MSc Play Therapy
This programme is delivered by WithKids, in Glasgow. It is validated by Queen Margaret University. Through our rigorous quality assurance procedures we ensure that the programme has the same academic standards as equivalent awards delivered by 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.
The aim of the MSc Play Therapy is to enable students to develop into person-centred, confident skilled and reflexive practitioners, able to apply the knowledge, values, clinical and research skills needed to work effectively and creatively as an art psychotherapist with people within diverse practice contexts, and to actively contribute to the growing profession.
Programme details
Title :Â Â MSc Play Therapy
:Â Â 11
Mode of delivery :Â Â part-time
Duration :Â Â 3 years
Language of delivery :Â Â English
Approval
First approved: 2016
Most recent approval: June 2021
External accreditation or recognition: accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists
Programme structure
Summary of structure
| Module | Credits |
| Child Development Theory and Observations 1 | 20 |
| Practice Theory and Placement 1 | 40 |
| Theory and Practice of Person-Centred Health and Wellbeing | 20 |
| Child Development Theory and Observations 2 | 20 |
| Practice Theory and Placement 2 | 20 |
| Leading Person-Centered Practice for Health and Wellbeing | 20 |
| Play Therapy: research, theory and practice (including process group) | 20 |
| Practice Theory and Placement 3 | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
Key features
Placements: There are three placements, one each year. Learners work with 5-6 children during the programme. The level of complexity of the children's needs increases as learners develop their practice placement knowledge. The hours at placement are dependent on the caseload for the year group stage.
Professional registration: Graduates who complete the full MSc may apply to join the British Association of Play Therapists.
Any other important points: Although the programme is part-time it requires a considerable investment of time. For taught classes, there is one day of attendance per week at WithKids. This is supplemented by online learning, independent study, placements and child observations. Potential applicants are advised to contact the programme leader for more details of the expected time commitment.
Admission criteria
To be considered for admission to the MSc Play Therapy programme, an applicant should normally:
- Hold an honours degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Demonstrate personal characteristics of maturity, openness and the ability to reflect on self in relation to others.
- Have more than 2 years’ post qualifying experience working with children and young people in education, the community or in health settings preferably with skills in understanding social and emotional issues relevant to the client group.
- In the absence of a degree, 5 years' relevant experience working with children and families would be considered and if successful at interview requirement to submit an essay to assessed before being accepted.
Applicants whose first language is not English, and whose first degree was not studied in English, must show evidence of English language ability equivalent to IELTS 7.0 (with no element less than 6.5).
As learners work with vulnerable groups whilst on practice placement, a criminal record check carried out through Disclosure Scotland is required. It is the responsibility of each learner to supply the information and necessary documentation and to pay for this to be carried out and this must be completed before any learner can commence practice-based learning.
