Masters Degrees (Humanistic)

Developed in reaction to the dominance of behaviourism and psychoanalysis, the humanistic paradigm emphasises the human capacity for self-determination. It holds that we have the freedom to shape and give meaning to our own lives, and helps clients to regain their independence.

The humanistic paradigm draws on concepts and ideas from phenomenology and existentialism and is a philosophy of mind.

The postgraduate diploma helps to ground your understanding of humanistic counselling in the relevant literature, clinical practice and your developing self-awareness.

It is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and therefore recognised as preparing students for work as a professional counsellor. The university itself is an organisational member of the BACP as well as the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UCPA).

Course structure

The course consists of seven modules taught over a period of two years. Study involves one day per week at the university, seven non-residential weekends, two two-day blocks in September of the second year and two further study days.

In addition to academic study, you need to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice in an approved clinical placement, for example at the South Downs NHS Primary Care Trust, the Youth Advice Centre or Brighton and Sussex University counselling services.

You also need to undertake a course of personal therapy that lasts for the duration of the course, from October of year 1 to June of year 2, and we recommend that you factor in the cost of this therapy before your application.

Assessment consists of three written essays and two audio-taped assignments; one case study and a research proposal. You will also be asked to keep a reflective journal during the life of the course that focuses on academic and professional studies; clinical practice, training supervision and personal growth and development.

Areas of study

The course contains four major elements: academic and professional studies, clinical practice, training supervision, and personal growth and development.

The course is designed to:

• provide a sound base of theory and practitioner skills for persons practising counselling;
• illuminate theory and practice by drawing upon students’ personal experience;
• promote personal growth and self-awareness essential to successful counselling.

The philosophy of the course is based on the principle that there is no single presiding theory or model of counselling that commands widespread agreement and support, and that the practice of counselling cannot be separated from underlying values, theoretical assumptions and hypotheses concerning the nature of human experience and change.

Successfully completing this postgraduate diploma makes you eligible to apply to continue your studies on our Psychotherapy MSc.

Syllabus

Year 1 modules:

Humanistic Counselling Theory
Human Growth and Development
Humanistic Counselling Practice and Personal Development
Themes in Professional Practice
Process Groups

Year 2 modules:

Research Methods for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Critical Perspectives in Humanistic Counselling
Applied Humanistic Counselling Practice
Process Groups

Careers and employability

The postgraduate diploma has an excellent reputation in the locality and our students have gone on to hold counselling posts across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Others have progressed to further training or used their counselling skills in their existing professions.

If you enjoy the course and are interested in further study, you may want to consider our Psychotherapy MSc, to which all successful graduates of the PGDip are eligible to apply.

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The PG Dip is a two year part-time course, designed for students with some prior counselling skills training and experience in using these skills in a helping role

If you wish to study for a Masters qualification you can apply for the three-year part-time course. This comprises of the two year of the PG dip followed by a further year of part-time study. If you wish to apply for a PG loan you will need to apply for the three-year MA.

Course detail

The PG Dip is a two year part-time only course. The course runs over 30 weeks, starting in September and finishing in June. Attendance is 9.30 – 5.00pm one day per week in term-time. There is one compulsory residential weekend (usually in late January or early February) in each of the two academic years.

The MA comprises of the two years of the PG diploma and a further year where you will have the opportunity to study a professional issue of interest by undertaking a supervised research project.

For the PGDip equal weight is given to the importance of counselling theory, counselling practice and personal development in the training of counsellors. The course day normally comprises elements of counselling theory, counselling practice, peer supervision, and personal development activities. The structure of the course reflects this balance. The theoretical basis of the course is humanistic-integrative. The first year is devoted to exploring elements of the therapeutic relationship, preparation for practice and draws heavily on humanistic theory and practice. The second year builds on this, and explores the contribution of other models of counselling. Students will be encouraged to develop a personally integrated style of therapeutic work, based on core humanistic competences, and drawing on the possibilities offered by other approaches.

Assessment

All assessments are through coursework. The coursework comprises written assignments, such as casework and supervision records, reflections on personal development and evidence of practical skills. You will also need to complete 150 hours of supervised face-to-face client work.

