COURSE OVERVIEW

This innovative course is structured to develop your skills through a variety of modules and learning experiences. You will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental inter-relatedness of the theory of a child’s physical, social and emotional world, and will develop the skills to work effectively and therapeutically to enhance emotional wellbeing and transform life chances. You will work directly with children and families with increasing complexity on practice placement over the three years and this will include clinical observation of a child/children from infanthood to primary.

The teaching and learning approaches used encourage you to be an independent, participative learner. These approaches will engage you in lectures, problem-based learning, workshops, small group discussion, seminars, experiential groups, observation and skills practice. The content has its basis in psychodynamic, child centred, non-directive practice, and is delivered by qualified and experienced Play Therapy practitioners, who draw on their professional experience to illustrate teaching.

Assessment methods include case study analysis, collaborative presentation, module essays, observation analysis and play therapy practice placement portfolio. As a postgraduate student you will predominantly be working independently, but there is a strong structure for academic support. 

Supervision throughout the 3 years is provided at no extra cost and will be paid for by With Kids.

TIME COMMITMENTS/WORKLOAD

Throughout the course you will be expected to attend classes and small group seminars, contribute to group discussions, attend supervision regularly, participate in observations and submit/participate in required assessments. You will also undertake a supervised practice placement of 100 hours over the course of the 3 years. During the course you will also be required to attend 60 sessions of personal therapy at your own cost.

You should expect that, in addition to the day of training, you will be required to have the equivalent of at least one other day available to attend to the demands of the course.