Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above.
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Other requirements
In addition to the standard requirements, the accrediting body for Family Therapy in the UK – the Association for Family Therapy (AFT) – sets out entry requirements for the MSc in Family Therapy. These are:
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a registerable professional qualification
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an AFT accredited Intermediate Level qualification in Systemic / Family Practice (see Grad Cert in Family Therapy) or equivalent
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clinical experience
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currently working in a clinical setting involving regular patient/client contact.
Registerable professional qualifications are as follows:
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Psychology – clinical psychology, educational psychology and counselling psychology (a degree in psychology with no further clinical training is not accepted)
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Social Work – the generic professional qualification is sufficient whichever training route was undertaken (e.g. undergraduate, postgraduate, or the employment based without an academic award attached).
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Psychiatry and other medical specialities
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Teaching – where individuals have had substantial experience in which they have worked with pupils and families in a counselling capacity.
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Nursing – mental health nursing and other nursing specialities which require counselling skills.
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Arts therapists (art, drama, dance and movement and music therapists), qualified and registered with the Health Care Professions Council, HCPC.
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Counselling – three year minimum training, full BACP accredited membership (MBACP Accred) and experience in the public or voluntary sector is considered essential to establish equivalence.
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Occupational therapy – qualified and registered with Health Professions Council.
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Speech and language therapy – qualified and registered with the Health Professions Council.
Those whose training was outside of the UK and who are able to show equivalence to the above will be acceptable.
Applications from candidates who do not have a professional qualification but can demonstrate equivalence through their knowledge, skills and experience MAY be considered. This will be assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning process.