All modules are compulsory as the course is developmental and provides an integrated training in theory, process and skills as prescribed by the BACP.

For the MA you will study one module and assessment is via a research paper.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the following link:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Other sources of funding

Information on alternative sources of funding can be found here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/money/funding-my-course/postgraduate-/postgraduate-funding-/

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UCLan’s Advanced Certificate in Counselling for Depression offers professional development for counsellors who are already trained in Person-centred or Humanistic approaches and who have significant clinical experience. Hence Counselling for Depression (CfD) training intends to both build upon existing knowledge and, more particularly, to align counsellors’ practice with a competence framework which has strong links to research evidence and follows the Curriculum for Counselling for Depression produced by the National IAPT Team. In sum, this course provides you with a thorough grounding in the theory, evidence base and practice of CfD, allowing you to develop your knowledge and competence in psychological clinical assessment and CfD interventions in accordance with national guidelines.

COURSE OUTLINE

CfD is a manualised form of psychological therapy as recommended by NICE (NICE, 20094) for the treatment of depression. It is a form of psychological therapy derived from the Skills for Health humanistic competence framework devised by Roth, Hill and Pilling (2009), which provided the basis for the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for psychological therapists. This modality targets the emotional problems underlying depression along with the intrapersonal processes, such as low self-esteem and excessive self-criticism, which often maintain depressed mood. The therapy aims to help patients contact underlying feelings, make sense of them and reflect on the new meanings which emerge. This, in turn, provides a basis for psychological and behavioural change. You will attend for 7 taught days at the university, complete 80 hours supervised clinical practice, and attend for a minimum of 6 hours of clinical supervision.

ACADEMIC EXPERTISE

We are committed to delivering academic learning of the highest quality, helping you to stretch your mind and fulfil your university ambitions.

LEARNING OUTCOME & AIMS

We aim to create the perfect blend of knowledge, practical experience and relevance to equip UCLan graduates with the confidence and skills they need to get ahead in the world of work.

WORK EXPERIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

At UCLan we work with a range of businesses and organisations, many of which provide work experience opportunities and project briefs to enable to you gain real work experience whilst you undertake your postgraduate programme. Your course tutor will advise on opportunities available within your course and the UCLan Careers Team can provide help, advice and guidance on how to apply for them and how to make the most of these opportunities.

GRADUATE CAREERS

The UCLan Careers Team offer ongoing supportive careers advice and guidance throughout your course and after graduation, along with a range of modules, work experience opportunities and events to help you acquire the skills to make you stand out to potential employers in today’s competitive market.

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Gain the specialist training to boost your health-related skills and professional development. You will further your understanding and practice of contemporary theories in psychological therapies along with analysing key issues and debates in counselling and psychotherapy. You will explore cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to therapeutic practice, as well as social psychological theory and research of group therapy.

As well as improving your professional growth, your course will allow you to specialise in your chosen area of interest. Some of the diverse modules may have an experiential component, others may require purely academic study, and some may be useful for psychologists undertaking an independent route to the British Psychological Society's Counselling Psychology Chartership.

Whatever your motivation, your course will enhance your progression in psychological therapies as you work towards an MA at your own pace.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: 40% of our research in the Psychology unit was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/psychologicaltherapies_ma

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Further training and development in this area is increasingly valued by employers. Our course can count towards on-going professional development in related fields such as nursing, social work or life coaching. As a counsellor or psychotherapist you can fulfil the professional development requirements of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy in order to maintain accreditation.

- Psychologist
- Mental Health Worker
- Counsellor

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

The modular design of our course allows you to build on previous learning and experience. Plus, you'll have the unique opportunity to investigate areas outside of your normal area of work, and study the topics that most people are unable to follow at diploma level.

Our dissertation module allows you to undertake an in-depth study of an area of particular interest whilst contributing to the wider profession.

Core Modules

Practical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Gain a critical understanding of the foundations of cognitive and cognitive behavioural approaches, as well as a reflexive understanding of a range of the theories and skills in practice.

Foundations of the Theory and Practice of Coaching
You will be introduced to coaching as an approach to working with people, and will develop a critical understanding of coaching theory and how coaching tools and techniques can be used in your area.

Existential, Humanistic and Psychodynamic Theories of Therapy
Explore the philosophical, cultural, and historical development of existential, humanistic, transpersonal, and psychodynamic theories of therapy.

Issues and Debates in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Increase your knowledge of and critically evaluate a range of contemporary issues from a therapeutic context.

Understanding and Evaluating the Evidence, or
Your opportunity to explore different types of information about health and social care and critically evaluate research material from a range of study designs.

Understanding Social Research and Evaluation
Gain a theoretical, methodological and practical foundation for social research, allowing you to act as a social researcher to resolve practice-based problems.

Research in Practice
Produce a substantial research project on a self-selected topic of interest to demonstrate your developmental learning in breadth and depth.

Option Modules

Work-based study
Develop specialist knowledge on a topic negotiated with your tutor which is directly relevant to service needs within your area of practice.

Spirituality and Religion in Psychological Therapies
Explore the psychological nature of religion and spirituality, psychological research, cults and sects, and the psychological foundations of religion, with particular reference to Freud, Jung and the Transpersonal theorists.

Supervision in Practice
A chance to underpin reflective and informed practice of psychological therapies and allied professions, and support best practice in a way that is beneficial to practitioners and service users/ patients.

Group Therapies and Group Work
Critically evaluate theoretical approaches to group work, and increase your self awareness and beliefs about group experience with an opportunity to lead a group session.

Spiritual Care
Drawing upon the major religions, you'll look at understandings of care and responsibility and the use of such concepts in professional practice, and explore the relationship of spirituality to a number of issues you may encounter.

Working With Depression and Anxiety in Practice
You will be introduced to to current research, theory and guidance for working with people with depression and anxiety.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite
The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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Overview

Keele University is one of the first Higher Education Institutions to offer counsellor training in the UK and has been delivering high quality training programmes since the early 1970s.

The BACP accredited Professional Counselling Training Route/part-time MSc in Counselling Psychology is a part-time vocational training programme which builds up over three years. In Year One students complete the Certificate in Counselling and in Year Two the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. In Year Three students undertake the MSc research studies year. Successful completion of each academic year enables either progression onto the next year or an opportunity to exit with the completed qualification.

The first two years of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology (The Professional Counselling Training Route) are accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation will also have to meet all other criteria in line with BACP accreditation procedures.

- Training Philosophy
This part-time professional counselling training route is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

Course Aims

The programme as a whole aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at each training level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology: counselling skills, counselling related theory and self-development. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

- Year One: The Certificate in Counselling
This programme is an introduction to person-centred counselling theory and practice. It is suitable for individuals from a range of professional backgrounds who wish to improve their communication skills or begin training as a professional counsellor. The Certificate is an entry route onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology for those without traditional academic qualifications. On completion of the Certificate in Counselling students should have gained competencies in a wide range of professional knowledge, skills and self-development relevant to counselling practice.

- Year Two: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
This year follows on from the Certificate in Counselling and offers professional training in counselling practice, theory and self-development. It is based on a person centred/humanistic philosophy with person-centred practice. Students are expected to undertake one hundred hours of supervised counselling practice placement. Applicants must have successfully completed the Certificate in Counselling at Keele University to access training in Year Two.

It is expected that students will progress to Year 2 in September of the year in which they complete the Certificate and, as long as they meet the requirements for progression, they are guaranteed a place on the Year 2 course starting in that September. Students may defer the commencement of Year 2 but, in this case, they would have to apply for a place and cannot be guaranteed a place in the academic year in which they wish to resume their studies.

Years 1 and 2 of the programme together constitute a BACP accredited training course. However, any other exit awards, e.g. completion of the Certificate in Counselling alone, or a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology Studies, which would not include the 100 hours of supervised counselling practice on placement, would not constitute a BACP accredited training course.

- Year Three: MSc Counselling Psychology
Year three of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology places a particular emphasis on developing the counselling practitioner’s own research interests, including a research based dissertation.

Teaching

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential as well as academic learning methods.

Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test in Year 2, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework. The pass mark for all modules in Year 1 (Level 6) is 50% and, in Year 2 (Level 7), is 40%.

