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Title
MScPsychological Therapies Practiceand Research (Systemic Therapy)
Category
graduate
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1e7911757b594850b8ad5fee45dbeb1b
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https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/mscptprsystemic/
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https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/
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2026-03-25T01:34:57+00:00
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# MScPsychological Therapies Practiceand Research (Systemic Therapy)

**Source**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/mscptprsystemic/
**Parent**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/

# MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research (Systemic Therapy)

MSc Psychological Therapies Practice \
and Research (Systemic Therapy)

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| UCAS code | 1234 |
| Duration | 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | [Streatham Campus](javascript:void(0)) |

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Typical offer [View full entry requirements](#entry-requirements) | An undergraduate degree, or a previous qualification at an equivalent level. |
| Contextual offers |  |

## Why study MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research (Systemic Therapy) at Exeter?

- Our programme is designed to give the knowledge, skills and clinical experience you need to become an independent family and systemic psychotherapist. If you meet all requirements, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP) as a family/systemic psychotherapist with the [United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy](https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/) (UKCP)
- You will learn how to understand and apply psychological therapeutic practice, both in general and within your chosen modality. This includes developing an understanding of how different therapeutic approaches relate to one another
- The course combines academic learning with clinical practice, giving you a strong foundation in theory and hands on clinical experience to become an effective family and systemic psychotherapist

[Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR)](https://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/)

[Ask a question](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/enquiry/)

### Contact

**Programme administrator:** Katrina Choi

**Email:** [admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk)

**Phone:** [+44 1392 724644](tel:+44 1392 724644)

This programme is delivered by [Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR)](https://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/): an applied psychological practice centre of excellence, focussed on training the new psychological therapies workforce of the future.

Competency-based training, delivered according to the latest evidence-informed clinical teaching approaches

Dedicated training facilities equipped with video and audio recording

A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development

CEDAR is 1st in the sector for student satisfaction in three out of seven themes

National Student Survey 2025

## Entry requirements

This programme will cover core and advanced theories and skills, and will not be taught at a basic or introductory level. It is intended for trainees who have such basic knowledge and skills who wish to become more specialised or advanced practitioners and or researchers.

Successful applicants to the course will need to have met the following criteria:

#### 1. Preliminary training in systemic practice.

Normally this would mean at least a year’s preliminary formal systemic psychotherapy training (successful completion of a foundation and intermediate course or equivalent).

#### 2. Clinical experience using a systemic approach.

Normally this would mean an intermediate level course that includes a minimum of 60 hours of supervised practice. Applications will be considered from those who have not completed a formal intermediate level training but who can provide evidence of appropriate clinical and educational experience.

#### 3. An undergraduate degree, or a previous qualification at an equivalent level.

This is required by the University of Exeter for enrolment in a postgraduate programme and is important to ensure capacity to complete academic course work, most of which will be done through self-directed assignments.

#### 4. A recognised qualification in a profession involving the care of people with mental health problems.

A qualifications such as Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Counselling (with membership of BAC). The programme will assume basic knowledge of topics such as the diagnosis of mental health problems, ethical practice and the trainee's capacity to observe basic ethical, safety and reporting procedures in carrying out a course of therapy.

#### 5. Normally the applicant will also be working in settings in which they can be working systemically with clients.

Trainees must have the approval of their manager in releasing them from some of their normal duties for the duration of the Programme.

Please also see our guidance on [essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/entryrequirements/supportingdocuments/).

### Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our [entry requirements](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/entryrequirements/) section for equivalencies from your country and further information on [English language requirements](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/englishlanguagerequirements/).

Read more

Please also see our guidance on [essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/entryrequirements/supportingdocuments/).

### Entry requirements for international students

#### English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.

The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under **Profile** .

[Please visit our English language requirements page](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/englishlanguagerequirements/profile-) to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

## Course content

### Anti-Oppressive Practice

We believe that the client’s difficulties must be understood within the wider context of social justice, oppression and inequality. Antioppressive practice is therefore central to the MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research (Systemic Therapy) programme.

Our teaching includes:

- Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS (Burnham, 2012)
- Intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991)
- Social location (PettyJohn et al., 2020)
- Valuing multiple forms of knowledge and lived experience

### Placements - Clinical Practice Close to Home

Clinical practice is a key part of the MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research (Systemic Therapy) programme. In line with the requirements of the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP), students will be supported to apply their learning in real-world settings throughout both years of the course.

There are two main forms of clinical practice outside of our teaching days:

- **Placements:** 300 hours (a minimum of 3.5 hours per week), including a minimum of 40 hours as lead therapist
- **Parallel hours** (usually in the student’s workplace): 200 hours (arranged by the student)

We aim to arrange placements as close to students’ homes as possible, and often within the student’s employing NHS trust (in a different team where possible to support learning).

We have established placement networks across the South West, London, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, South Wales and the Midlands. For students outside these areas, we work with professional networks to identify suitable placement opportunities.

Placements typically involve:

- Working in training clinics with other students, where possible
- Year‑round clinical work, including holiday periods (typical annual leave arrangements will apply)
- A CAMHS placement in Year 1 and an adult services placement in Year 2 (where possible)
- At least 20 lead therapist hours per year (most students exceed this)
- Video‑recording sessions to support learning
- Regular supervision from a qualified systemic psychotherapist
- Termly meetings between the student, tutor and supervisor

If you are a **prospective or existing placement supervisor**, you can find out more information about placements below.

[Information for Placement Supervisors](https://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/systemic/msc-systemic-therapy-information-for-placement-supervisors/).

### Parallel Hours

To further develop their systemic clinical practice, our students must complete 200 hours (100 hours per year) of parallel practice.

