Anglia Ruskin University

The postgraduate certificate is the first two years of a four year qualification for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy. Module 1 is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy (AFT) at foundation level, so you can be confident in the knowledge you'll gain and the skills you'll develop. Accreditation for postgraduate certificate will be applied for retrospectively in September 2013.

Module 1 is your first step towards training to become a qualified systemic (family) psychotherapist. You can also choose to study it as a stand alone course which will count towards your personal and professional development.

Module 2 is also a stand alone module which you can study if you have completed Module 1 within the previous 5 years. Module 2 will build on the theory and practice you were introduced to in Module 1. Together the modules make up the PG Certificate.

The course is aimed at multi-agency and multi professional participants who work with a range of client groups. During the course we'll encourage you to build upon your knowledge, beliefs and experiences within your own work context. You will develop a theoretical understanding of systemic thinking and practice and their relevance to working with clients and families, providing a framework to enable you to consider your client work from an alternative perspective. You will explore a range of presenting problems and contexts spanning the lifecycle from birth to old age. We will use a broad range of seminal and current literature relating to family therapy and systemic practice. We will have opportunity to explore and develop awareness of different ethical considerations, in order to work towards anti-discriminatory practice, and empowerment of clients.

Assessment

Teaching and learning strategies aim to produce advanced reflective practitioners who are able to critically engage with theory and articulate a coherent theoretically informed position in relation to counselling.

Formative assessment will include Case and paper presentations to peers.

Summative assessment will be by reflective portfolio of learning, a case study and, at the end of module 2, a presentation to peers of a systemic concept.

Facilities

The course takes place in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient centre, and we have the opportunity to use the therapy rooms and screen facilities for skill development.

Associated careers

The teaching staff are qualified practising systemic psychotherapists and they're up to date with what's going on in practice. They'll use lots of clinical examples in their teaching, ensuring that what you're learning will help you in your workplace. Successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate would enable you to continue your studies to MSc level if you so wish. This will enable you to register as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist when you have completed the course provided FAT requirements have been fulfilled.

Professional recognition and links with industry

To qualify as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist it is necessary to undertake the four-year part-time training at Foundation, Intermediate and Qualifying levels. Once qualified and registered with UKCP there are many opportunities to work in NHS, Social Care , education or private sector settings.

Work placements

In module 1 you are required to be doing some kind of clinical work I order for you to apply your theory to practice and enable your practice to inform the theory that you are learning.

In module 2 you are required to gain 60 hours of systemic practice. This may be done in your work place, or, if this is not possible you will need to find a clinical placement. We will give you support to do this. It is also strongly recommended that in order to maximise your learning, you find a UKCP registered Systemic supervisor to meet with for clinical supervision on a monthly basis Help can be given to you to find this.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum qualification required for admission to a postgraduate pathway is one of the following: A UK Honours Degree In order to maximise access to training in systemic practice, entry requirement for foundation level are kept to a minimum by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. Students should have: A relevant professional training or equivalent (these may include nursing, psychology, social work, psychiatry and other medical specialties, teaching, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counselling, and dance, drama or music therapy.) For students just wishing to do Year 1, substantial experience in caring may also be considered (eg child and family workers, foster carers) Students will need two references, one of which should comment on the applicant?s professional practice. This is to comply with the AFT requirements. Interview (phone would suffice) For entry to Module 1 (year1), students will need the opportunity to apply systemic ideas to the current work setting For entry into Module 2 (year2) students must have the opportunity to complete at least 60 hours of systemic practice in the twelve months leading the end of the course For entry into Module 2 (year 2) students must have successfully completed module 1, or an AFT accredited Foundation level training elsewhere within the last 5 years , or to have had formal training in systemic ideas as part of training for professional registration (eg during psychology training courses). For those completing an AFT accredited Foundation course earlier than in the last five years, they must be able to provide evidence of continued learning and practice in systemic ideas. Non-graduates with extensive relevant practical and continuing professional development experience, will be offered the opportunity to complete the Supplementary Profile in accordance with the University regulations with guidance from the Pathway leader/Programme leader. Non-Academic Conditions: Interviews

Entry requirements

The minimum qualification required for admission to a postgraduate course is a UK Honours degree.

Candidates who do not possess a first degree but who have attained an academic or professional qualification approved by the Senate (or a committee acting on its behalf) as equivalent to breadth.

In addition students should have:

• A relevant professional training or equivalent (these may include nursing, psychology, teaching, counselling, and other health qualifications such as physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy.) (for Year 1) An opportunity to apply systemic ideas to the current work setting.
• (For Year 2) the opportunity to complete at least 60 hours of systemic practice in the twelve months leading to the end of the course.
• (For Year 2) the successful completion of Year 1 within the last five years (either with Anglia Ruskin University or elsewhere), or to have had training in systemic ideas (e.g. during psychology training courses).