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Programme Specification

MSc Systemic Psychotherapy

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Systemic Psychotherapy Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code SWK-MSC-SY UCAS Code HECoS Code 100503 - Social work - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Counselling and psychotherapy (2013)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 28-10-19

The Association for Family Therapy

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 18-02-16

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Programme Specific Regulations

For students on the MSc Systemic Psychotherapy, a satisfactory report from training clinic supervisor must be received in addition to successful completion of the academic coursework to pass SWK8071 and SWK8073.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
Students subject to University Fitness to Practise Regulations, in conjunction with those of their professional accrediting body.

Educational Aims Of Programme

1. Provide a professional training at postgraduate level in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy leading to UKCP registration. This professional qualification will be accredited by AFT and Queen’s University Belfast.
2. Assure that graduates are fit for safe practice as Systemic Psychotherapists in the NHS, social care, voluntary or independent practice in order to undertake systemic psychotherapeutic work with individuals and people in family and relational groups in accordance with the AFT Code of Ethics and Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Specific area: develop the range of knowledge and skills associated with competence 'in depth' in a specific area of work.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, research dissertation, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Specialist area: complex decision-making and high levels of professional responsibility and accountability.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Leadership and strategic work area: high levels of competence within field that is recognised within and without agency context.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Basic transferable skills achieved include communication, problem solving, teamwork, autonomy and personal skills, information technology, numeracy, intellectual skills, critical thinking personal reflection, researching, writing at Masters level, debating and listening, presenting, and professional confidence and competence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Transferable Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and practice learning opportunities.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of their own practice and a critical awareness of current issues and challenges in the context of relevant Codes of Practice, professional ethics, the principles of diversity, equality and social inclusion in a wide range of situations;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding requirements are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Use evaluation to systematically develop and improve their specific learning and practice, including implementing effective practice in inter-professional and inter-agency contexts;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding requirements are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Take responsibility for continuing professional development making use of professional and managerial supervision, consultation and other professional support as appropriate to identify and address issues; develop, implement and evaluate plans; and continue to advance knowledge and understanding in order to improve practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding requirements are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, small group work, role play, practice learning opportunities, IT based learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Learning Outcomes (as specified at ‘Qualification’ level by AFT)
Below is a list of learning outcomes associated with competent, independent practice. By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate the following:
1.A sound and up to date knowledge and understanding of the range of theories underpinning Systemic Psychotherapy and their applications to different situations and client groups.
2.An ability to carry out a collaborative assessment, develop a systemic formulation and plan Systemic Psychotherapy.
3.Being able to revise the therapeutic plan as appropriate during the work with clients, including anticipating and planning for endings and dealing with unplanned endings.
4.A robust working knowledge of a range of interventions used in Systemic Psychotherapy and an ability to apply them with flexibility and creativity, adapting them to suit different client needs.
5.A sound and up to date knowledge and understanding of the range of research methods underpinning Systemic Psychotherapy and their applications to different situations and client groups.
6.Knowledge of the current evidence base for Systemic Psychotherapy and relevant research findings from other areas.
7.A knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, which will enable the psychotherapist to evaluate research evidence and take an evidence based approach to their own work.
8.Sufficient knowledge of research methods to be able to plan and carry out a piece of research relevant to the field.
9.A critical approach to the knowledge and understanding of the range of theory, practice and research referred to in the above points.
10.A sound knowledge of common mental health problems, their presentation and treatments, the ways in which they may affect relationships and an ability to adapt their work with families to take account of these difficulties.
11.A sound understanding of child and adult development processes including those in later life, paying attention to the life cycle of families and other systems.
12.An ability to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with all members of the client group, even when there are differing views and goals and high emotional intensity showing a sound therapeutic alliance even in the face of difficulties.
13.An ability to gauge and manage emotions within sessions, including their own, so that vulnerable members are protected in situations of discomfort and tension and important issues which may be contentious or distressing can be explored safely.
14.An ability to understand and manage personal connection with the work and reflect on changes that could be made.
15.The ability to keep up to date with relevant legislative frameworks together with an understanding of how these can be taken into account in the relationship with clients.
16.An up to date and comprehensive understanding of actions needed in relation to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults and the role of the Systemic Psychotherapist in relation to this.
17.A commitment to anti-oppressive and culturally sensitive practices taking into account differences in relation to the social GGGRRAACCEESSS. (John Burnham and Alison Roper-Hall).
18.A working knowledge of at least one manualised approach to family therapy.
19.An ability to be able to administer appropriate outcome measures and take a critical stance as to their use.
20.An ability to organise the work maintaining required notes and documentation.
21.An ability to be able to recognize the limits of personal expertise, skills and approach and refer clients appropriately.
22.An ability to take an active role in the development of personal learning and be able to identify areas of personal strength as well as areas for future professional development. This will include reflexive abilities about self and self in relationship
23.A capacity to use supervision and consultation processes and ability to consult constructively with colleagues.
24.An ability to communicate the process of therapy in both oral and written forms to psychotherapy colleagues as well as other professionals.
25.An ability to apply the AFT Code of Ethics and Practice to clinical work and an awareness and ability to consider and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills will be taught in class using above methods. In addition, there are clinical practice requirements:
1. 300 hours in family therapy training clinics in health and social care setting (supervised by QUB recruited Agency staff)
2. 200 hours clinical practice (usually in student’s place of work)

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, case studies, oral presentation, reflective clinical practice learning portfolios, live supervised training clinic, evidence of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in own work setting including letter of confirmation of the use of supervision from the Supervisor.

N.B. A satisfactory report from the student’s training clinic supervisor must be received in addition to successful completion of the academic coursework to pass modules SWK8071 and SWK8073

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Specialist Practice Dissertation SWK7001 7 60 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Family Therapy Skills and Techniques - 2. Practice Applications SWK8073 7 40 YES YES 30 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Family Therapy and Systemic Thinking - 2. Theoretical Perspectives SWK8072 7 20 YES YES 30 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Family Therapy Skills and Techniques - 1. Practice Applications SWK8071 7 40 YES YES 30 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
MScASS - Family Therapy and Systemic Thinking - 1. Theoretical Perspectives SWK8069 7 20 YES YES 30 weeks N YES -- 70% 30% 0%

Notes

No notes found.