Following on from the Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice (Year 1, Introductory), the Institute offers this 1-year intermediate level course in systemic practice, leading to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice. This course, run in conjunction with Birkbeck College, University of London, is made up of two separate streams leading to the same qualification. The course meets the Association of Family Therapy criteria as an Intermediate Course.
Social work candidates are advised that the courses have been approved by the General Social Care Council for Post Qualifying Social Work Awards.
The course consists of two streams from which candidates must choose. They are:
- Systemic Practice with Families and Couples
- Systemic Child Focused Practice
These streams are structured differently, and run on different days, and students are therefore required to indicate at the point of application which stream they wish to attend. However, all students graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice.
Entrance Requirements for both streams
Applicants must have a relevant professional training or equivalent, and have successfully completed a foundation level training in systemic practice or equivalent. They must also have the opportunity to complete at least 60 hours of systemic practice in the twelve months leading to the end of the course. Trainees must obtain relevant permission for this work to be discussed in a confidential academic environment.
For students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice at the Institute of Family Therapy, a recommendation from the course tutor is required.
If you intention is to pursue your training to MSc level you must be aware that a prior professional qualification will be a requirement for entry. Please see IFT prior professional qualifications and APEL process for further details.
Assessment for Postgraduate Certificate for both streams
Each of the streams consists of two modules. Both streams are assessed by four pieces of work (two in module one and two in module two), to be completed at different stages during the year. These are described below under the different streams. There is also a requirement on both courses to satisfactorily complete a log of 60 hours of systemic practice and a log of learning on the course. On obtaining a pass-level for each element of the course, participants will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice. There is an 80% attendance requirement for both streams.
Learning Portfolio
Students are expected to build up a learning portfolio over this academic year, which can be carried forward into future years should the student continue in systemic training. This should include copies of coursework and feedback, and a diary of clinical and academic learning. This will be discussed within tutor groups and guidance will be given.
Families and Couples Stream
Aims
This well established and popular stream has been running for many years. It aims to help participants working with families and couples increase and consolidate their theoretical and clinical skills and their understanding of the use of the self in practice. Participants will be expected to bring their own material for discussion, and to bring video or audio recordings of their work.
This stream is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy as an intermediate level course.
Structure
The course is run on Wednesdays, commencing in early October. Each of the 3 terms runs over approximately 8 weeks.
The majority of teaching is undertaken in small groups and there is a choice of afternoon groups meeting from 2 – 5pm and an evening group which meets 5.30pm – 8.30pm. These groups, consisting of 10 – 12 people, meet for three hours each week to explore issues and concentrate on skills development. The groups are experiential and their relationship remains constant throughout the year.
Students also attend 7 whole day plenary sessions over the year, which are held in London, on Wednesdays 10.30am – 4.30pm. A full timetable is provided at the beginning of term.
Specific course requirements for the Families and Couples Stream
The course is divided in to two modules:
Systemic Theory and Skills 1: this takes place from October to February and is assessed through one piece of written work, a case study of 2,500 words due in December.
Completed components for the module are:
- position statement due in December
- learning portfolio
- pratice log of 30 hours
Systemic Theory and Skills 2: February to June
- An essay combining theory, practice and use of self
- A written examination. Examination questions will be available prior to exam.
Completed components for this module are:
- log of 30 additional practice hours, bringing the total number to 60 over the year
- further learning log of the course over the length of the module
- 20 minute presentation to the small group
Current Teaching Staff:
Course Chair: Chip Chimera, MSc, CQSW, Dip PdP
Jocelyn Avigad, BSocSc, Dip Psych SW | Sharon Bond, BA, DSys Psych, ACTFT
Tony Ferguson, BA, MSc, CQSW
Child Focused Stream
Aims
This innovative stream aims to provide participants with opportunities to extend their thinking and practice with children and young people in such a way that their personal style is expanded and their knowledge of systemic, attachment and other relevant theory is broadened.
- Comparative Approaches and Theories: Participants will appreciate the influences and useful contributions not only from systemic family therapy theories, but also from attachment theory, narrative and solution focused;
- Children in Professional Contexts: Participants will aim to extend their knowledge with children in specific contexts such as court related work, children looked after by the state, children seen in mental health services with specific difficulties such as ADHD, divorce and mediation work;
- Child Focused Reflective Practice: A central aim for the trining will be to allos participants opportunities to reflect on practice: their personal ‘style’ as a therapist/practitioner and extend their repertoire of skills. The further exploration of use of self in context will address self in relation to family, cultural, gendered and class scripts, and self in relation to learning and development.
Structure
This stream starts in early October and takes place once a month for a two-day block (Monday and Tuesday). Each session is linked to private study including preparation of seminar papers for the following session, contributions to the Learning Portfolio, and work on the log of systemic practice. Participants will be paired with a consulting partner at the outset of the course and this partnership will be expected to discuss any element of the teaching on the course and support student preparation between sessions.
Specific course requirements for the Child Focused Practice Stream
The stream is divided into two modules:
Child Focused theory and Skills 1: takes place from October to February and is assessed through one piece of written work, a session analysis, due in December
Completed components for the module are:
- Essay or portfolio of learning
- Practice log of 30 hours
Child Focused Theory and Skills 2: February to June, assessed by and essay combining theory, practice and use of self, and a presentation to small group
Completed components for the this module are:
- Log of 30 additional practice hours
- Completion of learning portfolio from module 1
Course Chair: Chip Chimera, MSc, CQSW, DipPdp
Tutor:Kate Creedy, MSc, DipSysSup
Applications for both streams
The closing date for applications is 30th June. This is a popular course and early application is advised. Please contact trainingadmin@iftnet.plus.com for an application/information pack.
Late applications: Please contact the Training Department for information on whether late applications are being accepted.
Selection for the Postgraduate training is made on the basis of the application form and applicants will not normally be required to attend an interview.
Fees for both streams
Fee for 2012/13 - £2,550.
Payment in instalments available to self payers.
The course fee is due in full by the first day of the autumn term.
A non returnable administration fee of £40 is payable to the Institute of Family Therapy on application.
IFT policy on fees
Once registered with IFT the student (or their employer/sponsor) will remain liable for the full course fee. In the event of students failing to complete a course for any reason (including voluntary withdrawal on notice) they will remain liable for the full fee.
There is an 80% attendance requirement over each module.