Why choose the School of Arts and Creative Industries
A flexible, blended-learning course features a mix of on-campus and online learning with immersive, retreat-style study weekends for interactive skill development; it can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
There is the option to gain a nationally accredited yoga-teaching diploma with a specialism in yoga for health.
In the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025, the University of Bedfordshire ranks in the UK top 10 for skills development; we rank UK 29th overall.
About the course
This blended-learning course explores the transformative role of creativity in health and wellbeing, emphasising artistic approaches to enhancing mental and physical health. You engage in both personal growth and professional development, gaining practical experience in a variety of arts and health settings including collaborations with organisations such as Sue Ryder and Mind. The course integrates creative practice with real-world application so you are equipped with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to excel in this evolving field.
For further information, contact Amalia Garcia at amalia.garcia@beds.ac.uk
Facilities and specialist equipment
- 260-seat professional theatre
- 80-seat black-box theatre
- Dance studios
- Forest School for outdoor activities
- Specialist sensory building
- Blended-learning, multimedia space for webinars and podcasting
- Sports field, multi-use games area and indoor sports facilities
Industry links
This course was developed in consultation with industry experts and there are opportunities to gain hands-on experience through our external partners, including Sue Ryder, Mind and the take heART arts charity at Bedford Hospital.
Your student experience
This course has an arts-based approach, focusing on creative, process-oriented health projects rather than clinical arts therapy, with unique units on embodied arts practice, applied creative health and professional practice.
Our staff are active practitioners and researchers with strong connections to the sector, ensuring you receive teaching grounded in current practice.
Our academic team has expertise in areas such as intergenerational arts; arts and mental health; pain management; and inclusive arts practices. Many hold leadership roles in the field, contributing to national and international research and policy development.
You benefit from hands-on experience in relevant settings as well as immersive learning at our weekend, retreat-style intensives for interactive, reflective skill development.
Take the option to gain a nationally accredited yoga-teaching diploma with a specialism in yoga for health; we offer a 200-hour pathway for new teachers and an advanced 500-hour pathway for experienced teachers (additional fee applies).
Contribute to our Creative Health Symposium as part of your final project, to showcase research findings and build your professional network.
On-campus sessions are situated at the University’s Bedford campus, a small, thriving academic community where academic staff get to know you well and provide individual academic support.
We offer small groups and personalised learning that is highly student centred.
Course Leader - Amalia Garcia
Amalia is an artist and an academic. Originally from Spain, she worked as a freelance performer, dancer and community practitioner with Retina, Willi Dorner Cie and ersatz dance. Amalia was a teacher Fellow in Dance at De Montfort University and became a full-time Lecturer in Dance and Performance at the University of Bedfordshire in 2009. Amalia runs the Performing Arts course and teaches across the BA (Hons) Dance & Professional Practice, Performing Arts and MA in Dance Performance and Choreography programmes.
Course Leader - Amalia Garcia
Amalia is an artist and an academic. Originally from Spain, she worked as a freelance performer, dancer and community practitioner with Retina, Willi Dorner Cie and ersatz dance. Amalia was a teacher Fellow in Dance at De Montfort University and became a full-time Lecturer in Dance and Performance at the University of Bedfordshire in 2009. Amalia runs the Performing Arts course and teaches across the BA (Hons) Dance & Professional Practice, Performing Arts and MA in Dance Performance and Choreography programmes.
Careers
Upon graduation, this Master’s opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the growing field of arts and health. Graduates can pursue roles such as a creative health facilitator, leading arts-based health and wellbeing projects in community, healthcare and cultural settings; or a project manager, overseeing arts and health initiatives within organisations, hospitals and charities. Other career paths include working as a consultant, advising organisations on integrating creative health practices; or as a social prescribing practitioner, incorporating arts activities into patient care plans.
You may also specialise in arts and mental health, supporting mental wellbeing through creative practices in various settings. These diverse roles span across healthcare, community arts, education and cultural institutions, offering inspirational career opportunities that make a difference in people’s lives.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk