MSc Play Therapy

Program Overview

The MSc Play Therapy program at Queen Margaret University is a 3-year part-time program that prepares students to work as BAPT-registered play therapists. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development through supervised placements, emphasizing child-centered therapy and play as the primary medium. Graduates are equipped to enhance emotional well-being and transform life chances for children in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice.

Program Outline

Program Extraction: MSc Play Therapy at Queen Margaret University

Degree Overview:

• Program Title:
MSc Play Therapy
• Institution:
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, Scotland
• Duration:
3 years part-time
• Start Date:
September 2024
• Delivery Mode:
A mix of attendance at With Kids (Glasgow), at QMU, and on placement.
• Awarding Body:
QMU
• Professional Accreditation:
Accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT)
• Registration:
Graduates can register as Full Members of BAPT and practice as play therapists.

Objectives:

• Develop expertise and skills to work as a play therapist.
• Learn to work safely and therapeutically with children and families with complex needs.
• Enhance emotional well-being and transform life chances for children.
• Gain a thorough understanding of child development and related theories.
• Develop clinical observation and practice skills.
• Prepare for a rewarding career as a play therapist.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Focus:
Child-centered therapy using play as the primary medium.
• Core areas:
Play therapy theory and practice, child development, observation, clinical practice, research, and professional development.
• Learning activities:
Lectures, workshops, small group discussions, seminars, experiential groups, observation, skills practice, individual and group supervision, clinical practice placements.

Structure:

• Year 1:
Practice, Theory & Placement 1 (40 credits), Child Development & Observations 1 (20 credits), Theory & Practice of Person-Centred (20 credits).
• Year 2:
Practice, Theory & Placement 2 (20 credits), Child Development & Observations 2 (20 credits), Play Therapy Research, Theory & Practice (20 credits).
• Year 3:
Practice, Theory & Placement 3 (20 credits), Health & Wellbeing (20 credits), Leading/Person-Centred Practice for Health & Wellbeing(20 credits), Dissertation (60 credits).

Course Schedule:

• Students attend the learning center at With Kids (Glasgow) one day a week for the first two years.
• Additional commitments include practice placements, clinical supervision, and personal therapy.

Individual Modules:

• Practice, Theory & Placement 1-3:
Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills development through supervised placements.
• Child Development & Observations 1-2:
Explore child development theories and practice observation skills.
• Play Therapy Research, Theory & Practice:
Engage with research methods and advanced play therapy techniques.
• Theory & Practice of Person-Centred:
Develop person-centered communication and therapeutic skills.
• Health & Wellbeing:
Examine the link between play therapy and health and well-being.
• Leading/Person-Centred Practice for Health & Wellbeing:
Develop leadership skills in person-centered practice.
• Dissertation:
Conduct independent research on a play therapy-related topic.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Case study analysis
• Collaborative presentations
• Developmental theory essays
• Observation analysis
• Play therapy practice placement portfolio
• Dissertation

Assessment Criteria:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Application of play therapy theory and practice
• Effective communication and writing skills
• Ethical awareness and reflection
• Independent research ability

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Problem-based learning
• Workshops
• Small group discussions
• Seminars
• Experiential groups
• Observation
• Skills practice
• Individual and group supervision
• Clinical practice placements

Faculty:

• Qualified and experienced BAPT-registered play therapists with clinical experience and case material.

Unique Approaches:

• Collaboration with With Kids (a Scottish charity) for practice placements and clinical supervision.
• Emphasis on child-centered therapy and play as the primary medium.
• Integration of theory and practice through supervised placements.
• Focus on individual and group supervision for professional development.

V. Careers:

Career Opportunities:

• Play therapists in various settings: statutory organizations, schools, children's centers, hospitals, hospices, social services, private practice, and academia.
• Opportunities for independent practice and commissioned work.
• Potential for roles in research, teaching, and clinical supervision.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to work as BAPT-registered play therapists.
• They have the skills and knowledge to enhance emotional well-being and transform life chances for children.
• They are equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various play therapy settings.

Other:

• Course fees are available from With Kids.
• PVG check and professional indemnity insurance are required.
• Additional costs for placement travel and accommodation may apply.
• Students are responsible for their personal therapy costs.
• The cost of the health check may vary depending on the student's nationality.
Some details, such as specific module descriptions and teaching staff, may change. The course website or contacting With Kids directly is recommended for the most up-to-date information.