
Overview
You will study the latest theories in this emerging sector, exploring the shift from traditional therapy methods to more modern techniques such as movement, breathing and sensory activities.
At the beginning of your course, you will use your experience to choose your area of specialist research and develop a proposal for practice-based play therapy research that will form the basis for your dissertation.
Delivered by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) and validated by the University as part of a collaborative partnership, you will undertake this course online, enabling you to fit your study around your personal and professional commitments.
Please note that all applications and queries for this course will be dealt with by APAC, and that start dates may differ depending on your location of study. Find out more on the APAC website.
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: we entered an increased number of units for this assessment, up from 11% in 2008 to 33% in 2014.
Accredited by:
We also have strong links with Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and Play Therapy International (PTI), the leading innovators in the profession, offering you expert career advice and a wealth of knowledge.
Our flexible online course gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace, allowing you to fit your study around your personal commitments. You will have access to a range of training sessions run by APAC at venues across the UK, along with the support of our dedicated tutors and the opportunity to debate and share your experiences in our virtual lecture rooms and chat rooms. You will be able to join forums where you can post your thoughts and learn from your tutors and fellow students.
Entry Requirements
IELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website.
Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.
Careers

Careers
MA Childhood Studies & Early Years
After doing my Masters, I have a much broader knowledge of the psychological and developmental stages of young audiences. From that, I have gained a deeper understanding as to why they respond in the ways they do.
Teaching and learning
- Developing a Practice Based Play Therapy Research Proposal
Develop your understanding of what appears to be 'normal' or a 'taken for granted' assumption, and examine the paradigm shifts that have occurred in psycho-social and therapeutic research where there has traditionally been a divide between research and practice.
- Research Dissertation for Practice Based Play Therapy
You will be supported to plan and manage the research necessary to carry out the plan developed in your previous module to produce a dissertation of professional relevance and having appropriate academic rigour.
Fees & funding
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Facilities
Location

Distance Learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you get can get involved in learning. Our flexible courses – internet-based learning and part-time options – give you more choice, convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.