Additional Costs

In year 1 students have to attend a minimum of 8 hours of personal therapy and in year 2 a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy (Subject to approval by Senate) to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. As a guide, costs for this on average are £35 - £45 per hour.

When completing the 100 hour placement requirement in Year 2, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, as a guide, costs for this are on average £35 - £45 per hour.
Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

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Overview

Keele University, along with the University of Reading, was the first Higher Education Institution to offer counsellor training and has been delivering programmes in counselling since the 1970s. The full-time Masters in Counselling Psychology is a professional training in counselling. This vocational course is accredited accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation must note that they will also have to meet all other criteria outlined by BACP. The details outlined below relate to the full-time programme.

This MSc programme in Counselling Psychology is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Within this framework students are introduced to a range of practices which are related to relevant philosophical traditions including existentialism and phenomenology. Throughout the course, students are supported to establish a sense of coherence in their own therapeutic position in line with the course philosophy and aims.

The centrality of a secure and constantly reviewed ethical position, based on the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, from July 2016), is presented to the programme members as a major personal responsibility. We accept the overwhelming evidence of the theorists that the major factor in helping human beings change in a desired positive direction is a relationship in which they feel safe, valued and challenged.

Why study at Keele

- Keele Counselling staff have a wealth of experience in providing counselling training to both UK and international students

- Keele has a thriving counselling community with students from a range of professional, cultural, social and educational backgrounds

- Staff who are up to date with current therapeutic practice, training and research

- All staff are active practitioners in counselling

- An annual Counselling Conference with internationally renowned keynote speakers and researchers in counselling

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/counsellingpsychology/

Course Aims

The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person-centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at Masters Level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology practice: counselling skills, counselling related theory and personal development.
The programme offers to students a thorough theoretical grounding in person-centred/humanistic counselling and an introduction to research methodology. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

Teaching & Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework.

The pass mark for a module is 50%. The dissertation is a piece of independent research written up in 20,000 words. Masters students attaining exceptional performance (course average of at least 70% including 70%+ for the dissertation) may be awarded a distinction.

Additional Costs

- Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. An average cost for personal therapy is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- When completing the 100 hour placement requirement, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, an average cost for supervision is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

- Students are also expected to pay travel costs to and from their placements.

- Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

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The Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (ADIP) provides a focused psychotherapy training that challenges and contributes to a wide range of understandings of the therapeutic encounter.

The course will prepare you for professional work in both private and institutional practice.

Successful completion brings eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

Please note that we are not able to sponsor students on this programme for a Tier 4 visa.

Key skills, aims and objectives

Develop a comprehensive level of theoretical knowledge of a range of psychotherapy approaches
Consolidate your clinical experience into practice of an integrative approach of your choice or construction
Acquire a general level of understanding of the major systems of psychotherapy
Develop a capacity for informed reflection on your clinical practice
Engage effectively in the use of clinical supervision with peers and supervisors
Gain understanding of ethical research methods relevant to clinical practice
Achieve eligibility for professional registration as a practitioner of integrative psychotherapy

Future opportunities

The course will prepare you for advanced professional work in both private and institutional practice.

Successful completion will bring eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

UKCP membership
The School is an accrediting organisation within the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). The ADIP is the final stage of training leading to UKCP registration. Membership requires the completion of a minimum of 450 hours of supervised clinical practice.

BACP accreditation
At the end of Year 1, you may have enough training hours to apply for individual accreditation with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP also requires candidates to show evidence of 450 hours of supervised clinical practice. Application to BACP can only be done by the individual and the School is unable to play a role in this process.

Endorsement

This course allows registration with the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

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Person-centred-experiential counselling and psychotherapy is internationally recognised. Evidence suggests it's one of the leading therapeutic approaches to mental health and wellbeing, and it continues to develop important practical applications and theoretical knowledge.

Our long-established postgraduate courses in counselling have offered a unique opportunity to gain in-depth experience of the Person-Centred-Experiential methods applied in counselling and psychotherapy, to Masters level. Our courses have an international reputation and attract students from the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, China, and India.

The course has been restructured to meet evolving standards for evidence-based practice, rising educational standards, increased professional regulation, and rapid social and economic change. You'll gain a solid grounding and thorough integration of theory, research and practice, as well as a capacity to engage with the wider field of human distress and wellbeing, including private, public and third sector mental health agencies.

You’ll study

The emphasis is on person-centred therapy throughout the programme. You'll undertake counselling training, including theoretical, personal and professional development and practical/skills-based components, over an 11-month period (September to August).

The counselling practice element of the training includes the following classes:
-The Therapeutic Relationship
-The Therapeutic Process
-Personality Theory
-Counselling Case Analysis
-Counselling Practicum
-Personal & Professional Development

The Research Dissertation class involves training in counselling research methods and a write-up of a small empirical study, practical case study, or review of research.

Work placement

You'll receive intensive skills training to prepare you to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of counselling experience. This counselling practice is undertaken with real clients across a range of placements within third-sector organisations, voluntary agencies and other health service educational and community settings.

You'll develop your skills and capacity to practice as a professional therapist leading to accreditation with professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and COSCA. 

Major projects

The Research Dissertation involves training in the main counselling research methods and four options for research projects: a quantitative study, a qualitative study, a systematic case study or a systematic review. 

Facilities

We have dedicated teaching space especially set up to foster collaborative learning in groups.

The Counselling Unit at Strathclyde has developed one of the most diverse and innovative databases of counselling opportunities in the UK. You'll be supported to organise your own counselling work placement opportunity by our team.

Course awards

The MSc course run by the Counselling Unit received the Charlotte and Karl Bühler award from the Society for Humanistic Psychology in 2010, given to key organisations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to humanistic psychology. 

Student competitions

In 2013 and 2015, two of our MSc students received the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Outstanding Research awards.

In 2016, one of our MSc Students received the PCCS Books student prize for the winning paper presented at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy research conference.

Guest lectures

The Counselling Unit has a long tradition of guest lectures, particularly the annual Mary Kilborn Lecture. In 2016/17 Professor Stephen Joseph will give a lecture entitled, ‘Building Bridges between Positive Psychology and the Person-Centred Experiential Approach’.

Course content

Semester 1 classes
-The Therapeutic Relationship
-Personality Theory

Semester 2 classes
-The Therapeutic Process
-Counselling Case Formulation

Semester 1 & 2 classes
-Personal & Professional Development
-Counselling Practicum
-Counselling Research Dissertation

Learning & teaching

The MSc will be delivered on a full-time (one-year) basis and delivered using a combination of large group formats (lecture/workshop/groupwork) and small group formats (supervision, personal and professional development groups) plus pre-recorded/streaming blended learning inputs.

You'll be expected to supplement class time with directed and self-directed learning and placement experience working with clients in community settings. The research class will be delivered with a combination of lectures on the main research methods in counselling research, and small group tutorials and independent work.

Assessment

Assessment is through summative written assignments and formative assessments which draw on interactions within all the aspects of the course.

Careers

Graduates from our training courses have the potential to move into full-time or part-time positions. However, the more typical pathway is for students to continue within their placements, adding to their client experience.

Most UK employers are looking for client-contact hours greater than the minimum 100 hours gained during training. Many students quickly gain part-time employment in agencies offering telephone counselling and also in employee assistance programmes offering short-term counselling to their employees.

We encourage our graduates to work towards professional accreditation which also affords professional registration and recognition. A therapist requires 450 hours of practice to begin the accreditation process and the majority of counsellors also engage in advanced professional development to broaden their professional profile while working towards accreditation.

Ultimately, most counsellors work in a mixture of part-time settings, such as paid part-time work in the NHS or voluntary sector, plus some private practice and/or gaining a qualification to do group work or professional supervision. Other choose to mix their practice with non-counselling employment.

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Summary

This two year full-time programme integrates theoretical learning, clinical skills and in-depth personal development to prepare graduates for clinical practice, predominantly with children, as a professional play therapist within the public and private sectors.Based on a humanistic person-centred model of therapy, this course emphasises the use of play within a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client to facilitate therapeutic change. The course encompasses theoretical, practical and experiential learning. With our holistic approach to teaching, you will be provided with thorough and systematic knowledge, experience, skills and the confidence to work as a professionally qualified play therapist. At the end of the course, you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic techniques and approaches that are required for professional registration purposes.

