PGCert Therapeutic Play Skills (APAC)

COURSE OVERVIEW

Become a qualified play therapist and help children come to terms with traumatic events in their lives. Through the use of play, you will give children the confidence and opportunity to express themselves during their time with you.

Whether you are looking for a career change, already work in psychological therapy, social work or in medicine and want to add therapeutic play to your existing skill set, or if you are a graduate just starting out in the field and want to refine your knowledge, this professional course, delivered in partnership with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC), and accredited by the professional body Play Therapy UK, will enable you to work under supervision with individual children who have slight to moderate problems.

You will undertake 100 hours of clinical practice in either a primary school, special needs school, nursery, primary health care, hospital, care home or adoption and foster care setting, where you will apply your learning in a practical setting.

Our School of Health & Community Studies has a well-established playwork team and over recent years has developed close links with APAC and professional organisations Play Therapy UK and Play Therapy International.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Applicants should have a second class honours degree or equivalent experience or training, such as within the work environment, where the applicant does not have a degree. Have a minimum of two years full time equivalent experience of working with children in some capacity. Applicants should have a work based placement, which may be the applicant's place of work and a PTUK approved Clinical Supervisor member, who must be in place before clinical work starts. Applicants will also need to evidence their Professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process (either at an introductory day or by telephone).