Creative Expressive Arts and Health Practice

Creative expressive arts and health practice is a field that brings together the making and experiencing of art, music, drama, and creative activity with a concern for how those processes support human health, wellbeing, and recovery. It is grounded in a growing body of evidence that creative engagement has measurable benefits across a wide range of conditions and populations, from children with developmental needs and adults experiencing mental illness to older people living with dementia and people in palliative care. Practitioners in this field work across the boundary of arts and health, developing both creative skills and the professional understanding needed to use them responsibly and effectively in diverse settings.

At the University of Derby, this part-time programme develops a range of specific and transferable skills applicable in settings where art is used to engage and support people, whether in employment or further study. You will learn from tutors who are experienced practitioners and researchers, combining academic knowledge with practical wisdom from the field. Community partners contribute to the programme, providing real-world experience that grounds your learning in the settings where this kind of practice actually happens.

You will develop your understanding of how creative engagement works therapeutically and socially, alongside the practical creative and facilitative skills needed to work confidently with different groups. The part-time structure makes the degree accessible alongside other commitments.

Graduates from creative expressive arts and health practice programmes work in a wide range of settings. Healthcare environments, mental health services, schools, community arts organisations, care homes, charitable organisations, and cultural institutions with health and wellbeing programmes are all places where this kind of practitioner is needed. Roles include arts in health practitioner, community arts facilitator, drama therapist (typically requiring further postgraduate training), arts coordinator, and project worker in health and wellbeing programmes.

Postgraduate study in arts therapies, arts and health, or community practice is available for those who wish to specialise.