- You can not be considered for this course if you are currently occupying a recruit to train position or if you have not waited two years before applying for another recruit to train vacancy.
- You will need to have a first or second class honours degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
- You should normally have access to a suitable context in which they work with children and young people, and to an appropriate supervisor.
- You should hold a training in a mental health-related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, other psychotherapy, counselling).
- Two years’ experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health of children and young people.
- Some experience of working with families.
Students who have not completed a first degree, but have a relevant qualification (e.g A Diploma in Nursing) may register for the PG Dip. In the first instance they will be registered as ‘associate students’ and will transfer to full Diploma status once they have passed their first level 7 module.
Given the specialist and bespoke nature of this diploma, prospective students will initially be identified through the joint action of the University of Northampton course leader, and participating NHS services and linked organisations, who will identify appropriate participants from within their workforces or those that make an application through other means. Additional programme places for non-CYP-IAPT related applicants may be considered subject to programme places being available. Applicants are selected for offer or invited to interview on the basis of information provided in the application form, the personal statement and academic reference. Students who have previously completed an appropriate AFT accredited intermediate course in systemic practice with families will, if they wish, be granted APEL for the “Basic Skills In Systemic Family Practice module”, but will usually be required to take the specialist modules (Either Eating Disorders, or Depression and Self Harm) and core CYP IAPT Curriculum (Core Competencies for Children and Young People’s IAPT, and PSYM063, Core Competencies for Working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
With your application you need to complete and submit an Employer Declaration form which has been signed by your manager with your online application. You can find the Employer Declaration form on the additional documents page.
For further information about applying to postgraduate study, please visit the how to apply for postgraduate study page.
Special admissions requirements
During the period of training students will be required to hold a caseload, to be receiving regular clinical supervision, to be able to video record their sessions with children and families, and to use the CYP IAPT routine outcome measures.
Suitability for the programme will be ascertained by employer nomination, application form and personal statement, and admissions interview (which may include a young people’s representative, and an employer representative, as well as a representative of the HEI).
English Language Requirements
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent)
with a score no lower than 6.0 for writing and no remaining band/component below 5.5 for study at postgraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
How to apply
Please note applications for this course can only be made following successful appointment in the CAMHS workforce as a trainee Systemic Family Therapist . For further information and to register your interest please contact the programme leader Dr Jenny Tozer.