This course leads to a qualification that entitles you to registration as a Full Member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) whose register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). You will be taught by experienced practitioners who are practising play therapists and will bring the teaching on the course to life by drawing upon their own clinical experiences and case materials.

All students are required to be in personal therapy for the duration of the course and will complete two specified periods of supervised clinical placements alongside their studies. Key areas that you will study include human development and growth, play therapy theory and skills and young child observations (attachment theory). Integral to the programme is your own personal development which will be supported by personal therapy and experiential process groups.

Content

This intense, rigorous and comprehensive programme is made up of ten modules that encompass the theoretical, practical and experiential learning experience required to become a professional play therapist. All modules are designed to prepare you for child-centred therapeutic practice that is theoretically sound and emotionally aware, complying with the core competencies of a play therapist as specified by the British Association of Play Therapists.

The clinical placements are a central component to the training in this programme. In your first year, the modules will include experiential learning to prepare you for your first work placement, as theoretical understanding will give you a strong grounding for your clinical practice. Your professional development is inter-related with the development of theoretical knowledge, skills and personal awareness. Within the clinical placements you will synthesise, integrate and apply all aspects of your learning into practise.

In the second year, you will build upon your play therapy skills and knowledge from your first year modules. You will have the opportunity to develop and explore your understanding of the theory and practice of play therapy in relation to working with different client groups and more complex needs. You will also synthesise your theoretical knowledge and clinical experience to pursue your research interest in the Research Portfolio module. A clinical issue, your own clinical work or a professional issue may provide the inspiration for this research project. Recent research areas have included: child-centred play therapy and the use of therapeutic boundaries, play therapy and unresolved bereavement issues, play therapy in schools, and play therapy and different cultural beliefs.

We also offer introductory courses that provide a useful background to those working in related professions or anyone simply wishing to find out more about the work.

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-The MA Art Therapy is approved by The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is situated in the postgraduate area of The School of Creative Arts. The programme places a strong emphasis on developing the student’s artistic identity in tandem with their understanding of the skills and knowledge required for safe therapeutic practice
-Contemporary visual art practices that link to psychodynamic processes are taught across the curriculum. Students learn how research is a cross-discipline mode of enquiry while developing knowledge of how theory underpins and informs art therapy practice with a range of vulnerable people
-Students attend placements throughout the course and develop themselves professionally through supervision, reflection and by articulating their practice in writing, research and presentations
-The programme guides students toward achieving employment in health care, education and/or voluntary organisations. Focusing on the public sector these range from adult and child mental health, palliative care, learning disability, prisons, main stream and special schools etc.

Why choose this course?

MA Art Therapy places particular emphasis on the relationship art therapy has with other art forms such as fine art, ceramics, design, film and digital image making, on a theoretical and practical level. Experiential learning is regarded as a key experience with time and space given to the continuing development of the student's artistic identity.

The aim of the MA Art Therapy course is to train art therapists for employment in the public sector. This includes theoretical and practical knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a range of client groups and settings. You are offered a broad theoretical foundation in the key principles of psychodynamic and humanistic psychotherapy in relation to current art therapy theory and research. The programme area also offers a range of pre and post qualification opportunities such an Arts Therapy Foundation programme, Introductory and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses and research opportunities up to PhD.

The MA Art Therapy course has links with the Faculty for Health and Human Sciences and European universities and organisations e.g ECArTE. The University is within easy reach of London by rail, road and air.

The core staff team have an excellent reputation in terms of teaching quality and research in their fields. The programme also employs other professionals such as psychotherapists and arts therapies who continue to conduct clinical practice with a range of client groups.

You have access to a state of the art Learning Resources Centre which contains a wealth of material on related disciplines, maintained by specialist staff who provide support and advice when need. Personal Therapy for the duration of the training is a requirement of all students.

Careers

The qualification leads to an award that is recognised for professional registration purposes by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

Career opportunities vary from work in the NHS, social services, the voluntary sector and increasingly in main stream education. Art Therapists frequently work on a sessional basis or part time in a range of settings. Students receive workshops on how to market themselves post-qualification.

