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MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Sexual and Relationship Therapy

Location
Southwark

Duration
1 year (PgCert)
2 years (PgDip)
2.5 years (MSc)

Start date
September

Number of places
15

Simple timetable info
Part-time. The course is 6 hours per week 1pm-7pm, 1 day per week.

How to apply
Direct to LSBU

LSBU code
2651

Course contacts
Dr Paula Reavey
Course Director
reaveyp@lsbu.ac.uk 0– 20 7815 6177

Non-standard entry requirements
Applications are also welcomed from those without the required qualifications who possess the life/work skills that would make them suitable to study at this level.

Course units
Students will complete five units (some of which are double units, running across two semesters)

Year 1

– Foundations in Sexuality, Sexual Problems and Relationships, Foundations in Sexual and Relationship Therapy (both are double units)

Year 2

– Advanced Issues in Sexual and Relationship Therapy (double unit)

– Clinical Placement (double unit)

– Research Methods and Clinical Case Study Analysis

Year 3

– Research Dissertation. Students will be supervised to complete an original research project or clinical case study.


Course description

The aim of the programme is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to evaluate, assess, and advance current understanding of the theory and practice of sexual and relationship therapy. This programme covers the psychological, biological and social aspects of sexuality, sexual and relationship problems, and counselling and therapy in this area.

The programme is offered to those who may not have existing practice qualifications but who would like to undertake a programme that would eventually lead (with the completion of further practice hours outside of the university) to a practice accreditation by a professional organisation, such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and/ or the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (BASRT).

The final part of this course is an empirically-based research project, using either qualitative or quantitative methodology, with a personal supervisor for guidance. Assessment methods will vary depending on the units, with a combination of coursework, presentations, examinations, and portfolios.

The programme will not in itself lead to a full counselling or therapy qualification but it will ensure that students will have completed a number of necessary academic and practice modules, as well as a significant proportion of clinical hours (undertaken on programme placement) which meet many of the essential requirements for eventual professional accreditation. It is usual, for example, that a student on such a course would carry on to a fourth year involving the completion of necessary clinical hours under supervision, and then independently apply for professional accreditation.


Career opportunities

Potential employers are: the police, prisons, Customs and Excise, Home Office and both security and research and development organisations. Students already employed in these areas will find the MSc contributes to both their practice and development opportunities.

Typical background of applicant Students should either be graduates or be able to demonstrate APEL from a relevant professional environment.

Professional contacts/industry links

This MSc has been developed in consultation with BASRT. Formal Approval will be sought when the course begins in October 2009.

Guest lecturers

– Professor John Bancroft (former Director of the Kinsey Institute)

– Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatry

– Dr. Martin Baggaley, Medical Director at the South London and Maudsley NHS trust.

– Dr. Michael Crowe, Consultant Psychiatrist, former chair member of BASRT. Founder/Director of the Maudsley Therapy with Couples Course and Co-author of ‘Therapy with Couples’ (with Jane Ridley)

– Dr. Jane Ridley, Psychosexual Therapist and former chair of BASRT.