host organizations if needed.
Social component
The placement project brings art therapy closer to vulnerable groups and supports their integration in areas such as education, mental health, hospitals, and social services.
Structure of the Training and Clinical Placements
Workload
The program is part-time and compatible with other responsibilities. In addition to attending classes, students are expected to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to independent study.
Clinical Placements
Year 1: 5 hours per week on-site at the placement center
Year 2: 8 hours per week on-site at the placement center
Placements include direct intervention, participation in team meetings, and clinical documentation.
Total: 700 hours of clinical practice
Supervision
Supervision takes place weekly in small groups and is a key component of the training. It provides a supportive space to reflect on clinical cases and to develop each student’s therapeutic perspective.
Schedule and Calendar
The program has a total duration of eighteen months, spread over two academic years, running from October to June. The Master’s in Art Therapy is offered in blended (partially in-person) and online formats.
Online format:
Every Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, plus one weekend per month during the same hours.
During the second year classes are on Fridays from 16:00 to 21:00.
Blended format:
During the first year of the Master’s, classes are held online every Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, plus one weekend per month, with Saturdays in person from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sundays online from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
During the second year classes are online on Fridays from 16:00 to 21:00.
Got any questions?
FEES
| Pre-admission fee 250€ |
| Reservation fee 540€ |
| Total price 6.695€ (includes the pre-admission and reservation fees) |
Payment in Installments
| 3 INSTALLMENTS | 6 INSTALLMENTS |
|---|---|
| Pre-admission fee 250€ | Pre-admission fee 250€ |
| Reservation fee 540€ | Reservation fee 540€ |
| Installment 0 (required to be eligible for payment in installments) 2,890€ | Installment 0 (required to be eligible for payment in installments) 2,890€ |
| Installments 1, 2 and 3 December / March / June (quarterly) 1055,3 € | Installments 1–6 December / March / June September / December / March (bi-quarterly) 542,7€ |
FAQS
What are the steps to enroll in the Master’s program?
- Complete (or be enrolled in) the Postgraduate Diploma in Art Therapy and Community Arts at Metàfora.
- Complete the application form provided by the admissions team (application period: April 10th to June 5th).
- Pay the pre-admission fee (€250).
- Application review: the Academic Committee will assess your application and determine whether you have been accepted.
- Confirm your place: once admitted, you will need to pay the reservation fee and later complete the remaining balance of the program.
Is it necessary to complete the Postgraduate before the Master’s?
The Postgraduate Diploma is necessary for admission to the master’s in art therapy because the training follows a sequential structure. It acts as the second stage of the program. Furthermore, since clinical internships begin right from the start of the master’s program, it’s crucial that enrolled students are prepared to excel in a professional setting.
If I lack experience in psicology, can I access training in art therapy?
Yes. All the knowledge and foundational skills required for the Master’s are covered during the Postgraduate Diploma, which prepares you to successfully progress in the program.
Are the sessions recorded?
We ask that students attend live to fully engage with the experience and get the most out of the classes.
On another hand, the sessions are not recorded in order to respect privacy and ensure protection. During the classes, materials and works created by patients in art therapy sessions will be shared, so taking photos or recording the classes is not permitted.
Are there scholarships or study aid?
Metàfora is an independent school that does not receive funding or grants from outside entities, so unfortunately we cannot offer scholarships. However, we do offer payment in installments for the Master’s.
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