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PgCert|Postgraduate Taught

Systemic Practice and Family Therapy

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
Duration
1 year (Part-time)
Places available
20 (Part Time)

Enhancing your everyday practice: This highly evaluated Postgraduate Certificate supports professionals in different settings and roles (both child and adult) to understand the core concepts of contemporary systemic practice and utilise systemic skills and techniques to maximise the therapeutic benefit for individual service users or relationship groups in their everyday work.

Relationships matter! This one year programme is designed for multidisciplinary professionals working with individuals or relationship/family groups in a wide range of contexts – both child/family and adult services, in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Relevant settings include family support and child protection; children in care; fostering and adoption; mental health; substance use; justice; physical health and disability; elderly; and adult safeguarding. Systemic practice helps people in close relationships to better understand and support each other. It enables people to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths, and work together to make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.

Teaching and Accreditation: All courses are taught by highly experienced practitioners. They are accredited by Queen’s, the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice UK (AFT) and the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC – PiP Specialist Award).

Strategic Alignment: Skills developed in this PG Certificate align with regional strategic developments and priorities including the Mental Health Strategy; ‘Signs of Safety’; ‘Think Family’; NI Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care; and Trauma Informed Practice.

This one-year multidisciplinary Postgraduate Certificate is the entrance programme to all levels of systemic training at Queen’s.

There are three levels of systemic practice and family therapy training: PG Certificate (AFT accredited Foundation - Year 1), PG Diploma (AFT accredited Intermediate - Year 2) and MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (AFT accredited Qualifying level training - Years 3 and 4). Please see relevant webpages for further details.

Systemic practice and family therapy has been found to be effective across the life course in helping children, young people, adults, couples and families struggling with a broad range of difficulties and circumstances.

Systemic practitioners, and family and systemic psychotherapists work in many health and social care contexts across child and adult settings, including child and family support services, looked after children’s services, older people’s services, physical health and disability, substance use, justice and mental health services.

Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4 pm. Late applications may be considered.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy provides knowledge and skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health, justice and social care.

Systemic Practice and Family Therapy highlights

Professional Accreditations

All levels of Systemic Practice and Family Therapy programmes at Queen's are accredited by the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice UK (AFT), a member organisation of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and recognised by the relevant professions’ continuing professional development frameworks. The PG Certificate programme is aligned with the specialist award of the Professional in Practice (PiP) CPD framework for Social Work of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC). The PG Certificate is accredited at Foundation Level (Year 1) by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice UK (AFT).

Industry Links

On these pathways there will be restricted access to relevant data by employers, the NISCC, DHSSPS, HSC Boards and any successor bodies.

Students are supported to attend the systemic programmes across a wide range of disciplines employed in the voluntary and statutory sectors, in both child and adult settings.

Career Development

For social workers, this PG Certificate meets five requirements of the Specialist Award of the NI post-qualifying PiP Framework.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/systemic-practice-family-therapy-msc/

Internationally Renowned Experts

Over 88% of research submitted by colleagues from Criminology, Social Policy, Sociology and Social Work to the Social Policy and Social Work Unit of Assessment was similarly judged to be World Leading or Internationally Excellent. An endorsement of the quality of our research and its impacts in areas such as the penal system, mental health and trauma; work once again achieved through work undertaken in partnership with the health, social care and criminal justice sectors.

Student Experience

This Postgraduate Certificate is a stand-alone programme but also constitutes year 1 of the four year training to qualify as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in the UK.

Please refer to the PG Diploma in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy (Year 2) and MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Years 3 and 4) for further details of qualifying level training. All levels of systemic training at Queen's University are highly evaluated by students.

Further Study Opportunities

PG Diploma Systemic Practice and Family Therapy
MSc Systemic Practice and Family Therapy (academic Master's qualification)
MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (qualifying level training as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist)
http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/systemic-practice-family-therapy-pgdip/

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

This course provides multidisciplinary practitioners with a stimulating multi-modal learning experience to enhance their practice skills and maximise the therapeutic benefit for individual service users or relationships groups in their particular setting. Three modules are interwoven throughout the curriculum, providing a balance of academic theory, skills development, and personal and professional development. The course requires a minimum of 180 study hours, including direct contact with QUB staff and independent study.

