About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: C89A4
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Psychology
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: 2 years
- Delivery: Part time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Andrea Halewood
Introduction
This course is an applied professional programme designed to allow you to complete a high quality postgraduate training in Relational Psychotherapy. It will build on the skills you will have acquired from your Certificate in Counselling and relevant practical experience in the field.
We have a strong tradition of teaching Relational Psychotherapy at UWE, and we offer a rigorous training which requires students to integrate personal development with explicit use of relational psychotherapy theory and research as a basis for reflective therapeutic practice. The course also incorporates research methods training and a masters' level research project. A core element of the course is practice with clients; students are supported in finding appropriate placements in which to conduct their clinical work. Personal counselling is also a course requirement.
The training will equip you to work in a broad range of settings such as the NHS, industry, third sector, and private practice, as well as many others. The part-time route allows you to combine your training with part-time employment.
At the discretion of the BACP, and conditional on meeting all other BACP criteria for individual accreditation, the programme may be used by those wishing to apply for individual BACP accreditation towards the requirement for 450 hours of counselling training.
Structure
Content
The following core modules will be studied:
- Theory and Practice in Relational Psychotherapy (USPJVP-20-M)
- Personal and Professional Development in Relational Psychotherapy (USPJVR-20-M)
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Psychology (USPJME-20-M)
- Research in Psychological Therapies (USPJVQ-10-M)
- Advanced Theory and Practice in Relational Psychotherapy (USPJVN-20-M)
- Working with Common Presenting Problems (USPJVT-15-M)
- Working with Mental Health (USPJVS-15-M)
- Dissertation in Psychology (USPJM8-60-M)
Teaching and learning
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used, including lectures, group discussion, group work, role play, skills work, demonstration, trainee presentations, supervised clinical practice, research, personal therapy and personal development activities. Core tutors on the programme are accredited by relevant professional bodies.
Study time
Attendance at university will be one day per week during each term (Mondays in year one, Thursdays in year two). In addition you will spend at least half a day a week in your placement. You will also have personal therapy in your own time.
Assessment
Assessment of taught modules is by a wide variety of means including coursework and assessment under controlled conditions. Assessment of practice is by direct observation, case studies, process reports, log books, supervision groups and placement reports. In certain circumstances and where possible students are asked to provide tapes of therapy sessions with clients. Assessment of research is by submission of a 15,000 word masters' thesis of an original piece of research.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
At the discretion of the BACP, and conditional on meeting all other BACP criteria for individual accreditation, the programme may be used by those wishing to apply for individual BACP accreditation towards the requirement for 450 hours of counselling training.
Placements
Therapeutic practice in placement settings is a central part of the training and students are required to be in practice in placements throughout the course. Overall there is a requirement to complete a minimum of 150 hours of relational psychotherapy on approved placements.
It is the student's responsibility to secure appropriate placements throughout the course. Since successful completion of certain assessments is dependent on therapeutic practice, it is emphasised that students need to be aware of this commitment early on in their application to the course. However, all students receive support in this process from the postgraduate placement co-ordinator. Trainees' engagement in placements is supported by supervision and skills workshops.
Students are able to arrange for placements either in their own geographical location or nearer to the University, whichever is most convenient for the student. Please note that all placements must be approved by the course before starting to ensure that they meet all course requirements for clinical work and supervision arrangements.
Personal Therapy
Students must commit to engage in personal counselling or therapy across the course. 60 hours minimum of personal therapy is required overall and this requirement reflects our central focus on a relational approach to practice. The cost for this is not included in the fees.
Careers/further study
Completion of this course will make you eligible to work in a range of settings, including the NHS, the charity sector and voluntary organisations and in private practice.
Eligible students may wish to further their studies with the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants should have the following:
In addition, applicants should:
- Be academically able to succeed at master's level and able to develop professional practice to master's level
- Have reached a level of maturity, which is not to do with age, to enable them to work with the emotional demands of vulnerable clients and the personal development aspects of the course
- Be open-minded and respectful of diverse views and perspectives
- Have the capacity for self reflection and be open to feedback from others
- Demonstrate a good level of interpersonal skills and sensitivity to others
- Have the ability to synthesise and communicate complex ideas both verbally and in writing
- Undertake engagement in personal therapy (cost of this will be in addition to course fees)
Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed.
Occasionally applicants are eligible for entry under an Accredited Prior Learning scheme. We review these applications on an individual basis.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarship information.
How to apply
Please apply online using the menu to the right hand side of this page.
All applications are processed in accordance with the University's published equality and diversity policy.
Admissions and International Development, telephone +44 (0)117 32 83333, e-mail Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
The closing date for this course is Tuesday 10 April 2012.
Your application:
Submit your application online complete with contact details for your referees by the application deadline.
Please note that your placement will need to be approved by the course leader.
Contact for further information about the course:
Andrea.halewood@uwe.ac.uk or Naomi.moller@uwe.ac.uk
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011