Arts Therapies & Creative Health
Summer School 2026

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Brunel University of London
Cairo University

 

Date: 20 July 2026
Location: Hybrid
Duration: 5 or 7 teaching days
Type: Summer School
Partners: Brunel 

 

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 ten-day 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.

 

A Partnership Between Academia and the NHS

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.

 

Register Your Interest

Arts Therapies - 5 day programme (£795)

Arts Therapies - 7 day programme (£995)

 

Where Creative Practice Meets Contemporary 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 practised, researched, and developed within contemporary NHS settings, gaining insight into trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approaches to care.

 

What you will explore

•    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.

 

Learn from Leading Clinicians and Academics

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.

 

Who Is This Programme For?

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.

 

Important Dates

The full summer school will run from 19th July – 29th July 2026 for students 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 –
Wednesday 29th July 2026.

If you are opting to join for one week only (5 teaching days), sessions will take place Monday 20th – Friday 24th July.

 

Fees and Costs

Fees for Home (UK) students (tuition & activities; accommodation not included):
•    7 day programme    £995 
•    first week only option    £795
 

For international students, please apply via the Arts Therapies & Creative Health International Summer School page on the Brunel University website.

A 20% discount is available for students from partner institutions and Brunel alumni.

For payment queries, contact: globalprogrammes@brunel.ac.uk

 

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students who meet the following 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