MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy
A two-year accredited master’s programme for mental health professionals to become qualified systemic family psychotherapists.
Best for:Best for qualified mental health professionals (e.g., social workers, nurses, clinical psychologists) with prior systemic training who seek to specialise in systemic family therapy and gain professional accreditation.
Overview
This two-year master’s programme at Queen’s University Belfast trains mental health professionals to become qualified systemic family psychotherapists. The course focuses on systemic practice and family therapy, enabling participants to facilitate understanding and collaboration within close relationships. It is designed for professionals with prior relevant qualifications in social work, nursing, clinical psychology, or psychiatry, who seek to specialise in systemic family therapy. The programme combines academic study, clinical training, and supervised practice, with teaching sessions held one day per fortnight and supervised clinics one day per week. Graduates will gain accreditation from the Association for Family Therapy (AFT) and recognition by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
What you'll do
- Engage in systemic practice and family therapy to support individuals and families in understanding and resolving relational challenges.
- Participate in supervised clinical placements to gain hands-on experience in therapeutic interventions.
- Attend lectures, seminars, and small group work sessions focused on systemic theory and practice.
- Complete reflective assignments and case presentations to deepen understanding of systemic approaches.
- Collaborate with peers and supervisors to develop therapeutic strategies tailored to diverse family dynamics.
- Engage in individual and group interviews as part of the selection and ongoing assessment process.
Requirements
Degree required: A 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant field (e.g., social work, nursing, clinical psychology, psychiatry) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Degree offered: MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and clinical practice (no specific test mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Successfully completed AFT-accredited Systemic Practice and Family Therapy training at Foundation and Intermediate levels or equivalent.
- Evidence of 200 hours of systemic practice in a professional work setting.
- Access to systemic supervision by a qualified Systemic Psychotherapist/Supervisor.
- Prior professional qualification in a mental health or social care discipline.
- Registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (for social work applicants).
- Applicants must be working as Social Care Professionals within a suitable setting in Northern Ireland, UK, or Republic of Ireland.
- Social Work applicants must have a recognised social work qualification and be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
- Applicants must include their NISCC Social Care Registration Number in the application form if applicable.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-05-18
Applicants must submit an application through the Queen’s University Belfast postgraduate application portal. Additional information and a full CV will be required. A discretionary interview may be conducted. Applicants must provide at least two references, one from their current employer and another from a previous training course. Applicants must also evidence 200 hours of systemic practice and access to systemic supervision.
- CV
- Full application form
- Reflective assignment on practice
- Two references (one from current employer, one from previous training course)
- Evidence of 200 hours of systemic practice
- Proof of systemic supervision access
- NISCC Social Care Registration Number (for social work applicants)
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