Postgraduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy (Couple Therapy)
Venues
Venues in London and Manchester.
Please note this course is being phased out and will run for year 2 only in 2008/2009. See PGDip/MA in Relationship Therapy
Cost
£1680 for year 2 2008/2009
The programme fee includes all tuition and tutorials. Clinical supervision is included only if the placement is in a Relate Centre. The fee does not include the cost of accommodation, meals, travel or attendance on the Relate Institute Continuous Professional Development days (CPD).**
Students will also be expected to purchase or borrow their own books, journals or articles.
The fee can be paid in one installment or may be divided into three equal installments, for which the student will be invoiced. The due dates for each payment will be clearly stated on the invoice.
*The fees are to an incremental increase for 2008/2009 so if you are on a two year course, the new fee will apply.
**Students on Relate Institute programmes of study are entitled to a discounted fee for attendance on Relate Institute Continuous Professional Development days (CPD).
The programme
This two year programme, in collaboration with the University of Hull, has been designed in accordance with the course approval criteria of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. The first year of the programme offers psychodynamic and systemic theory together with concepts of human sexuality that are relevant to couple therapy. Year two extends the theoretical knowledge and applies those ideas to issues which couples often present in therapy, as well as addressing a number of different and flexible ways of providing therapy for couples.
After successfully completing the programme students will:
1. Have gained an advanced knowledge and understanding of couple therapy from the perspectives of systemic theory, psychodynamic theory and human sexuality to the level where they will have gained the training requirements for professional accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
2. Be equipped to work in either the voluntary sector or as independent practitioner in the field of couple therapy
3. Have access to further advanced training to the degree of MSc.
The taught element of the programme takes place over 26 weekly sessions over two consecutive semesters in each academic year. The clinical placement runs for a further semester in each year. Each day begins at 9.30am and ends at 5.00pm. In addition to the these sessions in each year there is one two-day block mid-way through the first semester, plus 3 events from the Relate programme of Continuous Professional Development days (CPD). Students will also undertake a placement, normally at a Relate Centre, of 200 hours of supervised clinical practice over two years, of which a minimum of 150 hours should be with both of the couple in the counselling room.
Modular structure
In year 2 of the programme there are three modules of 20 credits each (at level M). The modular structure for the year is as follows:
All modules at 20 Credits at Level M
Module 4 A psychodynamic approach to couple therapy
Module 5 A systemic approach to couple therapy
Module 6 Clinical placement and practice issues
Themes
- An introduction to the principles which underpin the whole of the training, the framework of the programme and its theoretical content. These principles include the development of a) ethical anti-discriminatory practice, b) a theoretically-based understanding of the purpose of clinical supervision and how to make best use of it for the benefit of clients.
- Systemic Theory and Practice develops a theoretical understanding and clinical practice in the application of key systemic concepts, and develops an understanding of the systemic concept of reflexivity and its use in different learning contexts.
- Sexual Relationship and Sexual Development offers the capacity to assess the nature of sexual problems in a couple context, and develops skills and awareness needed to facilitate change in the couple's sexual relationship.
Teaching
The programme uses a variety of methods. These include formal lectures, structured skills development and practice, workshops and programme group meetings. Because this programme is a clinical programme, there is a strong emphasis on practical and experiential work, including Personal and Professional Development Groups.
An essential aspect of Relate's approach to learning and teaching is the importance we place on student feedback and evaluation. We try to incorporate students' ideas whenever practicable and appropriate within the programme structure and philosophy.
Assessment
Assessment is by written assignments, which are designed to assess students' theoretical understanding and competence. There is also an annual supervisor's report and students will be required to submit a Professional Portfolio.
Students are also required to adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
Course dates
PGDip (Couple Therapy) course dates: Sep 2008 start
Applications
Applications are welcome from all those who are suitably qualified, regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their nationality or religion, their gender, their age, their economic status, their sexual orientation, or any disability or medical condition they may have.
Notes for Applicants 
Please note that these notes incorrectly state that applicants must be over 25. A corrected version will be uploaded shortly.
More information and details of how to find Doncaster College in High Melton
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Course Information and Guidance Helpline
For printed versions of course application forms
Telephone: 0800 358 7575
If after reading this page and having contacted the information telephone number above, you still have questions about the content of this course, please contact Michele Logue at michele.logue@relateinstitute.ac.uk or on 01302 553 818