Structure

Year 1
Core Modules
-Art Therapy Practice 1
-Creative Economies
-Experiential Training 1
-Experiential Training 2
-Research and Enquiry

Optional
-Creative Economies (Online)
-Research and Enquiry (Online)

Year 2
Core Modules
-Art Therapy Practice Part 2
-Discourse and Reflection: Art Therapy
-Experiential Training 3

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Overview

The two-year MA in Fashion and Textile Design provides a full training for fashion designers wishing to acquire advanced skills to access high level positions in the fashion industry or design and promote their own collection or brand.

During the program, students will be tutored by professors, professionals and creative experts of international leverage and will attend theory classes, workshops and practical lab trainings to develop a deep knowledge of the tools that fashion designers may exploit and understand the requirements set by industrial production as well as craftsmanship creation.

The program’s main courses, taught by leading fashion professionals, rely heavily on lab experience. While in most schools, industry professionals have the role of visiting professors, in this program they lead a full design mentorship experience, monitoring and guiding the development of each student’s individual skills.
Collaborative projects with companies are distributed along the two-year experience, with the participation of small, select groups of students for each project.

Language: English
Credits: 120 CF
Placement rate: 81%

Audience

Candidates holding a first-level academic diploma or BA degree, or about to graduate and with a knowledge of theEnglish language (according to the medium of instruction of the program) equal to a B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The program is addressed to young designers that adopt and recognize in fashion a language able to visually embrace the essence of the contemporary world (music, visual arts, humanistic culture, technical/scientific culture, craft and industrial technologies, experimentation and tradition).

Career

The two-year MA in Fashion and Textile Design equips students with the necessary fundamentals to continue their studies or to enter the world of professional design and creative industries. Graduates may find employment as: Fashion designers, Textile designers, Journalists/fashion critics (for both printed and Internet magazines and blogs), Art directors, Creative consultants for companies, Entrepreneurs with their own fashion company.

Companies

NABA has developed strong relationships with leading companies which provide internships for NABA students. Among them are: Costume National, ETRO Fashion Group, Gianni Versace, Gucci, Jil Sander Italia, Kenzo, Max Mara, Missoni, Moschino, Valentino Premiere Vision, Triumph, Trussardi, Woolmark .

Admission

Discover how to apply: http://www.naba.it/admission-postgraduate-programs/processo-di-ammissione/?lang=en

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The theoretical focus of this course encompasses psychodynamic, humanistic, developmental and music-centred approaches to music therapy. Some lectures in theoretical studies are shared with students from Art Psychotherapy. The training is designed to prepare students for work with vulnerable children and adults with a wide range of needs, eg learning disabilities or mental health problems.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching includes practical and academic elements with an emphasis on experiential learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars and tutorials. Assessments are both practical and written. The following areas are covered:
■ Therapeutic musical skills, with an emphasis on improvisation, interaction and application in a therapeutic context
■ Relevant psychological, developmental, and music therapy theory
■ Different client groups: knowledge of different areas of need, diagnosis, and work contexts
■ Self-development
■ Observation and critical thinking skills
■ Professional issues, such as ethics and team communication

Placements include work within a variety of settings and in both levels, one day a week is spent on placement. Students are required to meet costs for travel and to provide recording equipment. Personal development is fundamental to therapeutic training and it is a course requirement (and requirement by the Health and Care Professions Council) that students also attend regular personal therapy throughout the course, with a minimum of 40 hours attendance. This work is non-assessed and is a confidential arrangement between therapist and student.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module requires you to attend classes at QMU (over two days) and learn independently. Your attendance requirements at QMU will depend on the module. There will be a further day dedicated to practice placement. Students need to allocate a significant amount of time for independent study.

