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MA in Practice based Play Therapy (part time over 4 years)

This course is eligible for Student Finance (UK only*) and offers an affordable, all-in-one qualification to become a Play Therapist in the UK (not applicable to other countries).

MA in Practice based Play Therapy – Part time 4 year course

Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) are delighted to offer the MA in Practice Based Play Therapy – Part time 4 year course in partnership with the University of Chichester.

Train with us to be a fully qualified, Play Therapy UK (PTUK) registered, Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited, Integrative Holistic Play Therapist with our new part-time, 4 year course and gain a Masters in Practice Based Play Therapy.

Enjoy a combination of face-to-face teaching packed with enriching experiential exercises, online learning modules, undertaking a research study and delivering clinically supervised hours in practice settings.

 

All dates, face-to-face and online, are mandatory to attend. 

If you are interested in applying, please fill in the application form by clicking the button.

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Course starting October 2026 dates coming soon.

Visit the University of Chichester information page here

Venue:

University of Chichester, Upper Bognor Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1HR

University of Chichester MA in Practice based play therapy – Part time 4 year course: Fees
All fees are payable to the University of Chichester via Student Finance (UK only)
Course fees £10,605.00
University registration Fee x 3 £1,110.00
PTUK Trainee Membership Fee x 4 £240.00
E-book The Healing Path with Children by Mark A. Barnes £15.00
Total £11,970.00

*Check if you are eligible for student  finance here (UK only, please note students cannot have undertaken a Masters degree previously)

The entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • Level 6 Honours Degree in a related subject (such as psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, health care, education, social care, social work, or early years and childhood development) .The University of Chichester also accepts some humanities degrees please do contact us to check if your degree is accepted.
  • A minimum of two years’ experience either in paid or voluntary work in child related employment
  • Two satisfactory references: one of the referees should be your line manager or current employer or equivalent and the other one a character reference

This course is not eligible for our Recognised Prior Learning route.

Please note that we are unable to offer places on this course to students already enrolled onto another programme.

Notes and additional costs:

  • A current mandatory membership with Play Therapy UK as a “Trainee” will be required (to be renewed annually). For more information on professional grades, please here.
  • We would also recommend factoring in your supervision costs with a PTUK supervisor which you will require whilst undertaking your placement. These charges would be payable directly to the supervisor and do vary, however if you work on the basis of between £40 and £50 per hour, this should give you a reasonable estimate. You will require around 20 hours of supervision over the course of your placement.
  • Registration with the Information Commissioners Office – please see the ICO website for further details
  • Enhanced DBS/ Access NI/ Scottish PVG Check under the role of Trainee Play Therapist – please email contact@apac.org.uk for information on the associated fees
  • Course fees are not inclusive of accommodation or travel; onsite bed and breakfast accommodation is available at the majority of our training centres, but this must be booked directly with the venue and will incur an additional charge.
  • £250 – £450 to build your Play Kit (please note you can purchase this as you progress on your course)