QMU Postgraduate Prospectus 2022 | Page 146

MSc Play Therapy

If you have experience of working with children and families , this course will help you to develop your expertise and move into a stimulating career as a play therapist . You can study part-time over three years and will benefit from placements that will enhance your learning experience and better prepare you for your future career
Working as a play therapist is an immensely rewarding and enriching career . This MSc in Play Therapy will teach you how to work safely and therapeutically with children and families with complex needs . The course is a collaboration between With Kids ( a Scottish charity ) and the MSc Art Psychotherapy at QMU .
Studies show that 20 % of children have some form of emotional , behaviour or mental health problem that can prevent them fulfilling their full potential . Furthermore , children who experience mental health issues can go on to develop serious mental health issues as adults . Play therapy provides an opportunity for children experiencing emotional and behavioural issues to work through difficult experiences and feelings with a trained therapist and enabling a more positive outcome .
The key purpose of the profession of play therapy is defined by the British Association of Play Therapists ( BAPT ):‘ Play therapy is the dynamic process between child and play therapist in which the child explores at his or her own pace and with his or her own agenda those issues , past and current , conscious and unconscious , that are affecting the child ’ s life in the present . The child ’ s inner resources are enabled by the therapeutic alliance to bring about growth and change . Play therapy is child-centred , in which play is the primary medium and speech is the secondary medium .’
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 .
Applicants should possess qualities that enable them to undertake study in an appropriate manner and at the appropriate academic level . Thus , the students recruited onto this course will be committed , diligent and enthusiastic and will also possess the skills , curiosity and drive to enhance their knowledge base .
Structure
It is possible to exit with a PgCert after one year , a PgDip after two years and an MSc at the end of three years . You are only eligible to apply for registration with BAPT and practice as a play therapist with an MSc . Single module study is not available .
Teaching , learning and assessment
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 course team aims to enable students to learn from and with others through supportive peer assessment and feedback , guided by the tutor .
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Assessment methods include case study analysis , collaborative presentation , developmental theory 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 .
Normally , there are fewer than 20 students in the class , ensuring that individuals receive excellent support and benefit from interaction with other students .
Teaching hours and attendance
The course runs over three years part-time . You will attend the learning centre at With Kids in the east end of Glasgow one day a week over the first two years . In addition , you will undertake play therapy practice placement , observations and attend clinical supervision individually or in small groups . You will be expected to attend your own personal therapy for the duration of the course , and 100 % attendance is expected at all elements of the MSc Play Therapy .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
This course is accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists .
Modules
Practice , Theory & Placement 1,2 & 3 ( 40 , 20 & 20 credits respectively )/ Child Development & Observations 1 & 2 ( 20 credits each )/ Play Therapy Research , Theory & Practice ( 20 credits )/ Theory & Practice of Person-Centred / Health & Wellbeing ( 20 credits ) Leading / Person-