We offer the Certificate Course through three different avenues. There are two in person options, these are in London, and at the East of England Systemic Learning Hub (in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT)), as well as our Online course.
The Certificate in Child & Family Systemic Practice is the first year of the 4-year pathway to becoming a professional Family and Systemic Psychotherapist.
The Certificate can be a standalone training for those who wish to have an overview of systemic ideas and begin to link this to their practice. Successful completion of Year 1 enables trainees who wish to continue their systemic journey to becoming a Systemic Practitioner (year 2: Intermediate Level) and a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist (years 3&4) as accredited by UKCP.
London
Date: September 2026
Course length: 1 Year (15 teaching days, Mondays, twice a month 9:45 – 16:00)
Fee for 2026/27: £3,940
Venue: IFT London
Online
Date: September 2026
Course length: 1 Year (15 teaching days, Mondays, twice a month 9:45 – 16:00)
Fee for 2026/27: £3,940
Venue: Online
East of England Systemic Learning Hub
Date: September 2026
Course length: 1 Year (17 teaching days, Mondays, 2pm-6:30pm) plus one Presentation Day
Fee for 2026/27: £3,940
Venue: East of England Systemic Learning Hub – Newtown Centre, Nursery Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3RJ
In line with inclusive definitions of family, IFT refers to families as including couples with or without children.
All courses are equivalent and cover the same basic systemic tools and approaches. Applicants are therefore required to indicate at the point of application which course they wish to attend.
The in-house London and East of Enlgand courses are accredited by the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP). The online course is currently in process to be accredited by AFSP.
The online course is delivered through live online teaching, with scheduled lectures and attendance required. It is not a self-paced or recorded distance learning programme.
Progression: After successful completion, trainees can apply for the Intermediate Certificate in Systemic Practice, where they can choose which avenue to specialise (Families and Couples or Child Focused Practice).
Aims
– Familiarise participants with a systems approach to working with families, children, young people, couples, and their networks.
– Familiarise participants with the principles underlying this and the main approaches used in systemic practice.
– Encourages participants to broaden their range of interventions in family and other related contexts in which they have a professional role.
– Encourage a critical approach to theory and practice in the light of inequalities and differences of race, class and gender,
– Encourage an anti-discriminatory approach to working with clients.
– Developing an understanding of the self of the practitioner.
– Explore the processes of change and the nature of the therapeutic relationship
– Encourage participants to reflect on and learn about their own responses
No previous training in systemic work is required.
Participants must be working with families and couples/children and their families within the context of their profession. They are expected to include pseudonymised examples of work for their assignments and discussions on the course.
If your intention is to pursue your training to the Qualifying level, you must be aware that a prior professional qualification will be a requirement for entry, unless you go through an APEL process. Please see Prior Professional Qualifications and APEL Policy for further details of QLT entry criteria.
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, IFT requires applicants to reach a satisfactory level of proficiency in English Language prior to starting the programme. Evidence of your proficiency in spoken English will be required with your application form.
The standard requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 580 (or 237 in the TOEL computer based test, plus 4 in the essay writing), or the AEB Test in English for Educational Purposes.
Assessed Components
Essay 1: 2,000 words due January (20%)
Essay 2: 3,500 words due March (30%)
Presentation: to small group in May (50%) – this requires a recording of a session with a family (i.e. more than one person in the room)
Formative Assessment
Reflective Journal: due June (0%)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 5pm on 30 June.
This is a popular course and early application is advised. Late applicants are advised to contact the training department after the closing date to check availability of places.
Selection for the course is made on the basis of the application form. Applicants will not normally be required to attend an interview.
COURSE FEE INFORMATION
Payment in instalments available to self payers (monthly or termly options available).
A non returnable administration fee of £45 is payable to the Institute of Family Therapy on application.
IFT policy on fees
Once registered with IFT, trainees (or their employer/sponsor) will be liable for the full course fee. In the event of trainees failing to complete a course for any reason (including voluntary withdrawal on notice), they will remain liable for the full fee.
I have found the quality of teaching of the team, their experience of practice, and their sensitive and encouraging approach, hugely inspiring.