This can include:

- Clinical hours with two or more family members (primarily) or individuals
- Arranging and supporting network meetings
- Delivering systemic CPD training to other professionals

Parallel hours must be supervised by an accredited systemic psychotherapist. If this is not available in the workplace, students will need to arrange private supervision.

Year 1

*Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.*

75 credits of compulsory modules.

*75 credits of compulsory modules*

### Compulsory modules

| Code | Module | Credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [PYCM015](#PYCM015 "PYCM015") | Family Therapy and the Family of Therapies | 15 |
| [PYCM051](#PYCM051 "PYCM051") | Psychological Therapies Research Methods | 15 |
| [PYCM052](#PYCM052 "PYCM052") | Evidenced-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence in Family Therapy | 15 |
| [PYCM053](#PYCM053 "PYCM053") | Key Concepts and Skills in Systemic/Family Therapy Practice | 15 |
| [PYCM054](#PYCM054 "PYCM054") | Systemic Clinical Practice: Part 1 | 15 |

Year 2

*Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.*

105 credits of compulsory modules.

*105 credits of compulsory modules*

### Compulsory modules

| Code | Module | Credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [PYCM001](#PYCM001 "PYCM001") | Psychological Therapies Research Project | 60 |
| [PYCM055](#PYCM055 "PYCM055") | Systemic Clinical Practice: Part 2 | 15 |
| [PYCM056](#PYCM056 "PYCM056") | Issues in Contemporary Family Therapy Practice | 15 |
| [PYCM057](#PYCM057 "PYCM057") | Couple Therapy | 15 |

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## How to apply

### Before applying

If you have any questions, we welcome you to join one of our open days (typically online). These are a chance for you to ask any questions you may have and hear about our programme in more detail. To book your place or ask any questions outside of our open days, you can contact our team at [admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk).

#### Open days 2026

**Online**: Tuesday 10 March 2026, 13:30 - 15:30

**Online**: Thursday 19 March 2026, 10:00 - 12:30

To book a place at one of the open days, or for any other queries, please contact [admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk).

### Complete an application form

To apply, please download and complete the [Systemic Application Form (.docx)](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/recruitmentsites/documents/2026-28_Systemic_Initial Application_Form.docx) and return this to the Programme Administrator at [admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:admin-systemicstudies@exeter.ac.uk). The closing date for applications is **23 April 2026.**

We reserve the right to close this process if we receive large numbers of applications. If this occurs, then you can continue to apply and we will put your application on a reserve list.**\**

## Fees

### Home/EU students

This course is funded by NHS England, so fees are not typically payable by candidates.

The fee for self-funded places for **2026** is **£8,400**.

### Scholarships

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with **£7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year**, including our prestigious **Exeter Excellence Scholarships \***. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our [scholarships and bursaries page](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/postgraduatetaught/).

#### University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship

We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. [Full details can be found here.](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5609)

\*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. [See our website for details.](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5613).

[Find out more about tuition fees and funding »](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees/)

I believe using a systemic framework can help us tackle some of the difficulties we face generally. Almost all the young people I work with are responding appropriately and understandably to incredibly difficult life circumstances. We need to contextualise mental health, within both the family and wider society.

**Hannah Sherbersky**

Co-director of Systemic Portfolio, Senior Lecturer, Researcher and Systemic Psychotherapist/Academic Lead for MSc PTPR Systemic Therapy

## Teaching and research

### Tutors and tutor groups

Each student is assigned a personal tutor who supports their personal and professional development throughout the course.

- Tutor groups are made up of up to 8 students
- In these groups, we support students to build relationships and a sense of safety, allowing a supportive and personalised learning environment
- Groups focus on connection, reflective practice and — as training progresses — video review and skills development
- Students meet with their tutor one-to-one each term, with further meetings available if needed
- Meetings may include the student’s placement supervisor to ensure coordinated support
- Tutors can help students access University wellbeing services if needed

### Therapeutic consultations

As part of our commitment to developing the ‘self of the therapist’, students are required to take part in their own family therapy. This supports students to deepen their understanding of the client’s experience.

This helps students to explore:

- What it feels like to find a therapist
- How circular questions feel from a client perspective
- How it feels when others speak about you
- How safety and trust develop
- How families prepare for and reflect on sessions

These are all things you can best understand by experiencing therapy as a client.

This is an essential course requirement for all students. **However, it is neither ethical nor practical for us to insist that family members attend**. A timetabled session early in the course offers an opportunity for students to consider the practical and emotional challenges involved in participating in this aspect of the training.

### Developing your skills

We draw on the ‘deliberate practice’ model (the work of Tony Rousmaniere, Adrian Blow and others). Using this, we will support students to

- Identify potential areas for growth
- Practice skills and receive immediate expert feedback, before continuing to hone these skills
- Reflect on their ‘self of the therapist’
- Use client feedback to guide their development

### Therapy models and evidence-based practice

We believe that understanding and building on the strong evidence base for family and systemic psychotherapy is key to its effective use and development. This approach helps maintain the profession’s important role in the UK health and social care system.

As such, we teach students to build a positive, healthy and critical relationship with research, evidence, therapy models and manuals.

Models we focus on include:

- Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN)
- Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
- Family Interventions for Psychosis and Bipolar Experiences (FIP)
- Open Dialogue
- A range of couple therapy models, including the Exeter Model for adult depression, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method

Read more

## Related courses

[Clinical Supervision of Psychological Therapies Practice PGCert

Streatham Campus](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/pgcertcsptp/)

Streatham Campus

[Children, Young People and Families PGDip/GradDip

Streatham Campus](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/pgdipptp_cypf/)

[Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children, Young People and Families PGDip/GradDip

Streatham Campus](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/pgdip_licbtcyp/)

[View all Psychology courses](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/psychology/)

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