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.

The programme begins with ten days of attendance at University Centre Doncaster, High Melton, and is arranged in five 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 experimental 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.