The PG Certificate has 15 taught days, organised in two-day blocks, approximately once per month during the academic year. As well as whole group teaching, there are regular small practice application group (PAG) sessions facilitated by experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapists to assist students to consolidate and apply course learning to their agency setting and role.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy is awarded to students who successfully complete the three taught modules amounting to 60 CATS points. Students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or seek to progress to Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma).

People teaching you

Senior Lecturer

SSESW
email: s.coulter@qub.ac.uk

Programme Director

SSESW
email: s.mooney@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

9.30am to 4.30pm on teaching days. The PG Certificate in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy is made up of 15 taught days. These are organised in two day blocks, approximately once a month during the academic calendar (October to April/May).

Learning and Teaching

This course provides multidisciplinary practitioners with a stimulating multi-modal learning experience to enhance their practice skills and maximise the therapeutic benefit for individual service users or relationships groups in their everyday work. Specific skills include: the development of a ‘systemic orientation’ and its relevance to the student’s unique practice context and role; applied practice development via a number of systemic skills and techniques; awareness of the application of systemic practice in a range of clinical contexts; enhanced capacity for reflective and reflexive practice. Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Consolidation and Learning

Students have regular small practice application group (PAG) sessions with experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapists to consolidate and apply course learning to their agency setting and role.

Learning Experience

This course provides multidisciplinary practitioners with a stimulating multi-modal learning experience which aims to enhance their practice skills and maximise the therapeutic benefit for individual service users or relationships groups in their everyday work. Specific skills include: the development of a ‘systemic orientation’ and its relevance to the student’s unique practice context and role; applied practice development via a number of systemic skills and techniques; awareness of the application of systemic practice in a range of clinical contexts; enhanced capacity for reflexive practice.

Overview

All inputs are facilitated by experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapists with a wealth of practice experience in different contexts. This course has an experiential component with students invited to consider their own lived experiences and develop reflective practice skills.

VLE

All course materials area available on Canvas.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Assessment is by written assignments, including a case study and learning portfolio.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

What our academics say

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Overview

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

1.This is a multidisciplinary pathway with applications welcome from applicants with prior relevant professional training in a mental health or social care related discipline or equivalent as designated by the Association of Family Therapy (e.g. Social Work, Nursing, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology). Normally one year's post qualification experience is required. Applicants who do not hold one of the designated relevant professional qualifications, but who would find a Foundation course useful to their work may be accepted in accordance with the AFT training standards. This is at the discretion of the Programme Director and will be decided in consultation with AFT course requirements. Additional information and a full CV will be required to demonstrate equivalence.

2. Applicants must have the opportunity to apply systemic ideas in a current practice context. Please note that this programme is only open to applicants who are working in suitable contexts within NI/UK/RoI.

3. All Social Work applicants from NI/UK must have a recognised social work qualification and have successfully completed the Assessed Year in Employment. Social work and social care applicants must be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and should include their NISCC Social Care Registration Number in the Additional Information section of the application form.

4. Applicants should normally have a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent recognised qualification. Equivalent qualifications include the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work. Where this is not met, applicants must show their ability to study at postgraduate level through evidence of previous postgraduate training or completion of a reflective practice assignment.

5. At least two references will be sought, one of whom must be the applicant’s current employer. At least one referee should be professionally qualified and be able to comment on the applicant’s current practice.

N.B. Please note there are different entrance requirements at each level of the suite of Systemic Practice and Family Therapy programmes at Queen’s. Should you be accepted onto the PG Certificate programme (Year 1 Foundation), this does not automatically guarantee entry to the PG Diploma programme (Year 2 Intermediate) or MSc Systemic Psychotherapy Qualifying level training. Further information may be sought to ensure eligibility.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm

Late applications may be considered.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

This PG Certificate programme is the entrance programme to all levels of systemic training. It provides knowledge and practice skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health, justice and social care.

Systemic practitioners, and family and systemic psychotherapists work in many health and social care contexts across child and adult settings including child and family support services, looked after children's services, older people's services, physical health and disability, substance use, justice and mental health services.

The course is taught by highly experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapists who work in different settings, thus bringing a great richness of practice experience to the teaching team.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £3,083
EU Other 3 £7,166
International £7,166

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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