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MA Contemporary Relationship Studies

A part-time, COSRT-accredited master's that takes a flexible approach to integrating theory and practice, for students coming from different theoretical perspectives.

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Why choose this course

  1. Accredited by COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists)
  2. Theory explored together from the start, not in separate modules
  3. 150 hours of clinical placement in an approved clinical setting
  4. Registration and accreditation routes with BACP and COSRT
  5. Progression to the MSc in Psychosexual Therapy specialist route

Overview

This three-year, part time, course, validated by the University of Hull, has been designed to offer a flexible approach to the integration of theory and practice.

Read the full overview

The threshold concepts embedded in the course include a sophisticated opportunity to approach counselling and therapeutic theories from different perspectives. Rather than being taught theoretical approaches in separate modules, and then seek integration, the aim is to explore theoretical concepts together from the start of the course in order to challenge students to link concepts to practice in a reflexive free flowing manner.

The course is designed to encourage the multiple contexts of reflexivity at every stage of the student’s learning. It is acknowledged that students will be coming on to the course from different theoretical perspectives and major shifts in their perception and understanding of client work will be expected.

Students will be encouraged to examine their own personal constructs and the impact they have on the work with clients in diverse settings in the UK in the 21st century.

An emphasis on the importance of supervision will run throughout the course as well as access to continuing professional development (CPD).

The programme is accredited by COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists).

The course lasts 3 Years with 18 days per year commitment over 9 monthly blocks. Placement hours are 150 hours over the 3 years.

Placements may be secured within this region or in the student’s own region.

What you’ll study, year by year

9 modules

  1. Year 1

    60 credits

    Post-graduate Certificate stage

    • Theoretical Concepts20 credits · Module 1
    • Effecting Change20 credits · Module 2
    • Culture and Context20 credits · Module 3

  2. Year 2

    60 credits

    Post-graduate Diploma stage

    • Therapy with more than one person20 credits · Module 4
    • Working with Couples and Sexual Relationships20 credits · Module 5
    • Working with Groups and Families20 credits · Module 6

  3. Year 3

    60 credits

    Masters stage

    • Advancing Practice20 credits · Module 7
    • Contemporary Therapeutic Challenges20 credits · Module 8
    • Therapeutic Challenges and Beyond20 credits · Module 9

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time

Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and practical and lab sessions.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • One-to-one tutorials
  • Group projects
  • Placements and work-related learning
Read more about how you’ll learn

The course is modular, with attendance on 18 days per year, taking place over 9 blocks. Each block is two days long. It is expected that students at level 7 undertake a 25:75% ratio of scheduled learning to self-study.

Clinical placements will be in an approved clinical setting and involve 150 hours of practice during the three years (a minimum of 50 hours with individuals and 100 hours with more than one person in the room) This can include face to face, online and telephone counselling practice.

As a COSRT student member there is a requirement to complete 50 hours of personal therapy and/or group therapeutic work, focused on awareness of self in relation to the other. This figure should include a minimum of 20 hours one-to-one personal therapy to be completed and evidenced during training.

Students are expected to secure placements to work with individuals in the first year and with relationships and families from the second year onwards.

Students are expected to organise their own clinical supervision whilst on placement.

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

Graduates will have the opportunity to access PhD studies at other universities, such as University of Hull or University of Bedfordshire (Dr Gail Simon’s Professional Doctorate).

  • Counsellor
  • Psychotherapist or Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
  • Other Psychologist
  • Therapy Professional
  • Speech or Language Therapist
Read more about careers and progression

MSc in Psychosexual Therapy specialist route (offered by DNCG, validated by University of Hull and accredited by COSRT)

Registration and accreditation routes with BACP and COSRT

Found where you fit?

Apply now

Entry requirements

A degree qualification or equivalent with a minimum classification of a 2:2 and minimum Level 4 Counselling Skills

  • A degree qualification or equivalent with a minimum classification of a 2:2

and

  • Minimum Level 4 Counselling Skills with face-to-face teaching, including 100 clinical placement hours
  • Mandatory membership of accrediting body COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) for the duration of the programme

Please contact the Programme Leader for entry requirements EL.Kirkham@dncolleges.ac.uk

Fees and funding

£2,730

a year for UK students

*Please Note: Fees are subject to change.

Financial support

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course. Master’s Loan on GOV.UK.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover the majority of costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make or choose to pay. However, please be aware that there are often free/low-cost options available and some placements may offer free training, insurance and supervision.

  • Books (you will have access to an extensive range of electronic books and journals from your module reading lists in the LRC, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities (costs vary)
  • Personal supervision (costs vary between £20-£70 per hour)
  • Personal therapy (costs vary between £20-£70 per hour)
  • CPD (free CPD is widely available but some specific CPD may cost between £30-70)
  • DBS (you may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check)
  • Insurance (most placements offer this for free but yearly insurance can cost around £65)

Questions about funding?

Ask a question

or call 01302 553553, option 2

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Apply direct to us, online.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 5th January 2027Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book your place

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply direct to us online, and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

You’ll get an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 7

Duration

3 years

Study mode

Part-time

Awarding body

University of Hull

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