Queen's University Belfast campus

Health Sciences

MSc Systemic Psychotherapy at Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom

Programme overview

A qualifying-level MSc for those who have completed Intermediate systemic training and wish to qualify as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist with full registration as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist with the UK Council for Psychotherapy. It is accredited at Qualification level by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice UK (AFT) and constitutes years 3 and 4 of the four-year training. For social workers it meets the full requirements for the Northern Ireland Strategic and Leadership Award.

Faculty: Social Sciences, Education and Social Work  |  Duration: 2 years part-time  |  Intake: September 2028 (intake every two years; next intake September 2028)  |  Study mode: part-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Qualifying-level systemic psychotherapy training including live supervision and therapy clinics, balancing theory and practice with supervised clinical placements.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent (including the pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work); otherwise applicants must show ability to study at postgraduate level through references and a reflective assignment on their practice. A prior relevant professional qualification in a mental health or social care discipline (for example social work, nursing, clinical psychology, psychiatry), or equivalent at the Programme Director's discretion (with full CV and possible interview). Completion of AFT-accredited Systemic Practice and Family Therapy training at Foundation and Intermediate levels, or equivalent (the CYP-IAPT (SFP) Practitioners Course also qualifies). Evidence of 200 hours of systemic practice in the applicant's own work setting and access to suitable systemic supervision by a qualified Systemic Psychotherapist/Supervisor. At least two references, one from the current employer. Individual and group interviews form part of selection; offers are made in rank order up to the number of supervised clinical placements available, with a waiting list. Open only to applicants working as Social Care Professionals in a suitable setting in NI/UK/RoI; social work applicants must be registered with NISCC. Late applications may be considered. English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in any component (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,700 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency; fee payable in each year of the 2-year programme; published 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years part-time

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