Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Family Practice

Course Content

• Course Details

  It is likely that students on this PG Dip will come from a broad range of backgrounds, and will have varied skills when they begin the programme. However, they will have shared skills as CAMHS practitioners with at least two years of practice experience. The modules are structured to support students in developing their existing skills to enable postgraduate success. The focus is on taking skills to an advanced level and encouraging students to develop greater expertise in chosen areas.

  The transferable skills which are particularly emphasised on this course include the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and apply research and theory in a practical organisational context. Students are encouraged to examine the tensions between theory and practice and to develop flexibility and creativity in applying research and theory to real-world contexts.  Students are encouraged to work in action learning sets and in reflexive and problem focused group work, building strong skills in group and team work, equipping students to facilitate group projects in a variety of employment settings.  A range of assessments that test the acquisition of particular skills at different stages are employed throughout the diploma.  These include presentations, video recordings, case studies, reflexive reports and a plan for a service evaluation.

  The use of Personal Tutors processes reinforces key skills development throughout the programme. For students who are remotely located, arrangements will be made for phone or skype based contact with the PT. Your personal tutor will either be the course lead or an associate lecturer and both will facilitate separate skills groups on regular occasions.

  Module information can be found on the Award Map.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Core Skills for Working with Children and Young People (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM063

      Status: Compulsory
      This module covers the `core skills? needed by all CAMHS practitioners to work with children and young people. The module will provide essential knowledge of family structures, dynamics and cultural aspects, as well as opportunities to develop the skills that are needed to deal with complex family circumstances.
    • Core Competencies for Working with Children and Young People (CYP IAPT) (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM095

      Status: Compulsory
      This module facilitates students to build the requisite knowledge and core competencies to work with children and young people in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The module aims to develop Change Making professionals, who will work as science practitioners to effect change at personal, interpersonal and systemic levels.
    • Skills for Systemic Family Practice (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM096

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will address the key knowledge and clinical skills required for systemic work with children, young people and their families. Students will explore systemic theory and models of intervention with children and families, and develop an understanding various factors that impact on family life and on mental health.
    • Systemic Family Practice for Depression, Self-Harm and Conduct Disorder (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM097

      Status: Designate
      This module focuses on the use of systemic family practice for Depression, Self-Harm and Conduct Disorder, adopting a Systemic Family Therapy (SFT) theoretical base and utilizing evidence-based approaches. The module will develop trainees? knowledge of theory and research, provide practical skills training and promote a critical approach to the subject.

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