Contemporary Relationship Studies (Taught)

This three-year, part time, course, validated by the University of Hull, has been designed to offer a flexible approach to the integration of theory and practice.

The threshold concepts embedded in the course include a sophisticated opportunity to approach counselling and therapeutic theories from different perspectives. Rather than being taught theoretical approaches in separate modules, and then seek integration, the aim is to explore theoretical concepts together from the start of the course in order to challenge students to link concepts to practice in a reflexive free flowing manner.

The course is designed to encourage the multiple contexts of reflexivity at every stage of the student’s learning. It is acknowledged that students will be coming on to the course from different theoretical perspectives and major shifts in their perception and understanding of client work will be expected.

Students will be encouraged to examine their own personal constructs and the impact they have on the work with clients in diverse settings in the UK in the 21st century.

An emphasis on the importance of supervision will run throughout the course as well as access to continuing professional development (CPD).

The programme is accredited by COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists).

Course and Career Progression

• Graduates will have the opportunity to access PhD studies at other universities, such as University of Hull or University of Bedfordshire (Dr Gail Simon’s Professional Doctorate).

• MSc in Psychosexual Therapy specialist route (offered by DNCG, validated by UoH and accredited by COSRT)

Course Modules

The course is modular, with attendance on 18 days per year, taking place over 9 blocks, Clinical placements will be in an approved clinical setting and involve 150 hours of practice during the three years (a minimum of 50 hours with individuals and 100 hours with more than one person) This can include face to face, online and telephone counselling practice.

As COSRT student member there is a requirement to complete 50 hours of personal therapy and/or group therapeutic work, focused on awareness of self in relation to the other.
• These figures should include a minimum of 20 hours one-to-one personal therapy to be completed and evidenced during training.

Students are expected to work with individuals in the first year and with individuals, couples and families from the second year onwards.

Students are expected to organise their own clinical supervision whilst on placement.

Year 1 Post-graduate Certificate stage

Module 1, Theoretical Concepts: 20 credits

Module 2, Effecting Change: 20 credits

Module 3, Culture and Context: 20 credits

Year 2 Post-graduate Diploma stage

Module 4, Therapy with more than one person: 20 credits

Module 5, Working with Couples and Sexual Relationships: 20 credits

Module 6, Working with Groups and Families: 20 credits

Year 3 Masters stage

Module 7, Advancing Practice: 20 credits

Module 8, Contemporary Therapeutic Challenges: 20 credits

Module 9, Therapeutic Challenges and Beyond: 20 credits

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time

https://www.ucdon.ac.uk/courses/dhc00004-1-ma-contemporary-relationship-studies/

Assessment is by a variety of methods such as case presentations and written assignments that are designed to assess the development of the student’s understanding, development and competence as a reflexive practitioner, working safely and ethically in a wide range of settings and contexts. Students are required to submit a portfolio, together with a supervisor’s report, at the end of each year.