Professional Master s degree study programme in health care. Arts Therapy. Rīga StradiĦš University Faculty of Nursing Academic School of Arts Therapy

Transcription

1 Rīga StradiĦš University Faculty of Nursing Academic School of Arts Therapy Professional Master s degree study programme in health care Arts Therapy (code 46722) Rīga, 2008

2 CONTENTS Introduction 4 I Self-assessment of higher education programme 6 1. Objectives and tasks of higher education programme 6 2. Organisation of higher education programme Structure of higher education programme Conformity of the plan of higher education programme with RSU 15 objectives and tasks 2.3. Functioning of internal quality mechanism of the higher education 15 programme 3. Annotation of higher education programme Evaluation system Practical implementation of higher education programme Study methods and forms Research work of academic staff and its effect on study work Involvement of students in research projects Perspective evaluation of higher education programme Conformity of the higher education programme with standard of 25 professional higher education and standard or profession 6.2. Questionnaire of employers on employment of graduates next six 26 years 7. Students Number of students in the programme Number of students enrolled in the first study year Number of graduates Questionnaire of students and its analysis Questionnaire of graduates and its analysis Participation of students in perfection of study process Assessment of academic staff involved in the higher education 28 programme 8.1. Academic staff Conformity of qualification of academic staff to implementation of 29 aims and tasks of structural unit 8.3. Doctors of sciences or professors Policy of selection, renewal, training and development of academic 29 staff for next six years 8.5. Academic staff involved in the higher education programme Financial sources and provision of infrastructure External communication Co-operation with employers Co-operation with higher educational establishments of Latvia and 32 abroad, which implement similar higher education programmes 11. Testimony Comparison to allied study programmes Plan of development of the higher education programme 38 2

3 II Appendices 40 Appendix 1 CVs of the academic staff 41 Appendix 2 Short descriptions of the programmes of study subjects 111 Appendix 3 Standards of Diploma and Diploma Supplement issued for mastered 284 3

4 Introduction Topicality and necessity of the professional Master s degree study programme in health care Arts Therapy is determined by trends in contemporary understanding of health, as well as global changes in the social environment of the world. According to the definition given by experts of World Health Organisation, health is condition of complete physical, mental and social well-being rather than absence of diseases and physical defects. Majority of contemporary scientists define conception of health as person s ability to function optimally physiologically, psychologically and socially. Health is related to almost all areas of processes in human s life. It is harmonic unity of human s biological and social qualities, which enables a human to adapt to conditions of macro- and micro-sphere, as well as to live socially and economically active life. Human health is a category of life quality, determined by physiological mechanisms, ability to adapt, ability of self-organisation, self-development and selfpreservation. Health condition affects all areas of human life. It determines high potential of human s physical, mental and intellectual capacity and is a condition of fully fledged life. Health of population has an enormous effect on dynamics of economical development of society, at the same time being a measure of socially ethical maturity of society. Trends of the second half of the 20 th century acceptance of multi-voiceness, post-modernism and, simultaneously, search for integration in science, education, society have created possibility to develop new directions and approaches in health care. With changes in political regime these trends appeared in Latvia as well since regaining of independency of the Republic of Latvia society has experienced complex and multi-layer transformations. Moreover, joining the EU has put forward a requirement for population of Latvia to be creative, mature individuals, being able to adequately integrate in the changing life processes. This was the background of development of arts therapies as a profession in Latvia. Profession of art therapist* is the result of integration of sciences, which has experienced approbation and recognition in several countries in the world for more than half of century and has acquired a stable position in health care. On the basis of arts therapies are relations between a client/ patient, art therapist and art (creative) work. Arts therapy is performed in a therapeutic environment, which encourages a person to create, and in which there is a precisely defined cooperation between an art therapist and a client/patient. Application of art in arts therapy differs from application of art for other purposes. In Latvia, an art therapist is a therapeutic person, who has acquired one of arts therapy specialisations: visually plastic art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy or drama therapy (Professional standard of art therapist). Contemporary labour market needs specialists who are able to work in a team and actively join local and international projects in domain of health care. Employers state, municipal and private institutions in their oral interviews and written references have expressed the opinion that there is a need for art therapists who qualitatively work applying methods of art therapy, taking part in a multidisciplinary team work, cooperating with health and social care and educational professionals. Therefore, an issue of new programmes in higher education, which would solve these tasks, has become topical. The programme Arts therapies is focussed on solution of them. Acceptance of professional standard gives possibility to develop formal education which gives foundation in arts therapy, so that after graduation it would be possible to obtain a certificate according to the requirements for a therapist in conformity with laws and regulations in Latvia. So far in Latvia a Master s degree study programme in arts therapy has not been developed. In Liepāja Pedagogical academy (LPA) in the framework of second level professional studies, with great support from Germany, since 2003 specialists in music therapy are being trained. Despite of wide interest of Latvia s society in arts therapies, and recognition of this profession in the world, only in 2006 training of art therapists at Master s degree level was started. * On October 22, 2008 at the Three-side Cooperation Sub-council for Professional Education and Employment was aligned standard Art Therapist (before: Specialist in Arts Therapy ) Protocol No.7, Subclause

5 Study programme Arts therapy ensures education of high quality in one of the newest health care professions in Latvia. In the study programme, Master s degree students acquire knowledge, attitude and skills in main conceptions in medicine (including psychotherapy), social sciences and humanities, which refer to specific praxis of the profession, as well as knowledge, attitudes and skills in application of arts therapy according to their specialisation. Graduates are trained to cooperate with other health care and social well-being specialists in solution of people s problems. Content of the study courses corresponds to the requirements of Master s degree level and is conceptual, systemic extension and perfection of the previously acquired education. Content and organisation of the study programme envisages to purposefully develop Master students skills in arts therapy basing on the previously acquired education. Graduation from the study programme followed by certification will enable new specialists to work successfully in the area of health, social care and/or education in an institution or private office. It should be emphasized that the programme Arts therapy is the basis for sustainable development of arts therapy as a health care profession. Self- assessment of the programme of higher education Arts therapy has been prepared according to Regulations No. 821 of the Cabinet Order of accreditation of higher educational establishments, colleges and higher education programmes. Since the programme is in its initial stage of implementation, self-assessment includes information on both the existing situation and perspective development. 5

6 I Self-assessment of higher education programme 1. Objectives and tasks of higher education programme * Goal of the higher education MA degree study programme Arts Therapy is to provide possibility to acquire MA degree in health care and to master professional education in arts therapy according to the chosen speciality, in conformity with State Education Standard and Standard of profession of Art therapist by forming basis for professional activities in the field of health and for the subsequent certification. Tasks: 1. To give a possibility to acquire professional knowledge, skills and attitude in the arts therapy in proper specialization by training competent specialist who are able adequately understand and effectively solve professional and research tasks, applying productive and critical thinking skills, successfully collaborate with the other specialists by joining in the multi-professional and interdisciplinary team work. 2. To deepen an understanding about the tendencies towards arts therapy in the world by facilitating mastering of the latest achievements in the chosen specialization. 3. To develop and improve professional knowledge, skills and attitude in research and assessment/evaluation of the clients/patients and in the realization of the process according to the chosen specialization and a field of professional activity. 4. To improve knowledge and skills for the research work by developing the ability to work out and realize research projects in specialization, to weigh up them critically and to present. 5. To encourage motivation of the MA students for professional development and self-education (further education and lifelong learning) by developing initiative and responsibility for sustaining and raising their professional qualification. Anticipated results ** The anticipated results of the higher education MA degree study programme Arts Therapy are defined under the requirements for professional standards of Arts Therapists as well as under the recommendations of the European and Latvian professional associations by observing the international experience in the field of providing services in the art therapy. The students have a possibility to improve and deepen the own professional area of responsibility in four specializations visually plastic art therapy, dance and rhythm therapy, music therapy and drama therapy. After graduation the mastered knowledge, skills, regard and acquired experience is a basis for starting the work of art therapist in the specialization under the supervision on purpose to help a client/patient to get over the multiform health and social problems and to prepare for certification. Certification in accordance with the baselines worked out by the professional associations, is planned two years after graduation providing that is performed a supervised practice in the field of health and/or social care and/or education by working independently or in a multi-professional and/or multidisciplinary team at the state, local, non-governmental or private institutions, commercial authorities. After graduation the art therapist is ready to participate in the scientific research projects and in the realization of professional education, accordingly promoting the development of profession. 6

7 The study programme is formed and organized so that the art therapists who have received the MA degree in health care and qualification have acquired necessary professional competences and skills to manage professional activities. Competences. - Ability to form therapeutic relations by taking into account the needs of client/patient and a field of own activity. - Ability to use resources and techniques of the art in compliance with a specialization and creative expression in the process of arts therapy. - Ability to understand and use un-verbal communication. - Ability to use client s/patient s reflection about the creative process and its result. - Ability to determine the objectives in arts therapy that underlay the therapeutic interventions. - Ability to form and keep a safe therapeutic space and therapeutic relations. - Ability to use imagery, symbolism and metaphors in the process of art therapy. - Ability to ensure safe, proper and effective, centred on client/patient, care in the process of art therapy. - Ability to use professional thinking, to judge substantially in the process of arts therapy. - Ability to be perceiving, active, interactive, inter- and intrapersonal and creative in the relations with a client/patient. - Ability to observe a professional ethics and to respect client s/patient s needs. - Ability to plan, organize and manage the planned work and to determine their priorities. - Ability to self-reflection. - Ability to ensure execution of requirements of the environmental and labour protection laws and regulations. - Only for visually plastic art therapists competent ability to use a diapason of art and art s creation techniques and ability to help the client/patient to work with them, ability to make analysis of a work created by the client/patient. - Only for music therapists competent ability to use a diapason of music s creation techniques and ability to help the client/patient to express him/herself in the music, ability to make analysis of a music created by the client/patient. - Only for dance and rhythm therapists competent ability to use a diapason of dance and rhythm techniques and ability to help the client/patient to him/herself in the rhythm, ability to make watching and analysis of the rhythm, ability to use a conception of body mind in the action. - Only for drama therapists competent ability to use diapason of drama concepts, techniques and procedures (incl. plays, styles and structures). Skills. - To perform the client s/patient s research/assessment within the framework of the own area of responsibility: regular assessment of the client s/patient s problems, difficulties, situations and individuality. - To assess the client s/patient s abilities and resources that can be used in the process of arts therapy. - To assess the client s/patient s environmental factors, culture and social features. - To recognize the client s/patient s expressions of the personality s features and psychical condition in the behaviour. - To define proper objectives and tasks of the process of arts therapy under the results of research/assessment and to implement them. - To collaborate with the patient/client in the forwarding and implementing the objectives of arts therapy. - To select one or more theoretical conceptions under whom to make a plan for arts therapy. 7

8 - To select and use proper methods and techniques of the arts therapy corresponding to the specialization and respecting a field of professional activity. - To process and realize a plan of arts therapy corresponding to the patient s/client s problems and resources. - To select and use proper kind and methods of interface with patients/clients from different age and social groups, their relatives and the other persons involved in the process of arts therapy. - To assess the results of arts therapy. - To discuss and explain to the client/patient and to his relatives or carer the process of arts therapy, its results and effect on the health. - To collaborate with the other specialists, join the work of multi-professional or interdisciplinary team in order to help the client/patient as effective as possible. - To inform and explain to society the process, objectives and tasks, possibilities and limitations, principles of the professional ethics of the arts therapy. - To observe the professional and general principles of the ethics. To protect patient s/client s rights and interests. - To record a process of arts therapy under the requirements of laws and regulations. - To participate regularly in the supervisions. - To work corresponding to the own professional responsibility, to identify the own professional limitations and possibilities. - To acquaint regularly with the latest professional literature and professional periodicals. - To use information technologies, int.al., for keeping, getting and distribution of the information. - To observe requirements of labour protection, fire security and hygiene. 2. Organisation of higher education programme According to the Decision No. 788 of January 31, 2006 by Licence Commission of Higher Education Programmes of Ministry of Education and Science Riga Stradins University was awarded licence No to implement professional the higher education programme Arts Therapy (code of the programme ) in order to obtain professional Master s degree in health care and qualification of art therapist with specialisation in visually plastic art therapy, or dance and movement therapy, or music therapy. Implementation of the higher education programme Arts therapy was started in academic year of 2006/2007 and proceeds in the form of full-time studies. By Decision No. 958 of March 22, 2007 of Licence Commission of Higher Education Programmes of Ministry of Education and Science this study programme (code 46722) on received licence amendments. (Licence No ) In the programme, applied for accreditation, essential changes have not been done in comparison to the approved licence amendments. The changes are revealed in the self-assessment report Structure of higher education programme Programme has been designed in structure determined by Cabinet s Regulations No. 481 of November 20, 2001 Regulations on second level professional higher education State standard, which is seen in Table 1. 8

9 Description of higher education programme * Requirements of the Study programme state standard Objectives and tasks See clause 1. Length of studies 2,5 years Volume of the higher 100 P / 150 ECTS education programme Volume of credit point per 40 CP / 60 ECTS year Volume and content of the Content of the study subjects accordingly to the expected study subjects professional MA degree is determined by the Arts therapist The study subjects that ensure mastering of the latest achievements in the theory and practice of field The study subjects related to research work, creative work, planning work and management The study subjects in psychology Internship The State examination, incl., processing and defence of the MA work Evaluation of the programme acquirement Admission requirements Expected degree Qualification Specialization Standard of the profession profession s standard 8 CP / 12 ECTS 6 CP / 9 ECTS At least 2 CP / 3 ECTS 26 CP / 39 ECTS 20 CP / 30 ECTS The programme acquirement is evaluated by the 10 point scale. In the professional higher education MA programme in health care Arts Therapy in full-time are admitted applicants having the Bachelor s degree or qualification diploma in the state accredited higher education programme in social science psychology or in health care and social welfare, or pedagogic education and education sciences, or art after successfully passed entrance examinations in the tender procedure for the tuition fee. Admission in the higher education programmes is carried out basing on the RSU Admission Requirements. The entrance examination consists of motivated letter, interview, test in specialization (in specialization visually plastic art therapy portfolio and drawing with crayons on the site, dance and rhythm therapy dance improvisation, music therapy music improvisation, drama therapy drama improvisation). The applicants must acknowledge competence in art according to specialization. Professional Master s degree in health care. Arts Therapy. Visually plastic art therapy, dance and rhythm therapy, music therapy, drama therapy. Project of the Arts therapist profession s standard (coordinated on 22/10/2008, Protocol No.7). Table 1. 9

10 Comparing to the Licence No issued by Licence Commission for higher education programmes of the Ministry of Education and Science on rights to implement the professional higher education programme Arts therapy, in the approved licence amendments (Licence No ) several changes and improvements were worked in. 1. In accordance with the Cabinet s Regulations No. 267 Regulations on classification of education in Latvia the classification code of education has been changed. 2. Changed the title of qualification, accordingly to the standard of profession (under the recommendation of the accreditation commission). 3. Changes in the content of higher education programme enabled us to optimise content and organisation of studies, to extend choice of specialisation (drama therapy), to specify conditions of choice of study courses. 4. Changes in admission regulations allowed to define requirements for students more precisely, to make procedure of entrance examinations more objective. 5. Changes in the plan of practice allowed to optimise organisation of practice, differentiating client groups and to define tasks of practice more precisely, thus ensuring better experience of practical work outside the university. * The programme Arts therapy is new and developing. Changes in structure and amount of study courses, in comparison to the licence amendments, are revealed in Tables 2. They have been designed after careful analysis of study subjects, preventing overlap of content, optimising the planning, as well as taking into consideration suggestions given by the board of EcArTE. Table 2 Comparison of the submitted higher education programme with programme approved by Licence amendments ** CATEGORY STUDY SUBJECTS CP ECTS COMPARISON TO LICENSED PROGRAMME Obligatory Methodology of Scientific Research 4/6 Increased number of CP accordingly to the content Obligatory Rights and Ethics of Medicine & 2/3 Corresponds Biomedicine Obligatory Contemporary Psychosomatic Medicine 2/3 Concretized title, content and volume corresponds, changed Obligatory Obligatory Obligatory Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychiatry Analytic & Psychodynamic Approach in Contemporary Arts Therapies Regulation of Organisms Functions & Health category 2/3 Concretized title, content and volume corresponds, changed category 2/3 Concretized title, content and volume correspond 2/3 Joined with study subject Physiology of Sensory Systems. Content and volume correspond. Obligatory Personal therapy training 2/3 Decreased number of CP, as study subject Group of Individual Growth is separated Obligatory Personal development group I 2/3 A new study subject, substantially complies with the part of study subject Therapy of Personal Training * Specified in conformity with the changes in profession s standard and requirements of the accreditation commission. 10

11 Obligatory Professional Activity of Arts Therapies in Practice I Obligatory Professional Activity in Practice of Arts Therapies in Practice II Obligatory Individual counselling and psychotherapy in practice Obligatory Individual counselling and psychotherapy in practice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice Obligatory choice (in specialty) 2/3 Concretized title accordingly to the content 2/3 Changed title. Content and volume correspond Tendencies of Development in Contemporary Health Care and Health Care and Medical Rehabilitation 2/3 Part of the study subject Individual Consulting and Psychotherapy. Concretized, according to the content separating practice 2/3 Part of the study subject Basic Principles of Group Consulting & Psychotherapy. Concretized, according to the content separating practice. 2/3 Corresponds Biological Principles of Psyche I (Anatomy) Biological Principles of Psyche 2/3 Corresponds II (Normal Physiology) First and Emergency Medical Aid 2/3 Concretized title accordingly to the changes in professional standard. Pathology and basis of point-ofcare testing 2/3 Content and number of contact hours correspond, decreased number of CP Psychiatry & Psychopharmacology 4/6 Changed category Individual counselling and psychotherapy Individual counselling and psychotherapy in Practice Personality psychology 2/3 Corresponds Developmental psychology 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 Decreased number of CP, as the study subject Individual Consulting & Psychotherapy in Practice is separated. 2/3 Decreased number of CP as the study subject Group Consulting & Basic Principles of Psychotherapy in Practice is separated. Clinical Psychology 2/3 Content and number of contact hours correspond, decreased number of CP. Philosophy of Art 2/3 Corresponds History & Theories of Visually Plastic Art Therapy 2/3 Corresponds 11

12 Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Psychology of Symbols 2/3 Corresponds Creation & Analysis of Visually Plastic Artworks Creation & Analysis of Visually Plastic Artworks Assessment & Evaluation in Visually Plastic Art Therapy Assessment & Evaluation in Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Practice Methods & Techniques in Visually Plastic Art Therapy Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Children &Teenagers in Practice Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Youngsters & Adults History & Theories of Dance and Movement Therapy 2/3 A new study subject 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 CP corresponds. Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of sessions. Part of the course is included in the study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization 2/3 Decreased number of CP, content and number of contact hours corresponds. 4/6 Correspondingly to the real volume of work number of CP has been increased. Part of the course is included in the study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 4/6 Protocol No.7, Subclause /3 Corresponds Kinesiology 2/3 Corresponds Dance & Movement Improvisation and analysis Dance & Movement Improvisation and analysis in Practice Assessment & Evaluation in Dance & Movement Therapy Assessment & Evaluation in Dance & Movement Therapy 2/3 A new study subject 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 CP corresponds. Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of sessions. Part of the course is included in the study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization 12

13 Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Methods and Techniques in Dance & Movement Therapy Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Children &Teenagers in Practice Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Youngsters & Adults in Practice History & Theories of Music Therapy Anthropology of Music 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 Decreased number of CP, content corresponds 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is increased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is increased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 2/3 Corresponds Music Improvisation 2/3 A new study subject Improvisation of Music in Practice 2/3 Corresponds Assessment & Evaluation in Music Therapy Assessment & Evaluation in Music Therapy in Practice Methods & Techniques in Music Therapy Music Therapy in Work with Children &Teenagers Music Therapy in Work with Youngsters & Adults History & Theories of Drama Therapy 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 CP corresponds. Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of sessions. Part of the course is included in the study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization 2/3 Decreased number of CP, content corresponds 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 2/3 Corresponds Obligatory Psychodrama & Sociodrama 2/3 A new study subject 13

14 choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Obligatory choice (in specialty) Drama Improvisation 2/3 A new study subject Improvisation of Drama in Practice 2/3 Corresponds Assessment & Evaluation in Drama Therapy Assessment & Evaluation in Drama Therapy in Practice Methods & Techniques in Drama Therapy Drama Therapy in work with Children &Teenagers in Practice Drama Therapy in Work with Youngsters & Adults in Practice 2/3 Corresponds Family Therapy in Specialization 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 CP corresponds.. Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of sessions. Part of the course is included in the study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization 2/3 Decreased number of CP, content corresponds 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. 4/6 Accordingly to the volume of real work is decreased number of CP. Part of the course is included in study subject Clinical Practice in Specialization. Clinical Practice in Specialization 6/9 A new title of study subject that contently corresponds the part of each study subject in specialization in research and assessment in practice, Art therapy in work with children and adolescents in practice, Art therapy in work with teenagers and adults in practice Elective Biology & Genetics 2/3 Corresponds Elective Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology 2/3 Corresponds Elective Pharmacology 2/3 Corresponds Elective Fundamentals of internal diseases 2/3 Corresponds Elective Socialpaediatry 2/3 Corresponds Elective Speech and Language Therapy 2/3 Corresponds Elective Special Pedagogy & Psychology 2/3 A new study subject Elective Psychology of Creation 2/3 Corresponds Elective Health Psychology 2/3 Corresponds 14

15 Elective Organizational Psychology 2/3 Corresponds Elective Personal development group II 2/3 A new study subject Elective Social Psychology 2/3 Content corresponds, changed category Elective Approaches in Psychotherapy 2/3 Content corresponds, decreased number of CP Elective Social care & Social Work 2/3 Corresponds Elective Social Policy 2/3 Corresponds Elective History & Theories of Culture and Art Elective Language of Art 2/3 A new study subject Elective Intercultural Communication 2/3 Corresponds Elective Human Rights & Copyrights 2/3 Corresponds 2/3 Content corresponds, decreased number of CP Obligatory obligatory course for all Master s degree students. Obligatory choice - study course is obligatory if it has not been acquired in the previous educational level (by content, form, study aids).choice of study courses is agreed with the programme director. Elective study course by free choice Conformity of the plan of higher education programme with RSU objectives and tasks Higher education programme Art therapy is being implemented at Riga Stradins University an institution of higher education and science established by the state with developed and stable traditions. Law On Riga Stradins University Satversme" determines that the main objectives of RSU are, working on favour of the state, offer and implement wide academic and professional university education, as well as possibilities for research work in the area of medicine, health and social care, social sciences and natural sciences. Higher education programme Arts therapy provides high level studies, integrating achievements in medicine, health ans social care, social sciences and humanities. Higher education programme Arts therapy fulfils its objectives according to RSU strategic objectives, in correspondence with RSU Development conception, Satversme, as well as in accordance with objectives of Academic School of Arts Therapy. Conception of RSU development for is characterized by several key words: stableness and well-considered development; quality; concordance and cooperation; prestige of the university. The higher education programme coordinates its implementation with each of them. Objectives of the RSU Academic school of Art Therapy envisage: to ensure implementation of higher education programmes which correspond to needs of society and are internationally recognised; to promote research and creative work of teaching staff and students; to cooperate with representatives of other professions in the area of health, social care and education; to consider quality and conformity with international level of studies and research work as the main factors for stable functioning and successful development of the School; to join integration processes of different branches of sciences (Statute of the Academic School of Arts Therapy). The higher education programme coordinates its implementation with each of them. It should be emphasized that provision of long-term quality is the cornerstone of development of arts therapy as health care profession in the system orientated towards results Functioning of internal quality mechanism of the higher education programme Study process in the higher education programme Arts therapy is organised in conformity with Law on higher educational establishments and other normative documents, RSU Satversme, as well as regulating documents approved by RSU Senate Internal rules of studies (approved in RSU Senate on , protocol No. 1-2/ ) and Study regulations I 15

