Systemic practice and family therapy helps people in close relationships to better understand and support each other. It enables individuals and family members to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on family strengths, and work together to make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.
Systemic 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 systemic family therapists work in many health and social care settings such as children’s services, older people’s services, physical health and disability, substance misuse, justice and mental health services.
Our multidisciplinary Systemic Practice and Family Therapy programmes are suitable for professionally qualified staff who wish to enhance their skills of working with families, couples, individuals, other systems and relationship networks.
There are three levels of systemic practice training: Foundation (PG Certificate), Intermediate (PG Diploma) and Qualifying level training (MSc Systemic Practice and Family Therapy).
If you have completed the PG Diploma in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy, then this MSc gives you the opportunity to achieve a Master's degree by undertaking a research dissertation. Please note this MSc is not equivalent to Qualifying level family therapy training which takes a further 2 years (MSc Systemic Psychotherapy).
NB All students entering systemic training must first complete the Postgraduate Certificate Systemic Practice and Family Therapy.
Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 31st July 2025 at 4 pm. Late applications may be considered.
The Systemic Practice and Family Therapy programmes provide knowledge and skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health and social care.
Systemic Practice and Family Therapy highlights
Professional Accreditations
The Systemic Practice and Family Therapy programmes have been accredited by the Association of Family Therapy (AFT) and recognised by the relevant professions’ continuing professional development frameworks.
Industry Links
On these pathways there will be restricted access to relevant data by employers, the NISCC, DHSSPS, HSC Boards and any successor bodies.
Career Development
Students are supported to attend these programmes across a wide range of disciplines employed in the voluntary and statutory sectors. A limited number of places are also commissioned by the Health and Social Care Board.
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 academic Master's programme develops students’ research skills through undertaking a study relevant to their current work context.
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Dissertation
The dissertation is undertaken for a full academic year.
Assessment
Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
A dissertation.
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.
“We aim to provide students with excellent learning experiences to enhance their skills in both child and adult service settings. We hope students will leave the courses feeling better equipped to work compassionately and effectively with the many struggles individuals and families seek help with.”
Suzanne Mooney, Lecturer
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.
Systemic Practice Skills and their application to the work setting - intermediate level
Overview
(i) Systemic Practice Groups: enactments and intensification; externalisation, narrative therapy and solution focused techniques; feedback, message giving and task setting; interventive and internalised other interviewing; circular questioning; reflecting team; organisational contexts and change; Co-ordinated Management of Meaning \n(ii) Case Presentations - Group Exercise and Discussions on skills acquisition and application in the work place\n(iii) Personal Tutorials
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy and systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- Familiarity with a broad range of literature, relating to family therapy and systemic practice \n- Capacity to use the consultation process in relation to systemic practice \n- Ability to discuss the impact of key legislative frameworks \n- Knowledge of skills required in convening and engaging a range of client groups & working with them systemically\n- Ability to discuss systemic practice in both oral and written forms
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specialist skills at this level include the ability to develop complex decision-making and high levels of professional responsibility and accountability: - reflect critically, systematically and creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction and originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact and use of self.\nModule specific: presenting information and making a case; collaborative, team working and problem solving; reflexivity.
Semester One
• Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research for qualitative research.
• Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research for quantitative research.
• Identifying and understanding research papers and how to critically appraise literature.
• Overview of how to undertake a systematic review of the literature.
• Overview of the ethical approval process and ethical implications and considerations for research proposal.
• Present brief research proposal to peers and supervisors.
Semester Two
• Submission of research proposal (1000 words).
• Feedback of research proposal to students.
• Overview of Quantitative Data Analysis.
• Overview of Qualitative Data Analysis.
• How to write up and disseminate findings.
September 2025
• Submission of 12,000 word dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
• Understand systematic approaches to searching and retrieving literature from electronic, academic and professional databases.
• Understand the use of appraisal tools in reviewing research literature.
• Appraise and synthesise a body of literature into a coherent and robust review based on an explicit methodology.
• Identify a question and use an explicit methodology to answer it (e.g. audit, service evaluation or empirical research).
• Understand and demonstrate skills for collecting and analysing data based on an explicit methodology.
• Demonstrate skills in writing a dissertation on the project including: aims and objectives, identification and appraisal of relevant literature, rationale and methods for data collection, analysis of data, findings and conclusions with recommendations.
• Demonstrate skills of disseminating project findings and highlighting implications for policy, practice or future research at a regional event.
• Demonstrate leadership within their field.
Skills
Skills of devising a project using a specific approach to answer an agreed question.
• Skills of searching, appraising, synthesising and presenting literature.
• Skills of collecting and analysing data.
• Oral and written presentation skills.
• Skills of writing a dissertation to the required academic standard.
• Skills of disseminating findings of research dissertation.
Personal and Professional Development in Systemic Practice - intermediate level
Overview
Induction Day: systemic disposition, skills & contexts\nTaught lecture/seminars: theoretical ideas, propositions & practice applications in context of research evidence; therapeutic relationship & self of the therapist; advanced reflecting practises & systemic reflexivity; professional work & role; neutrality, bias & prejudice; challenges to anti-oppressive practice; ethical dilemmas; systemic formulations, consultation & management. \nIn addition to the module's timetabled hours - tasked independent study time for Consulting Partnerships meetings & Learning Portfolio work. Fieldwork hours include the AFT requirement for 60 hours verifiable systemic practice in the workplace
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy and systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- Ability to evaluate theory critically and to explore ideas and their application to different families \n- Ability to show a commitment to actively promote ethical, anti-discriminatory practice and to highlight and critique culturally based assumptions\n- Demonstrate a familiarity with the AFT Code of Ethics and Practice and its implications for practice An ability to evaluate critically some areas of relevant research \n- Further development in their awareness of personal development processes \n- Ability to begin to use them in self-reflexive ways in their practice\n- Ability to appropriately adapt skills & techniques to their own personal area of practice \n- Knowledge of skills required in convening and engaging a range of client groups & working with them systemically\n- Ability to discuss systemic practice in both oral and written forms
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specialist skills at this level include the ability to develop complex decision-making and high levels of professional responsibility and accountability: - reflect critically, systematically & creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction & originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning & implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact & use of self.\nModule specific: presenting information & making a case; collaborative, team working & problem solving; reflexivity; acquisition of professional confidence & competence.
