Lecturer - Master of Creative Arts Therapies

Lecturer - Master of Creative Arts Therapies

• Permanent Part-time (0.6FTE) 


• Hybrid working with seminar delivery in Christchurch 

Whitecliffe

Whitecliffe is one of the leading art, design, IT, and fashion schools in Aotearoa. Since 1984 we've focused on one thing, turning creativity into a career! At Whitecliffe it's about you - your ideas, your style, your future. We're here to help you grow as an individual and give you the tools to succeed. Our values - Integrity, Courage, Creativity, Belonging and Respect form the bedrock of our commitment to collaborative synergy.

About Master of Creative Arts Therapies at Whitecliffe

Whitecliffe's Master of Creative Arts Therapies (MCAT) programme represents our commitment to developing the next generation of skilled arts therapists and healing practitioners. Our programme empowers both aspiring therapists and established health professionals to harness the transformative power of creative expression in therapeutic practice, shaping the future of mental health and wellbeing services.

Delivered through intensive weekend seminars held between four and six times annually, our students engage in theoretical and experiential learning with faculty, peers, and local and international practitioners. The programme encompasses Creative Arts Practice, Research Capacities, Therapy Capacities, and Situated Practice through supervised clinical placements.

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA).

Our commitment to educational excellence is reflected in our clinical partnerships, iwi and community connections, and a curriculum grounded in applied learning, reflective practice, and contemporary arts therapies approaches.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic Lecturer to join our Master of Creative Arts Therapies programme across our Auckland or Christchurch campuses, inspiring the next generation of creative arts therapists.

You will have expertise in creative arts therapies, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, or related therapeutic disciplines with a passion for creating transformative learning experiences that develop therapeutic skills and creative healing capabilities in our students. You will be an inspiring educator, capable of facilitating intensive seminar-based learning, clinical supervision, and research mentorship, with experience in how creative processes, therapeutic frameworks, and evidence-based practice can be integrated into arts therapies education. Your approach will be collaborative, working effectively with diverse stakeholders across academic, clinical, and community groups, and supporting students through their placement journeys. 

Skills and Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Creative Arts Therapies, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, or related discipline with demonstrated teaching experience


• Registration with ANZACATA or equivalent professional body


• Prior experience in curriculum development and delivery in creative arts therapies or related health education


• Understanding of higher education quality frameworks and assessment processes


• Clinical network and ability to facilitate meaningful placement connections between students and therapeutic settings

Personal Attributes:

• Inspiring educator and mentor


• Therapeutic mindset with substantial clinical experience


• Strong facilitation and supervision capabilities


• Quality problem-solving and reflective thinking skills


• Commitment to fostering collaboration, risk-taking, and respect for diverse perspectives


• Ability to guide students through vulnerability and challenge as learning opportunities

"The essence of our values is that we are better together. Integrity, Courage, Creativity, Belonging and Respect are the cornerstones of our commitment to how we work with each other." If you share similar values, then Whitecliffe could well be the place where you really thrive.

If this sounds like you and you'd like to find out more, please APPLY NOW!