16 (approved by RSU Senate on , prot. No.1-2/ ). RSU Academic School of Arts Therapy Internship Regulations. Riga Stradins University is the first higher education institution which has acquired international certificate of Quality management system ISO 9001:2001. Thus, quality management of the higher education programme is put into practise according to the University process determined by ISO standard. Internal quality of higher education programme Arts therapy is provided in different ways: to implement study process successfully, in due time, before the beginning of an academic year, study plans are elaborated and approved by the Senate; within the academic year, at the end of each semester, each structural unit analizes its work, determining weak and strong sides, and according to the conclusions, solutions are made for perfection of quality of study process. On the basis of quality of the study programme are also analysis and assessment of content of a study subject programme, as well as highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. An important role for provision of internal quality of the programme is played by feedback from students of the Academic School of Arts therapy. At the end of a term questioning of students is carried out in order to find out students evaluation of the programme, as well as study courses. Evaluating work of the Academic School of Arts therapy as RSU structural unit, methodological and scientific work of the teaching staff is taken into consideration, as well as perfection of their academic work, activities in professional organisations and international cooperation. At the end of an academic year self-assessment of the Academic School of Arts therapy and higher education programme is carried out. This planned and purposeful functioning provides management of the internal quality of the programme and its development. 3. Annotation of higher education programme The higher education programme Arts therapy has been work out basing on Law on higher education, Cabinet s Regulations No.481 on November 20, 2001 Regulations on state standard of second level professional higher education, requirements of RSU Senate and other normative documents on development of study programmes, as well as taking into consideration basic principles for training of arts therapists, elaborated by arts therapy professional associations, which have been discussed at international level, and suggestions given by potential employers. As an essential feature should be mentioned the fact that the developed programme is coordinated not only with profession standard, but also with programmes and experience of other foreign universities. Amount of the higher education programme Arts therapy is 100 credit points (CP), which corresponds to 150 ECTS (European credit-point transfer system). Amount of one credit point equals 40 hours of students work load. Within one CP, proportion is observed between contact hours and students individual work, taking into consideration logic of optimum accomplishment of a certain study course. The study courses, included in the programme, provide mastering of professional knowledge, skills and attitudes required from Arts therapist by profession standard. (See Appendix 3 Short descriptions of the programmes of study subjects). In the programme a student can master one of four specialisations: art therapist in visually plastic art, art therapist in dance and movement therapy, art therapist in music therapy and art therapist in drama therapy. The higher education programme is comprised by mandatory study courses, mandatory elective courses, free elective study courses, practice, Master s paper (See Table 3). 16

