Training to become a family therapist in the UK involves a structured pathway accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT). The full qualification typically spans four years part-time and includes Foundation (Year 1), Intermediate (Year 2), and Qualifying (Years 3 & 4) levels. These stages build progressively on systemic theory and practice, culminating in eligibility for UKCP registration.

Applicants usually hold a prior professional qualification (PPQ) in health or social care—such as psychology, social work, nursing, or counselling—and a first degree. However, alternative routes via Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are available for those with relevant experience but without formal qualifications. Training providers assess entry eligibility directly.

The CYP-IAPT Systemic Family Practice pathway offers intermediate-level training for professionals working in CAMHS and related services. These one-year postgraduate diplomas, accredited by AFT, focus on evidence-based interventions for issues such as depression, self-harm, conduct disorders, and eating disorders. Graduates may progress to qualifying-level training and UKCP registration.

Several UK universities offer accredited family therapy programmes. King's College London provides an MSc in Family Therapy, combining supervised clinical practice with academic study. The University of Leeds offers a part-time MSc over two years, building on intermediate-level training. The Institute of Family Therapy delivers all three levels of training and is the only provider offering a Child-Focused Systemic Practice course.

Training includes live clinical supervision, personal and professional development, and research methods. Students are expected to engage in supervised practice with families and complete academic assignments. Post-qualification, therapists must maintain CPD and may pursue supervision training or doctoral research.

For more information, visit the AFT website at https://www.aft.org.uk/page/routestoqualification or explore individual course providers such as King's College London (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/family-therapy-msc), University of Leeds (https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/a792/systemic-family-therapy-msc), and the Institute of Family Therapy (https://ift.org.uk/courses/).

University Family Therapy Training in the UK

In addition to my personal journey, here is a comprehensive list of UK universities offering accredited family therapy training:

• University of Birmingham: Offers postgraduate modules in systemic practice and advanced clinical training. Part-time and CPD-accredited. Course Listings
• King’s College London: MSc in Family Therapy. Requires a professional qualification in health or social care and relevant experience. Course Page
• University of Leeds: MSc in Systemic Family Therapy. Entry requires a relevant degree and professional experience. Course Page
• University of Exeter: PGDip and MSc in Systemic Practice. Requires prior professional qualification and experience. Course Page
• University of Bedfordshire: Offers systemic practice training through CYP-IAPT. Course Page
• University of Strathclyde: MSc in Family Therapy. Entry requires a relevant degree and clinical experience. Course Page
• University of South Wales: PGDip in Systemic Practice. Requires prior professional qualification and experience. Course Page
• Institute of Family Therapy: Offers accredited courses in systemic practice and supervision. Course Page

Entry requirements typically include:

• A professional qualification in health, social care, or education
• A relevant undergraduate degree
• Experience working with families or children
• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered