Dates: Nov 21 – Jul 31

Module 1: Principles 
4 days in person (4 Saturdays)
Nov 21, Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12

Module 2: Experiences (IMMA and Helium)
4 days in person (2 weekends)
Dates TBC

Module 3: Immersion
4 days in person (Monday -Thursday)
June 14-18

Module 4: Capstone
4 days in person (4 Saturdays)
July 10/17/24/31

TOTAL: 16 days in person over 9 months

This course would be of interest to anyone who has studied or is currently working in an artistic or healthcare practice and wants to be part of an exciting space with emerging intersections and new career opportunities.

That might include: artists, arts and health practitioners, healthcare professionals/management, scientists.

You will investigate and critically reflect on the broad and creative approaches to art practice in health contexts identifying boundaries and the distinction between arts and health and Art Therapy.

You will critically reflect on the implementation of arts and health practices and develop and evidence a clear understanding how policy can shape this work across sectors at a national and international level.

On successful completion of this module students will have an astute understanding of how artists and curators are working to address and create sustainable solutions within their creative practices.
Funding schemes that the course opens up include:

Creative Ireland schemes
Arts Council Awards

An individual presentation of work on the learning acquired through this process will be required for assessment presentation.

There are no written exams

This programme will include industry expertise and input from:

Creative Life Centre, MISA – St. James’ Hospital, Co-delivered with sectoral partners, this intensive learning module aims to encourage dynamic peer learning in the context of workshops, seminars and conversations.  It aims to develop a greater understanding of these complex environments, the role creativity plays within them and what to consider when integrating arts into acute health environments. 

IMMA – Working in the Moment, with Bairbre Ann Harkin – As a group, Students will experience an Azure workshop supported by a reflective process.

Helium Arts – Students will learn from projects/sites and practitioners of current arts and health practice focusing on specific experiences with HELIUM Arts, the national Children’s Arts and Health Charity.

Speakers include:

Emma Finucane, Programme Coordinator, NCAD
Mary Grehan, Public Art Curator, Children’s Health Ireland
Emma Eager, Project Coordinator, artsandhealth.ie
John Conway, Visual Artist
Roisin Nevin, Creative Life Coordinator, MISA Creative Life Hub, St James’s Hospital
Yvonne Cullivan, Visual Artist, Helium’s Children’s Creative Health Programme Galway
Bairbre Ann Harkin, Art & Ageing Curator, IMMA.

Educational Standard
All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission may be considered on the basis of a recognition of previous learning whether based on prior relevant experience or other relevant credited or non credited or learning (RPL). In such cases each applicant will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on a review of the applicant’s CV and other supporting documentation.
Please contact ncad@creativefutures.ie for further information.
Qualifying Examination – In certain cases the academic team may choose to set a qualifying assignment in order to assess an applicant’s suitability for admission.

You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.

Applicants who have not been educated through English must show proof of achieving IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in the writing section on the Academic Version) or an equivalent score in another accepted test.

Class 2024

“Embarking on the Professional Diploma in Art & Health at NCAD has been a transformative journey for me. The programme’s comprehensive curriculum offered an in-depth exploration of the intersection between arts and healthcare, significantly enhancing my understanding of how creative practices can improve health and well-being”

“I enjoyed it as I’ve never done 3rd level before. I enjoyed meeting everyone and bouncing ideas off other creative people. I feel it opened a few doors for me going forward and gave me the confidence to come up with and pitch ideas to organisations that I may not have had the confidence to do before!!”

“I have a new network of creative contacts now and more knowledge of this emerging field.”

“My experience in the Professional Diploma in Art and Health at NCAD has been transformative, challenging and deeply enjoyable. The blend of theory and practical learning, especially through immersive modules at the MISA Creative Life Centre and collaborations with IMMA and Helium Arts, has broadened my understanding of how art can impact healthcare.”

“For anyone starting the program, I highly recommend they reach out to healthcare settings and community organisations that align with their interests. These connections offer valuable insights into how arts and health practices operate in real-life settings, enriching learning experience and providing opportunities for collaboration.

Engaging with such organisations can deepen understanding of how the arts contribute to health and well-being while offering practical perspectives to complement the theoretical elements of the course. Tutors are very supportive, helping students to reflect on their experiences and learning, linking theory to practice, and exploring the impact of policy on arts and health work.

Additionally, I would to encourage them to take full advantage of the diverse expertise of fellow students as they bring unique perspectives that foster mutual learning and collaboration, making the course an even more enriching journey. Building relationships within the arts and health field, both inside and outside the programme, is an essential step toward personal and professional growth in the discipline of art and health.”

“Think about areas you’d like to work in and learning applied for future projects. Allocate more time for the final modules.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and set up a WhatsApp as soon as possible with the other students for queries. I set one up after a few months whereas we should have done it straight away.”