17 Structure of study subjects CATEGORY OF STUDY COURSES CP / ECTS Obligatory study subjects, 26/39 incl., Internship I 8/12 Obligatory choice (according to criteria) study subjects up to 24/36 from 24/36 Obligatory choice specialisation study subjects, 30/40 Incl., Internship II 18/27 Working out and defending of Master s paper 20 / 30 Free choice study subjects up to 24 from 40/60 Total 100 /150 Table 3 Obligatory part is comprised by basic programmes, in which MA students acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for an art therapist. Firstly, objective of the obligatory part of study subjects is to establish and deepen understanding of contemporary trends in development of arts therapy in health care environment, emphasizing psychodynamic and analytical approach, and theory and practice of contemporary psychosomatic medicine. These are the study subjects that ensure mastering of the latest achievements in theory and practice of the branch. Secondly, all the students master also such disciplines as research, project work, management and psychology. As an essentially important aspect in art therapist s work should be mentioned analysis of ethical and legal relations. Thirdly, all the MA students perform Therapy of Personal Training and participate in Group of Personality Growth, in total, at least 150 hours outside the university. (See Table 4). Fourthly, obligatory is Internship I. (See Table 5 and Internship Regulations in addendum). Obligatory study courses Table 4 Category Study Subject CP / ECTS Obligatory Methodology of Scientific Research 4/6 Obligatory Rights & Ethics of Medicine and Biomedicine 2/3 Obligatory Contemporary Psycho-somatic Medicine 2/3 Obligatory Contemporary Psycho-dynamic Psychiatrics 2/3 Obligatory Analytic & Psych-dynamic approach in Contemporary 2/3 Arts Therapies Obligatory Regulation of Organism s Functions & Health 2/3 Obligatory Personal therapy training 2/3 Obligatory Personal development group I 2/3 Total 18/27 Parts & Volume of Internship I Table 5 Category Part of AT Internship CP / ECTS Obligatory Professional Activity of Arts Therapies in Practice I 2/3 Obligatory Professional Activity of Arts Therapies in Practice II 2/3 17

18 Obligatory Individual counselling and psychotherapy in practice 2/3 Obligatory Basic Principles of Group Conselling and Therapy in 2/3 Practice Total 8/12 Obligatory Choice study subjects can be classified: medical / health care conceptions, theories of psychology, the other study subjects concerning the specific practice of arts therapist. These subjects corresponds the profession standard of arts therapist. It means that for each MA student the obligatory choice study subjects vary depending on previously acquired education. The choice must be coordinated with a director of study programme. Firstly, in this part are included study subjects that are formed with an aim to equalize differences in knowledge, skills, competences and attitude which the MA students have acquired in different higher education programmes (for studies in programme are enrolled applicants with different basic education). Secondly, in the study programme are offered study subjects in psychology. According to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.481 from November 20, 2001 Regulations on state standard of second level professional higher education, each student should choose at least 2 CP in Psychology (See Table 6). Obligatory Choice Study Subjects and their Volume Category Obligatory Choice Study Subjects CP / ECTS Obligatory choice Biological Principles of Psyche I (Anatomy) 2/3 Obligatory choice Biological Principles of Psyche II 2/3 (Normal Physiology) Obligatory choice First & Emergency Medical Aid 2/3 Obligatory choice Pathology & Principles of Health Control 2/3 Obligatory choice Psychiatrics & Psychopharmacology 4/6 Obligatory choice Individual counselling and psychotherapy 2/3 Obligatory choice Basic Principles of Group Conselling and Therapy 2/3 Obligatory choice Personality psychology 2/3 Obligatory choice Developmental psychology 2/3 Obligatory choice Clinical Psychology 2/3 Obligatory choice Philosophy of Art 2/3 Total 24/36 Table 6 Thirdly, Obligatory Choice subjects in specialization corresponds the chosen specialization Visually Plastic Arts Therapy, Dance and Rhythm Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy. In these study subjects the MA students acquire knowledge and practical skills correspondingly to the specialization in arts therapy (See Table 7). Mastering of specialization also includes a part of practice (See Table 8 and Internship Regulations in addendum). 18

19 Table 7 Obligatory Choice Study Subjects in Specialization and their Volume Category Obligatory Choice Study Subjects CP / ECTS Obl. choice (spec.) History & Theories of Visually Plastic Arts Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Psychology of Symbols 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Creation & Analysis of Visually Plastic Artworks 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Visually Plastic Art Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Methods & Techniques in Visually Plastic Art Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Family Therapy in Specialization 2/3 Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) History & Theories of Dance and Movement Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Kinesiology 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Analysis & Improvisation in Dance and Movement 2/3 Therapy Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Dance & Movement 2/3 Therapy Obl. choice (spec.) Methods & Techniques in Dance and Movement Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Family Therapy in Specialization 2/3 Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) History & Theories of Music Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Anthropology of Music 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Music Improvisation 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Music Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Methods & Techniques inmusic Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Family Therapy in Specialization 2/3 Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) History & Theories of Drama Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Psychodrama & Sociodrama 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Drama Improvisation 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Drama Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Methods & Techniques of Drama Therapy 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Family Therapy in Specialization 2/3 Total 12/18 Parts & Volume of Internship II Table 8 Category Part of AT Internship CP / ECTS Obl. choice (spec.) Creation & Analysis of Visually Plastic Artworks 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Visually Plastic Art 2/3 Therapy in Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Children 4/6 &Teenagers in Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Visually Plastic Art Therapy in Work with Youngsters & 4/6 Adults in Practice Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) Improvisation of Dance & Movement in Practice 2/3 19

