PGDip/GradDip Psychological Therapies Practice (Children, Young People and Families)

Overview

This programme will help you develop your practice in evidence-based psychological therapies for children, young people and families. You will develop the knowledge and competencies required to be an effective practitioner, as determined by the relevant national curriculum for the CYP IAPT Programme, through university-based workshops, clinical supervision groups and tutorials. You will also be supported to undertake supervised clinical practice with children, young people and their parents.

Entry Requirements

There are 5 strands available on the PGDip/GradDip and entry requirements depend on which strand you apply to:

• CBT: Suitable for anyone with a foundation in CBT skills. This strand requires a Level 6 qualification and a core profession recognised by BABCP or eligibility to complete the KSA route.
• Parenting: Suitable for candidates with experience of working with children, young people and families. This strand requires a minimum Level 5 or 6 qualification and a core profession recognised by BABCP or eligibility to complete the KSA route.
• 0-5s: Suitable for candidates with a Level 5 or 6 qualification. No core profession is required but you will need to show experience of working with parents/carers and young children.
• Systemic Family Practice (for Conduct or Eating Disorders): Suitable for candidates with minimum two years’ experience working in children and young people’s mental health and with families. You are required to have a Level 6 qualification and a core profession recognised by AFT, such as social work, psychiatry, nursing or health visiting.
• Autism and/or Learning Disabilities: Suitable for candidates with a Level 5 or 6 qualification. No core profession is required but training in a mental-health related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social-work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, other psychotherapy, counselling) would be beneficial. Two years’ experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health of children and young people or families, ideally including some experience of learning disabilities or ASD, is required.

Course Content

There are 5 strands available to study as part of the PGDip/GradDip:

• CBT
• Parenting
• 0-5s
• Systemic Family Practice (SFP)
• and Autism and/or Learning Disabilities

Depending which strand you apply to, on successful completion of the programme you may be eligible to apply for accreditation of your therapy practice by the appropriate Professional Standards or Regulatory Body, subject to additional requirements as necessary (e.g. British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy).

Programme Progression

• On completion of this programme, you may wish to progress to MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research.

Modules

• Core Skills for Working with Young People with Mental Health Problems and Their Families (60 credits)
• Evidence-based CBT with Children and Young People (60 credits)
• Evidence-based Parenting Interventions (60 credits)
• Systemic Family Practice in CAMHS (30 credits)
• Systemic Family Practice for Adolescent Eating Disorders (30 credits)
• Systemic Family Practice for Adolescent Conduct Disorders (15 credits)
• Systemic Family Practice for Adolescent Self-harm/Depression (15 credits)
• Fundamental Principles 0-5s (20 credits)
• Interventions to Enhance Attachment in Vulnerable Groups (20 credits)
• Interventions for Existing Diagnosable Problems in Children Aged 1.5 to 5 Years (20 credits)
• Autism-Learning Disability Core Knowledge and Skills (20 credits)
• Assessment, Engagement and Formulation with Young People and Families (Autism and Learning Disabilities) (20 credits)
• Mental Health Interventions with Young People and Families (Autism and Learning Disabilities) (20 credits)

How to Apply

In order to apply for this programme you will need to be either an existing member of staff or a selected for a Recruit to Train practitioner role where you will be employed by one of our NHS/voluntary sector partner services to train at the university while working within service.

Fees

This course is funded by Health Education England, so fees are not payable by candidates. You will be employed and paid by your service on a minimum 12-month contract, and will work 1 FTE, including 2 days per week studying at the university.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Teaching and Research

Teaching consists of lectures and workshops and small group tutorials. Sessions will include role-play, practical exercises and small group discussions. There will also be regular supervision sessions with University supervisors. Guided independent study is expected to take place.

Types of assessments include:

• Supervisor rating of core therapy competencies (CAPS)
• Essays
• Reflective practice logs
• Competency tapes and self-rating of competencies
• Case presentation
• Case reports
• And a clinical portfolio.

Careers

This programme is training people already in a career within the NHS or NHS Talking Therapies service. It will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop your competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a Practitioner.

A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development.

Advantages of the programme are that:

• You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment, where members of your teaching team have first-hand experience within the clinical setting.
• Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches, designed to develop you on your terms.

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.