Arts Therapies - Summer School 2026
Explore the role of creativity in contemporary mental health practice through Brunel University of London’s Arts Therapies & Creative Health Summer School. Developed in partnership with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and Cairo University, this intensive two-week programme introduces participants to art psychotherapy, dramatherapy, and creative health through academic teaching, experiential workshops, and NHS-informed clinical insight.
Whether you are considering postgraduate study, a future career in arts therapies, or bringing new perspectives into your professional practice, the programme offers a strong foundation in theory, practice, and contemporary approaches to mental health care.
Brunel University of London’s Arts Therapies & Creative Health Summer School explores the growing role of creative and arts-based approaches within mental health, healthcare, education, and community practice.
Designed for UK and international students, graduates, and professionals, the programme combines academic learning, reflective practice, and clinical insight from practising NHS clinicians, researchers, and internationally recognised academics working across arts psychotherapies and creative health.
Participants will explore how arts therapies are practiced, researched, and developed within contemporary NHS settings, gaining insight into trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approaches to care.
The programme is delivered collaboratively by Brunel University of London, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), and Cairo University.
Brunel University of London is home to a growing Arts and Health research community and works in partnership with CNWL NHS Foundation Trust to deliver research, training, and clinical innovation in arts psychotherapies and creative health.
The partnership with Cairo University brings important cross-cultural perspectives on mental health, creativity, and therapeutic practice, supporting dialogue across different cultural and clinical contexts.
• Art Psychotherapy and Dramatherapy in the UK context
• Creative health and contemporary mental health practice
• Arts therapies within NHS and community settings
• Trauma-informed and relational approaches
• Cross-cultural perspectives on creativity, wellbeing, and care
• Professional pathways and HCPC-regulated careers
• Research and innovation in arts therapies and creative health
The programme combines seminars, creative workshops, reflective discussion, and visits connected to NHS and cultural settings across London.
Teaching on this course is led by Brunel academics, CNWL NHS arts psychotherapists, and international contributors from Cairo University and partner organisations, offering participants direct exposure to contemporary practice across healthcare, education, and community settings.
The faculty includes experienced practitioners and researchers working across:
• NHS arts psychotherapies services
• Creative health research
• Community and educational settings
• International arts and mental health collaborations
• Trauma-informed and socially engaged practice
Participants will engage with current debates shaping the future of arts therapies and creative health in the UK and internationally.
The programme is suitable for students, graduates, and professionals interested in arts therapies, mental health, creative health, education, psychology, healthcare, or socially engaged creative practice.
This includes:
• Students considering postgraduate training in Arts Therapies
• Creative practitioners interested in mental health and wellbeing
• Professionals working in education, healthcare, youth work, or social care
• International students seeking insight into UK arts therapies training and NHS practice
• Individuals interested in the growing field of creative health
No prior clinical experience is required.
The full summer school will run from 19th July - 1st August 2026 for students that are staying in on-campus accommodation.
- Arrival & Accommodation Check In - Sunday 19th July 2026.
- First Day of Class - Monday 20th July 2026.
- Departure & Accommodation Check Out - Saturday 1st August 2026.
If you are opting to join for one week only, sessions will take place Monday 20th – Friday 24th July.
If you are an international student please apply via this page: Arts Therapies & Creative Health International Summer School
Fees for the Arts Therapies & Creative Health International Summer School 2025 are:
Home (UK) students – two-week programme: £1,550 (tuition and activities, accommodation not included)
Home (UK) students – first week only option: £795 (tuition and activities, accommodation not included)
If you are a Home student and interested in attending, please register your interest here and we will contact you directly with further details once applications open.
A 20% discount is available for students from partner institutions and Brunel alumni.
Once you have registered your interest you we will send you payment instruction. In the meantime if you have any queries about payment please contact: globalprogrammes@brunel.ac.uk
We welcome applications from students who meet the following entry criteria:
• Completed at least one year of study at a university, college, or higher education institution
• Statement of purpose (approximately 300 words)
• If English is not your first language, evidence of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
• Students travelling from EU and non-EU countries may need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in the UK, depending on nationality
• To join the programme, please send a copy of your passport and university transcript to: globalprogrammes@brunel.ac.uk
| Module Name | Date | Location | Seats Remaining | Price | |
| Arts Therapies - 1 week programme (£795) | 20–25 July | In-person | 20 | Not open | Register your interest |
| Arts Therapies - 2 week programme (£1,550) | 20 July–1 Aug | In-person | 20 | Not open | Register your interest |