Post-graduate Diploma / MA in Relationship Therapy
About the course
This is a three-year programme, validated
by the University of Hull. On completion, students will be
fully equipped and qualified to work with couples, families and
individuals on relationship issues.
The first year of the programme examines both
systemic and psychodynamic theory together with notions of human
sexuality and how these ideas support relationship therapy. Year
two extends the theory base and looks in detail at the relevance it
has for specific concerns often presenting in relationship therapy.
A particular strength of the programme is the emphasis on
integrating these two theoretical models. Integration will be the
principal focus of the first module in the third year. The
second module will consider practitioner research.
It provides a route for people who want a
practice focus in year 3 rather than a research project.
After successfully completing the programme
students will;
- Have gained an advanced knowledge and understanding of
relationship therapy from the perspectives of systemic therapy,
psychodynamic theory and human sexuality.
- Be equipped to work in either the voluntary sector or as an
independent practitioner in the field of relationship therapy.
The taught element of the programme is nine*
two-day blocks in each of the first two years and eight two day
blocks in the third year. Each day begins at 9.30am and ends
at 5pm. Students will also undertake a placement,
normally at a Relate Centre, of 150 hours of supervised clinical
practice over the three years. The clinical placement runs
alongside the taught element in each year.
In addition to the taught programme, students will be required
to attend three events from the Relate programme of Professional
Development days (CPD), or relevant external events. These
are paid for separately.
*Ten two day blocks for those without previous
experience of couple counselling.
Course content
Modular structure
In each of the first two years of the
programme there are three modules of 20 credits each at level
7.
- Module 1 and 4: A systemic approach to relationship
therapy
- Module 2 and 5: A psychodynamic approach to relationship
therapy
- Module 3 and 6: Human sexuality & an integrated
approach to relationship therapy
In the third year of the programme there are 2
modules of 30 credits each at level 7
- Module 7: Adopting an integrated approach to practice
- Module 8: Qualitative research in relation to practice.
(This is an opportunity to consider three research methods
and how they can be used in relationship therapy.) There is no
requirement to do a research project.
Themes
An introduction outlines principles that
underpin the whole of the training, the framework of the programme
and its theoretical content. These principles include the
development of a) ethical anti-discriminatory practice and b) a
theoretically based understanding of the purpose of clinical
supervision and how to make best use of it for the benefit of
clients.
Systemic theory and practice develops a
theoretical understanding and clinical practice in the adoption of
key systemic concepts, in particular the notion of reflexivity.
Psychodynamic theory and practice develops
theoretical understanding and clinical practice in the adoption of
key psychodynamic concepts and also fosters an understanding of the
influence of the self of the practitioner on clinical practice in
terms of conscious and unconscious processes.
Human sexuality offers the opportunity to
understand sexual relationships and to explore the nature of sexual
problems in a couple context, in an effort to facilitate change in
the couple’s sexual relationship.
An integrated approach encourages therapists
to develop ways of accommodating the two theories in their
practice.
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 philosophy of the
Relate Institute’s approach to teaching and learning is the
importance we place on student feedback and evaluation. We
try to incorporate students’ ideas whenever practicable and
appropriate within the programme structure.
Assessment
Assessment is by written assignments that are
designed to evaluate students’ theoretical understanding and
competence.
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:
- A counselling skills qualification at level 2 or 3, or similar
suitable counselling skills training
- A first degree or equivalent academic achievement at level
6
- 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.
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that
they 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 the training context, 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 the venue, 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.
Applicants who already have a degree in an
unrelated subject will be required to attend an additional weekend
of practice and counselling skills (after block 2). This will
incur an additional charge.
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.
In the event of adverse weather conditions no transport or
accommodation costs can be refunded.
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 one of the
Programme Leaders of this course:
gloria.flynn-piercy@don.ac.uk,
or carter.portch@don.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.