MSc in Relationship Therapy
About the course
This is a two-year programme, validated by the
University of Hull. Entry to the programme is open to
students who have completed the Post-graduate Diploma in
Relationship Therapy (or equivalent) who wish to extend their
post-graduate studies to gain an MSc.
After successfully completing the programme
students will:
- Have gained an advanced knowledge and understanding of
relationship therapy
- Have conducted a piece of research in the field of systemic
therapy, psychodynamic therapy or human sexuality
- Be equipped to work in either the voluntary sector or as an
independent practitioner in the field of relationship therapy
The programme begins with ten days of
attendance at University Centre Doncaster, High Melton, and is
arranged in two 3 day, and two 2 day blocks during the first
semester. In the second semester students will work on a
small research project under the guidance of an academic
supervisor, submitting a short report of their study at the end of
the semester.
Students will then embark on a larger research
study, submitting a dissertation in the July of the second year of
the programme. During the two years of the programme students
will be expected to maintain a clinical practice which will receive
a credit rating, and to attend a total of 6 events from the Relate
programme of Continuing Professional Development days (CPD), or
relevant external events. These are paid for separately.
Course content
Modular structure
In year one of the programme there are three
modules of 20 credits each at level 7.
- Module 1: Research
methodology
- Module 2: Research project
- Module 3: Clinical placement and
practice issues
In year two there are two modules as
follows:
- Module 4: Research dissertation
of 20,000 words (+/- 10%) accruing 20 credits at level 7
- Module 5: Clinical placement and
practice issues, accruing 40 credits at level 7
Themes
- An understanding of the philosophies that underpin research
methods
- Research methodology
- The theoretical positions, practical approaches and debates
relevant to contemporary research in Relationship Therapy
- Critical analysis of research papers
- Data collection and analysis
- Writing a research report and dissertation.
Teaching
The programme uses a variety of methods.
These include formal lectures, structured skills development and
practice, workshops and programme group meetings. As this
programme is a clinical programme, there is a strong emphasis on
practical and experiential work, including Personal and
Professional Development groups.
An essential aspect of the Relate Institute
approach to learning and teaching is the importance we place on
student feedback and evaluation. We try to incorporate
students’ ideas whenever practicable and appropriate within the
programme structure and philosophy.
Assessment
Assessment is by written assignments that are
designed to assess students’ theoretical understanding and conduct
a research project.
There is an annual supervisor’s report and
students will be required to submit a Professional Portfolio.
Students are required to adhere to the BACP
Ethical Framework.
Entry criteria
Prospective students must have:
- The Post-graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy (or
equivalent)
- Access to a practice base in a Relate Centre or other approved
clinical setting.
All successful applicants will be required to
have undergone a Criminal Records Bureau check at enhanced level
within the 12 months leading up to the start of the programme.
It is essential that applicants have adequate
word processing skills, IT skills and access to the Internet before
embarking on this course.
Interview criteria
Applicants who do not have a previous Relate
practitioner qualification will be required to attend for interview
and will need to demonstrate personal qualities relevant to
therapeutic practice and training, which include:
- Respect for and valuing of others, and their differences
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
- A capacity to cope with the professional and academic demands
of the course
- A capacity to be reflexive and use experience and feedback
constructively
Quality
The course is validated and continuously
monitored for the quality of its course content, teaching delivery,
assessment and course management according to the procedures of the
Relate Institute, University Centre Doncaster and the University of
Hull.
Fees
Fees vary depending
on the prior qualifications of the applicant, and can be subject to
annual incremental increases.
The programme fees include all tuition and
tutorials. Clinical supervision may be included if the
placement is in a Relate Centre. If the placement is not in a
Relate Centre supervision will be the student’s
responsibility. The fee does not include the cost of
accommodation, meals, travel or attendance on the Relate Continuing
Professional Development days (CPD)*. Students will also be
expected to borrow or buy their own books, journals and
articles.
The fees can be paid in one instalment or may
be divided into three equal instalments, for which the student will
be invoiced. The due dates for each payment will be clearly
stated on the invoice.
*Students on Relate Institute Programmes of
study are entitled to a discounted fee for attendance on Relate
Continuing Professional Development days.
How to apply
Applications are welcome from all those who
are suitably qualified, regardless of racial or ethnic origins,
nationality, spiritual beliefs or religion, gender, age, economic
status, social background, sexual orientation or any disability or
medical condition.
Application deadline dates can be seen next to
the course dates.
Course information and guidance
For more information about the course refer to
the frequently asked questions (FAQs)
page.
For any Additional Support such as
disability, dyslexia, sign language support etc. please
contact Doncaster College's Additional
Learner Support Team if you are applying for a course run
at the High Melton campus.
For any further information e-mail the
Programme Leader of this course:
Gloria.flynn-piercy@relateinstitute.ac.uk
Disclaimer: All courses are run subject to
numbers, and every effort is made to ensure the information on this
leaflet is correct. The Relate Institute reserves the right to
amend the contents as deemed necessary. For more information
please to our Terms and Conditions.