Information for prospective students
We believe there will be a greater need for therapists in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and our aim is do everything we can to support our students to complete their qualifications and to offer excellent training.
What will you be offering from September 2023 onwards?
Updated 20 June 2023:
Since the 2021-22 academic year, the vast majority of Minster Centre training has taken place in person. We have made provision for small groups of students and staff who for health reasons wished to remain online for some of their training. We also hope this will remain the case for the 2023-24 academic year.
What will happen if Covid-19 cases rise again?
We will follow the government guidelines at the time. This may mean that we revert back to a blended teaching model or to teaching fully online. We will keep arrangements under review so that we can adjust them as things develop.
How did online teaching work during the previous lockdowns?
We have learnt an immense amount about blended and online learning during the pandemic and can bring our new expertise to bear again if it is needed.
We went online just before Easter 2020 and from September 2020 offered a blended teaching model, which meant that we offered as much in person training as we could in Term 1 (following strict Covid safety guidelines). We unfortunately had to move to all online teaching in Term 2 and used the blended model for some groups in Term 3.
At the start of the pandemic and first lockdown, we built Zoom into our virtual learning package so we could provide a secure platform for live discussions and teaching sessions and personal development groups, supported by access to online learning resources. Some students and staff found working online more tiring than face to face so we adjusted the learning sessions to include more breaks and smaller group discussions to try to counteract this. We were able to offer virtually all the teaching contact we would have offered normally. We believe we have managed to transfer much of the ethos of the Minster and the experiential learning we offer.
A student commented:“In many ways it was 'as if' we were at the Minster. The break out sessions were great.”
Will it be possible to work with clients?
During 2020-21, we supported students to continue working with their clients online by providing additional training and guidance and we are supporting our students to safely move back to in-person client work where possible in subsequent academic years.
We have been offering online therapy through the Minster Centre therapy service (MCPCS). Some placements also offered online sessions and continue to do this.
In line with changing social distancing requirements, our own service and placements began to offer face-to-face sessions from Autumn 2021 onwards.
How will you reduce risk during face-to-face teaching?
All staff and students are encouraged to protect themselves and others against Covid-19 (and if possible, flu) by being vaccinated, unless medically advised not to do so.
We are asking staff and students to use their judgement here and bear in mind general advice about not spreading illness.
We have ensured there will be ventilation in our training rooms and staff and students are encouraged to wear masks as necessary and respect personal space wherever possible in the building.
When coming into the Minster Centre, will I be able to park my car or bike?
Unfortunately we have very limited car parking at the Centre so we cannot offer parking to students unless you are blue badge holder. It is possible to leave bicycles outside the building and there are places to secure bikes to railings on Lonsdale Road. We cannot store bikes inside the building.
When do I have to decide if I want to take up a place?
After your interview you will receive an offer with an acceptance date on the contract. Please respond by that date to secure your place.
Can I defer my place?
You may defer your offer of a place for one year, however, once you have paid your deposit it is non-refundable and will not normally be transferred to the following year, unless we are able to recruit another student to fill your space.
Can I attend an open event?
We are offering online and in-person open events. Please see our EVENTS page.
If you have further queries please contact our admissions team at [email protected].