Links with industry/professional bodies

Part of our strength comes from our location. Being based in Edinburgh means that the course has been developed over time in co operation with key national cultural agencies and other bodies with a strategic interest in the development of arts organisations and festivals. Our location in the ‘festival city’ also allows for strong practical links between the course and the many arts, festival and cultural organisations based in and around Edinburgh, across Scotland and the UK. The course is validated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Modules

Level 1: 30 credits: Practice Placement 1/Interdisciplinary Studies 1/ Therapeutic Skills and Interpersonal Learning/ Research Methods
Level 2: 30 credits Practice Placement 2/ Interdisciplinary Studies 2 and Interpersonal Learning

60 credits Professional project.

Careers

On graduation you will be eligible for registration with HCPC, and will be qualified to apply for work in organisations such as the NHS,
education, charitable bodies, social services, or in the private sector. Music therapists are employed throughout the health, education and community sectors. Registered music therapists are eligible for full membership of the British Association for Music Therapy. Several of our graduates have found employment with: Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland; within the NHS; others have successfully created new job opportunities for themselves.

Quick Facts

- This is the only music therapy training course in Scotland.
- Exciting collaborative opportunities between this course and MSc Art Psychotherapy (International) course.
- Practice Educators for all Year One students are music therapists.

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The Architectural Design MA is a pre-professional programme developing a specialist approach to architectural thinking, and design execution. This is an internationally popular course that attracts students globally and currently offers two streams:

• Philosophical Discourse and Architecture – this stream pursues a humanistic approach to architecture rooted in the humanities, that examines the epistemology of modern architecture in concert with modern continental philosophy, which allows you to integrate knowledge of specialized disciplines into a unified and meaningful whole.

Or

• Design Computation and Architecture – this stream will examine the concept of space and the problem of configuring space in architecture. Taking an interdisciplinary approach you will review literature and explore concepts from a range of fields, including theoretical biology, social science, systems theory, cybernetics, semiotics and computation to establish ways and means of rethinking and designing architectural space

Graduate careers

Graduates may either find employment with a leading architectural practice or progress onto professional qualification. Graduates are given the opportunity to complete the MArch with advanced standing, commencing in MArch Year Two, subject to portfolio review and interview. After the course, many students continue with their architectural education and aspire to qualify and register as an architect in the UK, or pursue academic research. The MA in Architectural Design offers access to careers in allied industries, such as planning, architectural conservation, urban design, facilities, estate and project management, or into other fields such as journalism, heritage and history studies, film, web design, lifestyle design, game design, event design and digital animation, strategic management, and political advocacy.

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Counselling Psychology is embedded in the discipline of psychology and concerns itself with applied areas of psychological work, which overlap with the provinces of psychotherapy, clinical psychology, counselling and psychiatry. The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is therefore designed to provide opportunities for professional and personal development as a Counselling Psychologist. This is achieved by facilitating the development of a flexible, reflective and critical approach to Counselling Psychology theory, research, and practice. The programme objective is to produce graduates with a solid grounding in the theory, research and clinical skills relevant to Counselling Psychology. The clinical focus of the training is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with core skills drawn also from Humanistic Therapy. In the third and fourth year of the training trainees will consider Psychodynamic approaches and will be introduced to Cognitive Analytic therapy (CAT). We aim to equip our trainees to meet the unique needs of their clients, they will be able to work while holding ideas in tension and embracing dilemmas within their therapeutic practice.

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MA Psychotherapy and Counselling
The post-graduate diploma (pg dip) is studied over two years and the Master of Arts (MA) over three years. The two programmes share the same teaching in the first two years, with the addition of a research methods course for MA students. Students progressing to MA have the opportunity to contribute to knowledge generated through research, and develop the skills of a researcher.

The pedagogical approach is one of collaboration, reflexivity and creativity. You will contribute to the learning community comprising staff and students from day one, generating knowledge through reading, reflection, and exploration and sharing this with others through discussion, formal presentations and writing.

The theoretical and practice model adopted focuses on the central importance of the therapeutic relationship, as evidenced through rigorous research. We approach this through a pluralistic lens, critically reviewing more than one school of thought (for example, humanistic, psychodynamic).


Course benefits
These programmes offer a professional training for those graduates who have already studied counselling to certificate level and developed sufficient skill to practise as a student counsellor / psychotherapist. They offer the added value of doing so within a research intensive university that also values teaching excellence, with the option of undertaking a small scale piece of original research. The Masters cpurse is accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).

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