Masters Degree Description
Modern society has seen a number of changes to the family dynamic. Higher divorce rates, blended families (step children/parents), socio-economic concerns and peer pressure to indulge in anti-social behaviour have all played a part in the increase of children with social, emotional, behavioural and psychological problems.
You will help children come to terms with traumatic events in their lives through the use of a play toolkit, which includes sand, clay, puppetry and other creative mediums, where the child has the freedom and opportunity to express themselves by recreating their own world during their time with you.
Play is essential for the development of children. As a play therapist you will take the lead in nurturing troubled children and helping them to grow emotionally, mentally and socially through the use of self-expression and creative mediums.
Whether you’re looking for a change in career, wanting to add therapeutic play to your existing psychological therapies, social work or medical skillset, or if you are a graduate just starting out in the field, this professional course, delivered in partnership with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy Ltd (APAC), allows you to work under supervision with individual children who have slight to moderate problems. Please note that all applications and queries for this course will be dealt with by APAC, and that start dates may differ depending on your location of study.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a second class honours degree or equivalent experience or training, such as within the work environment, where the applicant does not have a degree. Have a minimum of two years full time equivalent experience of working with children in some capacity. Applicants should have a work based placement, which may be the applicant’s place of work and a PTUK approved Clinical Supervisor member, who must be in place before clinical work starts. Applicants will also need to evidence their Professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process (either at an introductory day or by telephone). All applications should be supported by two references, either academic or professional.
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course.
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Fees
For fees and funding information please see our website
Student Destinations
You will be able to practise, with the guidance of a supervisor, using therapeutic play skills in schools and other settings including primary health care, providing emotional support for slight to moderate problems with individual children. If you are already working as a self-employed play therapist, this qualification will give you added confidence to continue working and offering your services as a practitioner.
– Play Therapist
– Play Worker
– Children’s Nurse
– Nursery Nurse
Module Details
Orientation and Setting Up Play Therapy Practice Using Non-Directive Play Therapy
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You will be introduced to the principles of non-directive play and the therapeutic play continuum so you will be prepared to work one to one with children who have slight to moderate social, emotional and behaviour difficulties.
- Using Expressive Arts Therapy to Reach the Unconscious
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Add to your repertoire of play therapy tools and conditions, and study the main research methods that are applicable to play therapy and the fundamentals of neurobiology showing the beneficial effects of play.
- Using Symbolic Play Therapy Tools and Metaphor Safely
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Gain a sound working knowledge of child protection issues and add to your repertoire of therapeutic play media by including art, therapeutic story telling, movement, clay and sand therapy.
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