Personal and Professional Development in Systemic Practice
Overview
- Practice Application Groups on Skills Development, practising the topics covered in the taught sessions with emphasis on developing a systemic disposition; working with complexity, mandated clients, risk and uncertainty; following up on material form the Case Presentations (module 2); finally, the personal impact of the work.\n- Taught sessions: Reflective Processes and Practices, Ethical Aspects of Systemic Practice; Systemic Practice in Cointext; The Therapeutic Relationship\n- Workshop on Diversity and the 'Social Graces'.\n- Personal tutorial(s)
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy and systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- An ability to begin to consider their own personal family and cultural experiences from a systemic perspective.\n- An ability to explore and give an account of their own personal learning process over time.
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specific skills at this level include the ability to develop knowledge and skills associated with competence 'in depth' in a specific area of work, namely: reflect critically, systematically and creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction and originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact and use of self.\nModule specific: collaborative, team working and problem solving; reflexivity; acquisition of professional confidence & competence.
Introduction to Systemic Theory, Research and Practice
Overview
Introducing an eco-systemic analysis of families in society: family in contemporary society; family systems; critical family policy\nCore systemic concepts: context; feedback; circularity; communication; relational perspectives on problems\nFamilies over time: family life cycle; genograms; life span and cultural perspectives on change & transitions\nFamily Therapy and Systemic Practice Approaches and Models: overview, specific trends and theories of change.\nWhat research tells us: evidence base for systemic practice
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy and systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- Basic understanding of the systemic approach to family and other relationships\n- Ability to describe a range of systemic models and approaches and give examples of their application to practice \n- Ability to describe and critique the concept of the family life cycle perspective and its application to different family forms\n- Familiarity with a range of key literature relating to systemic practice (this includes research informed evidence based practice)\n- Ability to place the development of systemic therapy into a historical context
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert-Dip-MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specific skills at this level include the ability to develop knowledge and skills associated with competence 'in depth' in a specific area of work, namely: reflect critically, systematically and creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction and originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact and use of self.
Systemic Practice Skills and their application to the work setting
Overview
(i) Practice Application Groups on Skills Development: convening the family, genogram, ecomap and lifeline work\n(ii) Skills Workshops: the first session, hypothesizing, questioning and associated skills\n(iii) Case Presentations - Group Exercise and Discussions on skills acquisition and application in the work place
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy & systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- An ability to describe a range of systemic models and approaches and give examples of their application to practice\n- An ability to demonstrate a range of practice skills
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specific skills at this level include the ability to develop knowledge and skills associated with competence 'in depth' in a specific area of work, namely: reflect critically, systematically and creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction and originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact and use of self.\nModule specific: collaborative, team working and problem solving; reflexivity.
Theory, Practive and Research in Family and Systemic Practice - intermediate level
Overview
Critical influences and historical development of family therapy and systemic practice, position of the therapist as part of the system; impact of feminism in critiquing normative assumptions about family structure and patterns; centrality of language and meaning in the social construction of relationships; Structural, Strategic, Milan, Narrative and Solution Focused models and associated interventions. Evaluation of evidence base for systemic practice. Systemic practice in wider context of contemporary psychotherapy, eg behavioural and psycho-dynamic.
Learning Outcomes
As set by the professional body for training in family therapy and systemic practice (AFT UK)\n- Familiarity with a broad range of literature, relating to family therapy and systemic practice\n- Ability to describe differences and similarities between approaches in systemic therapy including theory of change \n- Ability to appropriately adapt skills and techniques to their own personal area of practice \n- Knowledge of skills required in convening and engaging a range of client groups and working with them systemically\n- Ability to discuss systemic practice in both oral and written forms
Skills
In addition to the skills generic to Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Social Studies the pathway specialist skills at this level include the ability to develop complex decision-making and high levels of professional responsibility and accountability: - reflect critically, systematically and creatively on complex issues; take personal responsibility and initiative; demonstrate a thorough and systematic grasp of issues; independent thought, self-direction and originality; methodological rigour; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks: reflect critically on the impact and use of self.\nModule specific: presenting information and making a case; reflexivity.
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.
2. Successful completion of PG Diploma Systemic Practice and Family Therapy (AFT accredited Intermediate level) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
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.
Please note the MSc Systemic Practice and Family Therapy is an academic Master's qualification and is not equivalent to the MSc Systemic Psychotherapy which is accredited at Qualification-level by the Association of Family Therapy with successful students eligible for registration as Systemic and Family Psychotherapists with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Please contact the Programme Director if you require more information about the different levels of systemic practice and family therapy training at Queen’s.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 31 July 2025 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 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.
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.
The different levels of systemic training at Queen’s provide knowledge and skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health and social care. Systemic practitioners and systemic family therapists work in many health and social care settings such as children's services, older people's services, physical health and disability, substance misuse, justice and mental health services.
This academic Master's programme develops students’ research skills through undertaking a study relevant to their current work context.
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. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
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.
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.
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.
