Course Structure

Students may enrol on a part-time basis only and undertake a research dissertation over one year.

Course Details	This programme involves an additional year of study, and is suitable for those who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma (Intermediate) Systemic Practice and Family Therapy and wish to achieve an academic Master’s qualification by undertaking a research dissertation.

Career Prospects

Introduction
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/

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

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.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ_BwOtjXAE

Resources

You can watch a recent course webinar at the link below:
https://youtu.be/EqkseVUORz4

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Personal and Professional Development in Systemic Practice - intermediate level (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8068

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Specialist Practice Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Specialist Practice Dissertation

  Overview

  Semester one
  September 2019 (2 days)
  Overview of the module and assessment requirements.
  Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research.
  Introduction to main types of studies and appropriate designs.
  Identifying topics for a review of research, audit, service evaluation or empirical research.
  Applying for ethical approval.
  
  October 2019 (2 days)
  Introduction to the library and web-based resources.
  Accessing electronic books, journals and databases.
  Writing a search strategy. Defining inclusion / exclusion criteria for the literature review.
  Identifying and understanding research papers and how to critically appraise literature.
  Writing a project proposal.
  
  December 2019 (1 day)
  Brief oral presentation of project aims, search strategy and proposed approach/methodology.
  Peers and supervisors to give oral feedback on each presentation.
  Submit written outline of search strategy, question underpinning project and proposed approach (e.g. literature review, service evaluation, audit, qualitative research or quantitative research).
  
  Semester two
  All students to attend one of the following 10 CAT MRes modules (audit only – no assessment)
  Quantitative data analysis (5 x Mondays in January/February 1700-1900 hours) 15 hours
  OR
  Qualitative data analysis (Saturday in February for 6 hours and Friday in March for 2 hours) 8 hours
  
  February 2020 (1 day)
  Methods for conducting, screening and presenting systematic/scoping/narrative reviews.
  Introduction to programmes for screening and managing results (e.g. Rayyan QCRI, Mendeley, etc)
  
  April 2020 (1 day)
  How to write up and disseminate your findings (e.g. dissertation, publication in peer-reviewed journal or poster or oral presentation).
  
  September 2020
  Submission of 12,000-word dissertation to be marked by academic staff and agency staff
  
  
  October 2020 (1 day)
  Regional dissemination event at Queen’s University. All students will be expected to orally present their key findings and implications for practice to an audience of professional and academic peers, line management, service users/carers, academic and agency staff involved in assessment or supervision, and other key stakeholders.

  Learning Outcomes

  Understand systematic approaches to 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 making an oral presentation on the project protocol.
  Demonstrate skills in writing a thesis 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.
  Provide 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 thesis to the required academic standard.
  Skills of disseminating findings within a public arena.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SWK7001

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  36 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Systemic Practice Skills and their application to the work setting - intermediate level (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8067

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Theory, Practive and Research in Family and Systemic Practice - intermediate level (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8066

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Systemic Practice Skills and their application to the work setting (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8059

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Personal and Professional Development in Systemic Practice (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8065

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Introduction to Systemic Theory, Research and Practice (20 credits)

  ×

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SWK8058

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

Graduate
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: Monday 31st July 2023 at 4 pm

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 Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

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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.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction
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/

Additional Awards Gained

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£6,980
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£6,980
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£19,100
International	£19,100

¹ EU 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 are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

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.

Systemic Practice and Family Therapy costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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