20 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Dance & Movement 2/3 Therapy in Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Dance & Movement Therapy in Work with Children & 4/6 Teenagers in Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Dance & Movement Therapy in Work with Youngsters & 4/6 Adults in Practice Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) Music improvisation in Practice 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation in Music Therapy in Practice 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Music Therapy in Work with Children & Teenagers in 4/6 Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Music Therapy in work with Youngsters and Adults in 4/6 Practice Total 12/18 Obl. choice (spec.) Improvisation of Drama in Practice 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Assessment & Evaluation indrama Therapy in Practice 2/3 Obl. choice (spec.) Drama Therapy in work with Children and Teenagers in 4/6 Practice Obl. choice (spec.) Drama Therapy in work with Youngsters and Adults in Practice 4/6 Total 12/18 Table 9 Parts & Volume of Internship III Category Part of AT Internship CP / ECTS Obl. choice (spec.) Clinical Practice in Specialization 6/9 Obviously, during the studies MA students pass a practice in specialization at various work spaces (Internship II). The practice is planned as an acquaintance with various fields for work by differentiating tasks of work and groups of clients/patients. Tasks of practice are orientated on development of practical skills, approbation of acquired knowledge in practice, perfection of skills, necessary for art therapist, in accordance with art therapist s duties and tasks of work. An important part of the practice is regular supervisions with a head of practice. Objectives, organization and order of course, parts of practice, volume, tasks and evaluation is revealed in the Internship Regulations (See Addendum). Places for practice: P.Stradins Clinical University hospital, Children Clinical University hospital, Riga city Psycho-neurological Hospital, Latvia Oncology Centre, National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari, Vidzeme region Rehabilitation Centre Ligatne, Riga Maternity House, Saldus town Medical Centre, Valmiera town Hospital, Riga city Helath Centre Plavnieki, Rehabilitation centre for disabled children, Centre of Social Care for Children Mezparks (for children with special needs), Riga city municipality Chuildren s Home Vita, etc. Offer if the Free choice subjects is wide. If after obligatory choices a student still has CP, he/she can make the other choices. In the Free choice the MA students can master knowledge, skills and attitudes that could help in further professional work (See Table 8). As a Free choice subject the MA student can choose the obligatory subject from the other specialization (for example, the MA student in Dance & Rhythm specialization can choose obligatory subjects form Visually Plastic Art Therapy). 20

21 Table 10 Free Choice Study Subjects and their Volume Category Free Choice Study Subjects CP / ECTS Free choice Biology & Genetics 2/3 Free choice Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology 2/3 Free choice Pharmacology 2/3 Free choice Fundamentals of internal diseases 2/3 Free choice Socialpediatriy 2/3 Free choice Speech and Language Therapy 2/3 Free choice Special Pedagogy and Psychology 2/3 Free choice Psychology of Creation 2/3 Free choice Health Psychology 2/3 Free choice Organizational Psychology 2/3 Free choice Personal development group II 2/3 Free choice Social Psychology 2/3 Free choice Approaches in Psychotherapy 2/3 Free choice Social Care & Social Work 2/3 Free choice Social Policy 2/3 Free choice History & Theories of Culture and Art 2/3 Free choice Language of Art 2/3 Free choice Intercultural Communication 2/3 Free choice Human rights & Copyrights 2/3 Total 38/57 4. Evaluation system Evaluation of knowledge, skills and attitudes is an important part of study process. Its aim is to assess and analyze knowledge, skills and attitudes of the students within the process of their studies. In the evaluation system, an important role is played by provision of feedback, which enables the teaching staff to evaluate not only development of students knowledge, skills and attitudes, but also quality of study process in general. In the programme, evaluation is carried out according to amount of work in the studies in credit points and according to quality by 10 point scale, accepted in Latvia. Since the academic year 2007/2008 evaluation in RSU is carried out according to Senate Decision on May 15, 2007 (protocol No. 1-2/ ) on Regulations on Studies I. The basic form of evaluation is an examination, in some cases credit test. An examination is taken either orally or in written form. In some cases examination in the study course is organised in combined form part of examination is taken orally, another part in written form. In many study courses students knowledge is checked through their reports, essays and annotations on literature read, tests. Great attention is paid to students individual work. Depending on specifics of the course both continuous assessment (e.g., in seminars, tests, which allow to follow whether a student acquires study material systematically) and evaluation at the end of a term only. In 90% of cases teaching staff, in addition to final evaluation, have put forward certain requirements that should be carried out during a semester (seminars, classes, tests, report). There are study courses in which 50% of evaluation is comprised by work during semester and 50% - by final examination. Evaluation in study courses is usually obtained only working regularly and systematically within the study process (Questioning of the students). 21